What Is Tear Trough Treatment? 11 Questions You Should Ask and the Answers

Tear trough treatment

Updated: 22 November 2023

Your eye area is one of the first to show visible signs of ageing. As you get older, it’s common for the under-eye area to appear darker and more sunken. This may also be influenced by genetic factors. The tear trough area can contribute to dark circles and eye bags, which you may feel self-conscious about. Under eye fillers can boost the appearance of hollowed eyes, sunken troughs, dark shadows, sagging and fine lines, providing a refreshed appearance and a boost of self-confidence. Regardless of your age, injectable treatments can help.

If dark circles or bags under your eyes age you or make you look perpetually tired, tear trough treatment with filler can significantly improve your appearance. At Harley Street MD aesthetic clinic in London, we tailor our injectable treatments to each client. Contact our team today for a FREE tear trough treatment, no-obligation consultation.

Or, read on to find out everything you need to know about tear trough treatment with fillers.

1. What Is Tear Trough Treatment?

Tear trough filler treatment, also known as under-eye filler, is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. When skillfully performed, it can help to reverse the effects of ageing on the under-eye areas. This minimally invasive, injectable procedure involves carefully placing a gel-like filler made from hyaluronic acid (HA) into targeted areas under the eyes. The results are almost immediate, reducing the appearance of dark circles and promoting a smoother, more radiant appearance. 

HA dermal fillers work by replenishing the volume that’s been lost through the natural ageing process to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye hollows. Hyaluronic acid, used for the production of soft dermal fillers, is an amino acid that occurs throughout our bodies and hydrates the tissues. This is why it is critical for maintaining skin suppleness and minimising the ageing process. 

Tear troughs are a highly vulnerable area ideal for HA-based fillers, which were created for this purpose. Since HA dermal fillers can be easily dissolved, we can completely reverse the procedure if you don’t feel happy with the results of your tear trough treatment.

2. What Is the Tear Trough Area?

The tear trough area lies between the lower eyelid and the cheekbones. As you age, tear troughs beneath the eye can become more hollow and deepen. Hollow tear troughs can cause a shadow below the eyes, resulting in a tired appearance. In some cases, tear troughs are the result of your genetics, not your age. 

The goal of tear trough treatment is to fill in the hollow, reducing the depth of the tear trough. Following the treatment, the skin will appear fuller and tighter.

3. What Is Involved in Tear Trough Treatment?

Tear trough treatment with HA dermal filler is quick, simple, and safe, with a low associated complication rate. At Harley Street MD in London, Dr Chia Tan, a renowned aesthetic doctor, uses a fine needle to carefully inject the tear trough area under the eyes with hyaluronic acid filler. An integrated local anaesthetic ensures the procedure is almost pain-free, and Dr Tan will ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire process.

The HA dermal filler instantly hydrates the skin, restores lost volume, and boosts collagen production. Tear trough treatment usually takes around 30 minutes, and you can return to normal activities straight after your appointment.

4. Do the Results Appear Natural?

As long as HA filler is administered by an expert clinician, tear trough treatment produces totally natural-looking results. At Harley Street MD, you’ll have an initial consultation with one of our aesthetic specialists, who will discuss the treatment and your expectations. Our clinicians will ensure you get the results you’re looking for and that there are no surprises. You should expect to appear rejuvenated, and your under-eye area will appear smoother, but you are not going to look dramatically different.

5. How Long Does Tear Trough Treatment Last?

The body typically reabsorbs HA filler used for tear trough treatment under the eyes within 12 to 18 months. How long the results last will depend on factors such as your lifestyle, genetics, and the type of HA filler. Most of our patients choose to have tear trough treatment once per year to maintain a smooth and youthful look.

6. What Type of HA Filler Is Used in Tear Trough Treatment?

At Harley Street MD, our team of experienced clinicians use Allergan soft dermal fillers made with pharmaceutical-grade FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. HA occurs naturally in the body and has excellent hydrating properties. Unlike synthetic dermal filler, HA is already an essential component produced by the body to increase skin elasticity and lubricate joints and tissues.  

Our HA-based fillers have been formulated with tear troughs in mind and are well-suited to reduce the effects of ageing in this delicate area. All HA dermal fillers are dissolvable, so if you decide that tear trough treatment isn’t right for you, we can safely reverse the process.

7. Is Tear Trough Treatment Safe?

Tear trough treatment with HA filler is very safe, minimally invasive and has a low-risk profile in most patients. However, in the UK, an aesthetic practitioner does not need to be medically qualified. The key to safe results really lies with the practitioner. Selecting a medical practitioner with a proper understanding of the vascular system, correct injection techniques, and working in a hygienic environment is the best way to reduce the risk of potential adverse events, such as intravascular complications.

All patients undergo an initial consultation before their tear trough treatment at Harley Street MD in London. During your consultation, all possible risks and complications will be explained along with the results you can realistically expect to ensure that the procedure is right for you. At Harley Street MD, your tear trough treatment will only ever be provided by Dr Chia Tan to ensure your safety and the best results. 

Dr Tan is a fully qualified doctor who completed a Diploma in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (DOHNS).

Additionally, he is a member of the: 

8. How Do I Prepare for a Tear Trough Treatment?

During an initial consultation, one of our experienced practitioners will discuss your requirements and help you make an informed decision about the best treatment option for you. Before receiving tear trough treatment with HA filler, you should also avoid:

  • Vitamin E and ginkgo biloba for two days before treatment.
  • Alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.
  • Aspirin for seven days before treatment.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine, such as ibuprofen, for two days before treatment.

If you are on any long-term prescription medicines or regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to advise if anything you take is categorised as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication.

9. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Tear Trough Treatment?

Recovery from tear trough treatment is usually very fast. As this procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive, there is no downtime required, and you can go back to your day immediately after treatment. To reduce swelling, you can apply an ice pack to the area every few hours, and you can use an Arnica cream to minimise bruising.

There is a slight risk of localised swelling or mild bruising, but if you are affected by this, it will generally subside within a couple of days. 

Following tear trough treatment, you should take care to avoid:

• Applying skin care products or makeup for at least four hours following the procedure.

• Using skincare with AHAs (glycolic, lactic and citric acids) and BHAs (salicylic acid) for two days.

• Any strenuous exercise for two days.

• Alcohol for two days.

It is also important to stay out of extreme heat, saunas, or sunbeds for two weeks. During summer, or if you are planning a holiday to a warm country, stay out of the sun and always use SPF 50 sun protection.

10. What Is the Best Age to Get Tear Trough Treatment?

Tear trough treatment with HA filler is suitable for individuals over 18. The treatment can benefit you at any age. As well as being used for tear trough treatment, HA filler has become a popular non-surgical treatment to improve skin tone and add plumpness to the skin and lips. 

Some people may find that their tear troughs aren’t a problem until they get older when they become more prominent with age. Whatever your age, if you’re feeling self-conscious about dark shadows or under-eye bags, tear trough treatment is an excellent option to achieve a naturally rejuvenated look.

11. How Much Does Tear Trough Filler Cost?

If you’re considering an under-eye treatment, tear trough filler cost is more affordable than a cosmetic surgery procedure, does not require weeks to recover from, and carries fewer risks.  If you don’t want or feel ready for a surgical procedure, tear trough treatment is an affordable, non-surgical alternative to achieve a smooth and youthful under-eye appearance.  

At Harley Street MD, prices for tear trough treatment with HA dermal filler start from just £350. With results typically lasting between 12 and 18 months, under-eye HA filler is a safe way to appear rejuvenated, requires no downtime, and is incredibly cost-effective.

Tear Trough Treatment: Before and After 

Take a look at some of the fantastic results our patients have seen when undergoing tear trough treatment at our professional aesthetic clinic.

tear trough before and after

Why Choose Harley Street MD for Under-Eye Fillers

At Harley Street MD, our skilled team, led by Dr Tan, offers the best tear trough filler procedures to rejuvenate the under-eye area and give you a glowing look. Located on London’s world-famous Harley Street, our specialist aesthetic clinic is the perfect place to discuss your objectives without any pressure. Our team will talk you through the aesthetic treatment options available, and if you choose to go ahead, your non-surgical procedures will be provided in a safe and comfortable CCQ-registered clinic.

Ready for a confidence boost? Contact Harley Street MD today to discuss tear trough treatment or your goals, and we can help you to feel great about how you look. Book a  FREE, no-obligation consultation, and we will help you find the perfect treatment option.

Founder at Harley Street MD
Dr. Chia Tan is a UK-trained and GMC-registered doctor and a respected member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM). As a former Clinical Education Fellow at the University of Warwick, Dr. Tan has published numerous articles in leading scientific and medical journals, highlighting his expertise.

His extensive qualifications and memberships reflect his profound medical knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care in aesthetic weight loss, and men’s health treatments.
Dr. Chia Tan
rcgp gmc rcs-ed rcgp
gmc rcs-ed rcgp gmc