The under-eye area is one of the most requested treatment areas at our Eugene medical spa. When placed well, the results look genuinely refreshed. When placed poorly, this thin-skinned area shows it. If you’re weighing tear trough filler and want thorough, honest answers before booking a consultation, here’s what our award-winning team wants you to know.
What causes hollow or sunken under-eyes?
The tear trough is the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek. Over time, as the face loses volume and soft tissue support, this groove deepens. Fat pads shift position, the underlying bone structure gradually resorbs, and the skin thins. The combined effect is a shadowed, hollowed appearance that can make a person look tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Genetics also play a role. Some people develop visible tear troughs in their 20s or 30s with no connection to fatigue or aging. For others, temporary factors like dehydration or poor sleep can mimic hollowing, and those concerns resolve on their own.
What is under-eye filler and how does it work?
Tear trough filler places a small amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel beneath the skin to restore lost volume and soften the shadowing that creates a tired look. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body that attracts and retains water, allowing it to integrate smoothly into the surrounding tissue.
The under-eye area requires a thinner, more fluid formulation than most other facial zones. Firmer fillers suited to the cheeks or jawline are too stiff here and increase the risk of an unnatural result.
Which filler does Ziba Med Spa use for tear trough treatment?
We use Restylane® for under-eye filler injections in Eugene. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler with a long-established safety record and a soft, cohesive consistency well suited to the delicate skin beneath the eyes. It integrates smoothly into the tissue and, in the hands of an expert injector, produces results that look natural rather than filled.
For patients with volume loss extending into the mid-cheek, we often combine tear trough treatment with Juvéderm Voluma XC to rebuild cheek structure first. Restoring support in the mid-face reduces under-eye shadowing before any filler reaches the tear trough itself, and the combined result tends to look more balanced.
- Read more: Juvéderm vs. Restylane vs. RHA Fillers
Am I a good candidate for under-eye filler?
Tear trough filler produces the best results when your primary concern is true volume loss, a hollowing beneath the eye that creates a shadow and a sunken appearance.
Good candidates for tear trough filler typically share these characteristics:
- Volume loss in the tear trough creating shadow and hollowness
- Skin with reasonable elasticity and tone
- Realistic expectations about what filler can and cannot address
- Overall good health with no active skin infections in the treatment area
A thorough in-person consultation is essential before any treatment in this area. Our injectors evaluate the underlying anatomy and discuss all available options, including an honest recommendation to pursue a different approach when that serves you better.
What are the alternatives if I am not a good candidate?
Patients with significant skin laxity, prominent fat pads, or true lower eyelid bags tend to see better results from a surgical approach such as lower blepharoplasty. Adding filler over a fat pad introduces bulk that worsens the appearance. Dark circles driven by pigmentation rather than volume loss respond better to laser skin treatments than to filler.
Is under-eye filler painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure. The under-eye area is sensitive, but we will apply a topical numbing cream before your treatment to reduce discomfort. Depending on anatomy and technique, your injector may use a blunt-tipped cannula rather than a needle, an approach that minimizes tissue trauma and reduces bruising risk.
What is recovery like after undereye injections?
The under-eye area has thin skin and a dense network of small blood vessels, making it one of the higher-bruising-risk zones on the face. Bruising resolves for most patients within one to two weeks. Swelling, which can temporarily create the appearance of unevenness, generally settles within the same window, with final results visible at the four-week mark.
“I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about Ziba Medical Spa at Movassaghi Plastic surgery. The minute you walk in the door you are greeted with a smile and treated like family… The clinicians I’ve worked with are very informative and thorough, taking the time to answer any questions and address concerns. And everyone I’ve encountered is extremely professional and skilled. I absolutely recommend Ziba Medical Spa for all of your skincare needs.”
—5-Star Google Review
What should I do before and after my treatment?
A few steps on either side of treatment support the smoothest recovery:
- Avoid blood thinners, alcohol, and supplements like fish oil or vitamin E for several days before your appointment
- Apply cold compresses during the first 24 hours after treatment
- Keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
- Wait 24 hours before applying makeup to the treated area
How long does under-eye filler last?
Tear trough filler typically holds for 9 to 12 months, though individual experience does vary. Because the tear trough sits in a relatively still part of the face with far less muscle movement than the lips or smile lines, filler here tends to outlast results in higher-movement zones.
Metabolism, sun exposure, and overall skin health all affect longevity. Most patients schedule maintenance appointments every 9 to 12 months to keep results looking consistent.
Are there any risks?
The tear trough is one of the more technically demanding injection sites on the face. When filler is placed too close to the skin’s surface, light scatters through it in a way that creates a bluish or grayish tint beneath the eyes, called the Tyndall effect. The Tyndall effect does not resolve on its own, but hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler, corrects it effectively. Precise placement depth is the best prevention.
Working with an experienced, medically supervised injector is the single most important factor in reducing risk in this technically demanding treatment zone.
Blockage of a blood vessel, called vascular occlusion, is a rare but serious complication and requires immediate treatment. Working with an experienced, physician-supervised injector is the single most important factor in reducing this risk.
At Ziba Medical Spa, all injectable treatments take place under the direct oversight of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiya Movassaghi, who is Harvard-trained and former President of The Aesthetic Society. Dr. Movassaghi is actively involved in our patients’ care on a daily basis. Our providers are AlliedPro members, trained through The Aesthetic Society’s exclusive program dedicated to advancing safety and technique in non-surgical aesthetics.
Meet one of the most experienced medical spa teams in Eugene
Can I get under-eye filler and cheek filler at the same time?
Yes, and they often complement each other well. Mid-face volume loss, the gradual flattening of the cheeks that develops with age, casts a downward shadow that can closely mimic hollowing beneath the eyes. Rebuilding cheek structure with Juvéderm Voluma XC lifts and supports the tissue above the tear trough, often reducing under-eye shadowing in the process.
Treating both zones together tends to produce a more natural, balanced result than addressing the tear trough alone. Your injector will assess your facial anatomy as a whole and recommend accordingly.
What happens if I want to reverse my results?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are fully reversible. If results are uneven, overfilled, or simply not what you hoped for, hyaluronidase dissolves the filler quickly and safely, with most corrections taking effect within 24 to 48 hours. This is one reason our team uses HA-based fillers exclusively for under-eye treatment.
Schedule Your Under-Eye Filler Consultation at Ziba Medical Spa in EugeneTo find out whether tear trough filler is right for your anatomy and goals, schedule a consultation at Ziba Medical Spa in Eugene. Call 541.686.8700 or contact us online and our team will walk you through your options in detail.
