Tear Trough Filler: Procedure, Safety, Cost & Results
The tear trough is that subtle groove running beneath your eye. For many, it’s barely noticeable. For others, it becomes a deeper hollow, casting shadows and making the face look tired, even when you’re not.
A tear trough filler is a simple, non-surgical treatment used to soften that hollow. It’s done by placing a small amount of soft filler under the skin to smooth the dip. The change is often small but meaningful—it brightens the area and gives the face a more awake appearance.
This guide explains how the treatment works, what happens during the session, how long the results last, and what the cost may be. You’ll also see why many injectors use a tool called a cannula to perform this treatment and how the types of cannula influence both safety and precision. If you’re curious about the tear trough filler before and after effects, this will help you understand what’s realistic.
What Is Tear Trough Filler?
The treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance—usually hyaluronic acid—into the groove under the eyes. This filler adds subtle volume, lifting the area just enough to smooth out the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
People usually consider it when that area starts to look hollow or shadowed. For some, it’s genetic. For others, it comes with age. Loss of fat and collagen in the face can make the trough more noticeable over time.
These results aren’t permanent. Most fillers designed for this area last between six and twelve months. Some may fade faster depending on how the body breaks down the material. That said, the effect is gradual. You won’t wake up one day and find it gone.
The filler used here is made specifically for the under-eye region. It’s thinner and softer than those used in areas like the cheeks or chin. This makes it easier to blend into the skin without creating puffiness.
The Tear Trough Filler Procedure
It starts with a consultation. The injector looks at your face, especially how light falls around the eyes. Some people have true volume loss, while others might have pigment-related darkness. This distinction matters. Filler only works on the former.
Once that’s established, the area is cleaned. A numbing cream might be applied, though many fillers already contain a bit of anesthetic. It depends on the injector’s method and your sensitivity.
Then comes the actual injection. Some use a traditional needle. Others prefer a blunt cannula, which slides beneath the skin rather than cutting through it. When chosen carefully, the best cannula for filler injection helps avoid blood vessels and lowers the chance of bruising.
A small entry point is made, often in the mid-cheek. The cannula is threaded through, and filler is slowly placed beneath the trough. A light touch is used to massage the area and help the product settle evenly.
The whole session usually takes under 30 minutes. Most of that time goes into mapping out the area and working slowly. Rushing leads to uneven results, so this step isn’t skipped.
Results: What to Expect Before and After
You’ll likely see a difference right away. That hollow under the eye tends to soften as soon as the filler is placed. Over the next few days, the product settles. The swelling fades, and the area begins to look smoother and more blended.
In tear trough filler before-and-after comparisons, the change is most noticeable in the way light interacts with the face. Shadows become softer. The tired appearance lifts.
It doesn’t make you look different. The goal is subtle. You’ll still look like yourself, just more rested.
The effect usually lasts six to twelve months. Some need a touch-up around the nine-month mark. Others can wait over a year before returning.
Cost of Tear Trough Fillers
The price varies. In the UK, you might pay anywhere from £300 to £800 per session. In the US, it’s typically between $400 and $1,000.
What you pay depends on:
- The injector’s level of experience
- The type of filler used
- How much filler is needed
- The clinic’s location and reputation
Most patients only need one session to get the desired result. Some may return for a slight adjustment, but repeat visits aren’t usually necessary right away. That makes it relatively affordable compared to more invasive procedures.
Safety and Recovery
Recovery is short. Most people go back to their day right after the appointment. At most, there may be minor swelling, redness, or a small bruise where the cannula or needle entered the skin.
Many injectors reduce these effects by using blunt tools. The types of cannula used in filler procedures are designed to move through soft tissue without slicing vessels. This means fewer chances for bruising or tenderness.
Choosing a practitioner who understands facial anatomy is essential. A well-trained injector won’t just know how to place filler—they’ll also know when not to. That judgment is what keeps this procedure as safe as it’s known to be.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Tear Trough Fillers?
If your under-eye area looks sunken, and the dark circles aren’t caused by skin colour or pigment, you may benefit from filler. It works best when the issue is volume-related, not skin tone.
You’re also a good candidate if you’re looking for something subtle. This isn’t about transformation—it’s about refinement.
People with puffy under-eyes, very loose skin, or those expecting a permanent fix may not be ideal candidates. In those cases, filler can make things look worse. Some of these individuals may be better suited for surgical correction.
The right injector will help you decide. They’ll be honest about what filler can do—and what it can’t.
References
Cohen, J. L., & Dayan, S. H. (2020). Safety and technique of hyaluronic acid filler injection in the tear trough: A review. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(8), 864–872. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz352
Healthline Editorial Team. (2022, July 22). Tear trough filler: Under-eye filler procedure, safety, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/undereye-tear-trough-filler
All About Vision. (2023, January 15). What is tear trough filler and how does it work? AllAboutVision. https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/tear-trough-filler/
W Cosmetic Surgery. (2023). Tear trough filler: Before and after. https://wcosmeticsurgery.com/before-and-after/tear-trough-filler/
