Dermal Fillers treatment
Under-Eye
Treat under-eye hollows and shadowing for a refreshed look.
- Treatment time
- Around 30 minutes
- Results
- Visible immediately; settles over 2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically 12–18 months
- Downtime
- Minimal — a day or two of swelling
- From
- £300
About Under-Eye
The tear trough is the hollow that runs from the inner corner of the eye across the top of the cheek. As it deepens with age — or simply by nature — it casts a shadow that reads as dark circles and tiredness, however well you've slept. Tear-trough treatment places a small amount of a very soft hyaluronic acid filler beneath the hollow to lift it and soften the shadow.
It's a delicate area that needs a precise, conservative technique; John uses a blunt cannula to reduce bruising and to place the filler exactly where it's needed.
Before & after
Key Benefits
- 01Softens hollows and shadowing under the eyes
- 02Reduces the appearance of dark circles caused by hollowing
- 03A brighter, more rested look
- 04Corrects asymmetry between the two sides
- 05Cannula technique keeps bruising low
- 06Can be combined with cheek support for a smoother transition
Is this treatment right for me?
Tear-trough filler suits people with a visible hollow under the eyes that creates shadow. It's less suitable where the main concern is puffiness, loose skin or pigmentation rather than hollowing — in those cases polynucleotides or a different approach may work better, and John will explain the options honestly.
You may be suitable if…
- You have a hollow or groove under the eyes that shadows
- You look tired even when well rested
- Your skin under the eyes is reasonably firm rather than puffy or loose
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- Whether the darkness is hollowing, pigmentation, thin skin or puffiness — only hollowing responds to filler
- Cheek volume, as a flat cheek often needs treating first
- Any tendency to fluid retention or puffiness under the eyes
- Your medical history and any previous under-eye treatment
What to expect
Before treatment
Treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with John. He'll look at the area in the context of your whole face, talk through what you'd like to change and what would look natural for you, and check your medical history. For a week beforehand it helps to avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E where safe to do so, as they increase bruising. Please don't book within two weeks of a dental procedure.
During treatment
The skin is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied for around 10–15 minutes; many modern fillers also contain a local anaesthetic. John then places the hyaluronic acid gel using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area, shaping and checking symmetry as he goes. You'll feel pressure and the occasional sting rather than pain. Most appointments take 30–45 minutes. Under the eyes John uses a blunt cannula from a single entry point on the cheek and places very small amounts of a soft filler deep against the bone.
After treatment
You'll see the change straight away, although the area will be a little swollen and the final shape settles over the next one to two weeks. John will go through aftercare, and you're welcome to book a review at two weeks if anything needs refining.
Watch
Results & longevity
The hollow looks softer straight away, and the result refines over two weeks as any swelling settles. Filler under the eyes lasts well because the area barely moves — typically twelve to eighteen months. A small amount goes a long way here, and a gentle top-up is usually enough to maintain the result.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Mild swelling and occasionally a bruise are the main effects; using a cannula keeps bruising uncommon. Some people notice slight puffiness in the mornings for the first week as the area settles. Sleeping with your head raised for a couple of nights helps.
Side effects
Swelling, tenderness, redness and bruising are the common, expected effects and settle within days. Small lumps or slight unevenness can be felt in the first couple of weeks as the gel settles and usually resolve; anything persistent can be reviewed. Uncommon risks include infection, an allergic-type reaction, or the filler sitting in an unintended spot. Rarely, filler can affect a blood vessel — John uses techniques that minimise this, checks for warning signs before you leave, and the clinic stocks the enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid so it can be treated immediately.
Aftercare
Avoid touching, pressing or massaging the area for 24–48 hours unless John has asked you to. Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and alcohol for 48 hours, and sleep slightly elevated on the first night to limit swelling. A cool (not frozen) compress helps if the area feels tender. Don't have facials, dental work or other treatments on the area for two weeks, and keep make-up off the injection points for the rest of the day.
Please contact the clinic straight away if you notice unusual or increasing pain, skin that looks blotchy, white or dusky, blistering, spreading redness, or any change to your vision. Ordinary swelling and bruising don't need a call, but you're always welcome to check.
- Downtime
- Minimal — usually a day or two
- Redness
- Mild, settles within hours
- Swelling
- Mild; can be more noticeable in the mornings for a week
- Bruising
- Possible, fades within a week
- Normal activities
- Same day; avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it fix my dark circles?
If the darkness is shadow from a hollow, yes — lifting the hollow removes the shadow. If it's pigmentation or very thin skin, filler won't help, and John will tell you so at consultation.
Can it make my eyes look puffy?
Over-filling or filling too superficially can, which is why John uses tiny amounts of a soft filler placed deep. If you're prone to puffiness, an alternative such as polynucleotides may be suggested.
How much is used?
Usually 0.5–1 ml across both eyes. It's an area where less is more.
Is there a bruise?
Using a cannula keeps bruising uncommon, but it's possible — allow a week before an important event.
Does it hurt?
A numbing cream is applied first and most fillers contain a local anaesthetic, so you'll feel pressure and the occasional sting rather than pain. The area may feel tender for a day or two afterwards.
Can it be reversed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed, which is one of the reasons we use it. John keeps it in clinic.
What happens at the consultation?
John assesses the area as part of your whole face, listens to what you'd like to change, checks your medical history and explains what's realistic, how much product is likely to be needed and the cost, before anything is booked.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.