Tear Trough Filler London

They are the same treatment. Tear trough filler is the clinical name for under‑eye filler placed in the groove between the lower eyelid and the cheek, which is the area that creates the shadow most people call dark circles. If you have been searching for under‑eye filler in London, this is the page you want.

The main culprit of under eye hollows and volume loss under the eyes is age. But this area can be impacted by a whole range of factors including lifestyle, allergies and lack of sleep. For some, the effects can even be inherited. The causes include:

• Ageing: The natural ageing process leads to a loss of collagen and elastin, which results in a decrease in skin elasticity and volume. This can contribute to the appearance of tear troughs as the area under the eyes becomes more hollow or sunken. If you have fillers in the tear trough area, the rest of the face will age as normal.
• Genetics: Some inherit hollowness and dark circles under the eyes. The anatomical structure of the face, including the position of the fat pads and bone structure, can play a role in the development of tear troughs.
• Loss of fat and volume: As we age, fat pads in the face can shift or diminish, including the fat pads that provide support to the under-eye area. This loss of fat and volume can create a hollow or sunken appearance.
• Fluid retention and swelling: Factors such as water retention, allergies, sinus issues, or inadequate sleep can cause fluid to build under the eyes. This can lead to puffiness and accentuated tear troughs.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain habits, such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep, can contribute to the tired look and appearance of lines.

Not every dark circle is a tear trough, and that difference decides whether filler will help. Pigmented circles are caused by melanin in the skin and respond to laser or skincare rather than volume. Vascular circles are blood vessels showing through thin skin, which can look worse when the area is hollow but are not caused by hollowing. Structural circles are the true tear trough, a shadow cast by genuine volume loss between the lower eyelid and the cheek.

Tear trough filler treats the third of these, and often improves the second by adding support beneath thin skin. Your consultation establishes which you have before anything is recommended.

Who is suitable for treatment?

Tear trough filler suits people with genuine hollowing under the eye, where the shadow comes from lost volume rather than pigment or loose skin. As we age the eye socket becomes more prominent and defined. With a precise amount of filler designed for this area, our doctors can restore volume and structure while avoiding a puffy or overdone look.

Who is tear trough filler not suitable for?

Tear trough filler is not suitable for everyone. It tends not to help patients with significant under‑eye bags caused by fat prolapse, or with skin laxity where there is no real hollowing to correct. Some patients also have anatomical features that make treatment in this area higher risk, and that can only be established in person during consultation with an experienced medical practitioner. In some cases a surgical referral, or an alternative such as skin tightening or blepharoplasty, will give a better result than dermal filler.

At what age should you have under‑eye filler?

There is no right age. Suitability depends on your anatomy, skin quality and the cause of the shadow rather than your date of birth. Tear trough filler can be appropriate for people in their twenties and thirties with mild volume loss, and equally for people in their fifties who have never had treatment before.

Results are not permanent and will break down over time. Maintaining them depends as much on sleep, sun protection and general health as it does on the treatment itself. 

Who will perform your treatment? 

A GMC‑registered doctor, always. Given how delicate the under‑eye area is, this treatment is carried out by our doctors rather than by other practitioners. They are among the country’s most experienced injectors, treating patients at our London clinic and teaching other medical professionals internationally.

Does tear trough filler hurt?

Very little. The Juvéderm filler we use contains a local anaesthetic which numbs the area as it is placed. You may find it briefly uncomfortable, but you should not find it painful.

When will you see results?

You will see a difference immediately, but the final result takes a little longer. Mild swelling in the first few days is normal and can make the area look fuller than it will settle. Most patients see the true result at around two weeks, which is when we invite you back for a review.

How long does tear trough filler last?

Tear trough filler typically lasts 9-18 months. Results vary with metabolism, the product used and how much was placed.

Aftercare matters most in the first 48 hours. Following these steps gives you the best result and the lowest chance of bruising or swelling.

1. Avoid touching or applying pressure. For the first 24-48 hours following the treatment, avoid touching or applying excessive pressure to the treated area. This includes avoiding rubbing, massaging, or putting any significant pressure on the tear troughs.
2. Apply cold compresses. Applying cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the treated area can help reduce swelling and alleviate any discomfort. Be sure to use a barrier, such as a cloth or towel, to protect the skin from direct contact with the cold pack.
3. Avoid strenuous activities. Minimise activities that may increase blood flow or strain the treated area, such as vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over. These activities can potentially impact the outcome of the treatment and increase the risk of bruising or swelling.
4. Avoid sun exposure. Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure and avoid tanning beds for at least a week following the treatment. Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and other complications.
5. Use gentle skincare products. During the initial healing period, opt for gentle skincare products that do not contain harsh chemicals or potential irritants. Avoid exfoliating or using abrasive scrubs in the treated area.
6. Sleep with an elevated head position. For the first few nights after the treatment, sleep with your head slightly elevated by using an extra pillow or raising the head of your bed. This can help minimise swelling.
7. Follow post-treatment instructions. It is crucial to adhere to any specific post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This may include using prescribed topical creams or avoiding certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of complications.

Mild swelling and bruising are the most common side effects and usually settle within a few days.

Can tear trough filler be dissolved?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks the product down over a matter of days. It means this treatment is reversible, which is not true of surgery and not true of permanent fillers. If you are unhappy with your result, or if filler has been placed too superficially, it can be corrected rather than waited out.

We also treat patients who have had tear trough filler elsewhere and want it dissolved.

Yes, when the treatment is planned properly. Natural results come from treating the cause of the shadow rather than simply filling the groove, and from placing the smallest amount that achieves the change.

Unlike surgery, tear trough filler uses hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body. The difference between a natural result and an obvious one lies almost entirely with the practitioner and their understanding of the anatomy.

Tear trough filler is not always the right answer, and it is often not the only one. Where the skin itself is thin or crepey rather than hollow, polynucleotides or Profhilo improve quality in a way that volume cannot. Where pigmentation is the main problem, laser is usually more effective, and CO2 laser under the eye can target it directly. Where the loss of support sits higher in the face, cheek filler can lift the whole area and soften the shadow without placing anything directly under the eye. And where there is true fat prolapse, surgery will give a better result than any injectable, which is why not every under-eye bag responds to filler.

Your consultation will tell you which of these applies to you, including when the answer is none of them. If pigment rather than shadow is your main concern, there are longer-term options for dark circles worth discussing.

Our award-winning London clinic has gained its reputation due to our team of medical experts who have performed thousands of safe and effective non-surgical treatments. Leading the team, PHI Clinic founder Dr Tapan Patel holds the 2023 Aesthetics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medical Aesthetics. He is also a global trainer for Allergan Aesthetics, manufacturer of the world’s leading dermal filler brand, Juvéderm. Our team of medical professionals are trained by the best and perform gold standard treatments.

The tear trough fillers used at PHI Clinic are CE-marked medical devices, regulated for use in the UK. Treatment is performed by GMC-registered doctors following in-person consultation.

PHI Clinic is CQC-registered for the regulated activities we provide, giving patients the assurance of independent inspection and oversight. Our Medical Director, Dr Tapan Patel, is a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and an Inaugural Member of the Allergan Medical Institute (AMI), the manufacturer-led training and standards body for clinicians using Allergan products including Juvéderm.

We do not provide unregulated cosmetic services. Every tear trough filler treatment begins with a doctor consultation and a clear treatment plan tailored to your periorbital area and medical history.