What do dermal fillers treat?

Under-eye dermal fillers are primarily used to treat volume loss and contour irregularities beneath the eyes. They can improve several common cosmetic concerns, including:

• Tear troughs (under-eye hollows): The most common reason for treatment. Fillers restore lost volume beneath the eyes, reducing the hollow or sunken appearance.
• Dark circles caused by shadowing: If dark circles are created by hollows casting shadows rather than excess pigmentation, fillers can brighten the area by smoothing the contour.
• A tired or fatigued appearance: Restoring volume beneath the eyes can make patients look more rested and refreshed, even without changing other facial features.
• Age-related volume loss: As facial fat and collagen diminish with age, fillers help replace lost volume and soften the transition between the lower eyelid and upper cheek.
• Mild under-eye asymmetry: Small differences between the two sides of the face can often be improved with careful filler placement.
• The tear trough-cheek junction: Fillers create a smoother, more youthful contour between the lower eyelid and the cheek.

How do dermal fillers work?

Under-eye dermal fillers are injectable hyaluronic acid gels used to replace volume in the tear trough, the groove that extends from the inner corner of the eye toward the cheek. Carefully placed filler can reduce these shadows, smooth the contour between the eyelid and cheek, and refresh the overall appearance of the face. The goal is subtle improvement that allows patients to look more rested without looking like they have had cosmetic treatment.

Which fillers are available?

Common hyaluronic acid fillers used for under-eye rejuvenation include:

• Restylane®: Restylane has a smooth consistency which allows for precise placement while providing natural volume beneath the eyes.
• Restylane Eyelight™: Specifically developed for under-eye hollows, Restylane Eyelight is FDA-approved for treating volume loss beneath the eyes. It is formulated to provide natural support while minimizing puffiness and maintaining smooth contours.
• Juvederm® Volbella XC: Juvederm Volbella is a softer hyaluronic acid filler that may be appropriate for selected patients with mild to moderate volume loss. Its smooth texture makes it well suited for delicate facial areas.

Your evaluation

Successful under-eye filler treatment begins with a detailed facial assessment rather than simply treating the hollow itself.

During your consultation at Avant Dermatology, your provider will evaluate your under-eye concerns, including the depth of the tear troughs, skin quality, facial symmetry, cheek volume, dark circles, under-eye bags or puffiness, previous cosmetic treatments, and your medical history. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether under-eye dermal fillers are the best treatment for your goals.

What is the procedure?

Under-eye filler treatment is an office procedure.  After cleansing the skin, a topical numbing cream may be applied. Many fillers also contain lidocaine to improve comfort. Using a fine needle or blunt-tipped microcannula, your provider carefully injects small amounts of filler beneath the skin to restore volume and create a smooth, natural contour. Because the under-eye area is delicate, precise technique and conservative treatment are essential. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and can return to their normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.

What results can be expected?

One of the greatest advantages of under-eye fillers is that they provide immediate improvement without surgery or lengthy recovery. Properly performed treatment restores a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek while reducing the appearance of shadows that contribute to a tired look.

Results are subtle rather than dramatic. Friends and family often notice that patients look more refreshed and well-rested without realizing they have undergone cosmetic treatment.

The longevity of treatment varies depending on the filler used, individual metabolism, and facial movement. Many patients enjoy results for approximately 9 to 18 months before considering maintenance treatment.

The under-eye area is one of the most highly specialized areas to treat with dermal filler. Because of the delicate anatomy, thin skin, and proximity to important blood vessels and structures, treatment requires advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and specialized injection techniques. Not every injector is trained or experienced in treating the under-eye area.