Tear Trough Filler Gone Wrong

Tear trough fillers for treating eye bags and under-eye hollows have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, many people don't realise that these fillers can be administered by professional doctors, nurses, aestheticians, and even physicians with no surgical experience. The availability of fillers has led to treatments being done without much oversight or standardisation. Choosing an experienced practitioner can help reduce the risk of complications. Fortunately, issues with under eye fillers are rare, and if a problem does occur, it can usually be corrected by dissolving the filler. If you've had a filler treatment that didn't turn out as expected, we can help fix it. Keep reading to learn more about potential problems from tear trough fillers, why they happen, and how we can resolve them.

Why Can Tear Trough Filler Go Wrong?

Tear trough fillers, while effective for rejuvenating the under-eye area, come with certain risks, especially when not performed correctly. Here are the key reasons why tear trough filler treatments can go wrong:

Lack of Practitioner Skill

One of the main reasons tear trough filler treatments fail is when unskilled or inexperienced practitioners perform them. A detailed understanding of facial anatomy is critical for avoiding difficulties. Incorrect filler choice or improper patient evaluation can lead to unsatisfactory results or even serious issues.

Complexity of the Tear Trough Area

The under-eye area is particularly delicate due to the thin skin and proximity to the eyes. Any problems, such as lumps or irregularities, are much more noticeable here than in other facial areas. The complex anatomy around the eyes makes it essential for practitioners to have specialised knowledge and experience, especially with the tear trough region.

Using the Wrong Type of Filler

Not all fillers are designed for the tear trough area. Using inappropriate fillers can cause visible lumps, swelling, or an unnatural appearance. The ideal filler for this area should have the right viscoelastic properties, meaning it should be cohesive yet flexible to blend seamlessly into the delicate under-eye tissue. Fillers formulated specifically for tear troughs are key to reducing complications.

Overuse of Fillers and Layering

Some practitioners recommend layering additional filler over existing filler that hasn't fully dissolved, leading to an over-filled appearance. This not only creates an unnatural look but also increases the risk of swelling and lump formation. Maintaining a natural, refreshed appearance is best achieved by avoiding excessive or unnecessary filler use.

Unsuitable Candidates

Tear trough fillers are not suitable for everyone. In certain cases, such as those with prominent eye bags, malar oedema, or festoons, fillers can actually worsen the appearance of the under-eye area, making it look swollen. To determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you, a comprehensive consultation and appropriate evaluation are necessary. Read our earlier blog post to learn more about the tear trough filler side effects.

What Happens If a Tear Trough Filler Goes Wrong?

If a tear trough filler treatment doesn't go as planned, several symptoms can appear:

Overfilling or Lumpiness

Overfilling is one of the most common issues. When too much filler is injected or it isn't placed correctly, it can create lumps, bumps, or a puffy, unnatural appearance. This is particularly noticeable because the skin under the eyes is thin and sensitive.

Tyndall Effect

The Tyndall effect happens when the filler is applied too near the skin's surface. As a result, the filler may result in a bluish colour beneath the skin, which worsens the appearance of dark circles.

Bruising and Swelling

Mild bruising and swelling are normal immediately after the procedure, but if they persist or worsen after a few days, it could indicate a problem. This may be a sign of incorrect injection technique or vascular issues.

Asymmetry

Uneven or asymmetrical results may occur if the filler is distributed unevenly between both eyes. This can make one side look fuller or puffier than the other, causing an imbalance in facial appearance.

Infection

Although rare, infections can occur at the injection area. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and pain and may require immediate medical attention.

Long-Term Bumps

If the filler migrates or doesn't settle properly, long-term lumps may appear under the skin. In some cases, these lumps can become permanent if not addressed early.

Who is unsuitable for tear trough filler?

Not every individual is a good fit for tear trough filler. Several factors can make someone unsuitable for the procedure. Here’s a breakdown of who might not be a good fit:

• Individuals with Active Skin Conditions or Infections

Anyone with active skin infections, inflammation, or irritation around the eyes should avoid getting tear trough fillers until the condition is fully resolved. Injecting fillers into inflamed or compromised skin can lead to complications.

• Unrealistic Expectations

Those seeking immediate perfection or dramatic results might not be ideal candidates. Fillers offer subtle improvement, and if a patient expects a complete transformation, they may end up disappointed. A good candidate understands the limitations of the treatment.

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

While there isn’t concrete evidence showing harm from tear trough fillers during pregnancy or breastfeeding, most practitioners recommend avoiding elective cosmetic treatments during this time to be cautious.

• Patients with Dark Skin Pigmentation Dark Circles with thin skin

If your primary concern is dark circles under the eyes, due to thin skin or hyperpigmentation , tear trough fillers may not be the ideal solution. Dark circles are often caused by pigmentation issues, and fillers won't address the underlying pigmentation. In fact, for those with darker skin tones, fillers may sometimes make the dark circles appear more prominent.

• Patients with Festoons or Malar Bags

Festoons or malar bags are swollen, puffy areas under the eyes, commonly associated with aging. Patients with these conditions should avoid tear trough fillers, as fillers can cause swelling and may worsen the appearance of these bags. If you already have festoons, using fillers could worsen the issue rather than improve it.

• People with Excessive Skin Laxity or Severe Eye Bags

Tear trough fillers are designed to fill in hollows, not to lift or remove sagging skin. If you have loose skin or significant eye bags (fat pockets), fillers may not provide the desired result. In such cases, a surgical option like a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) might be more appropriate.

How to Fix Botched tear Trough Filler?

If your tear trough filler didn’t turn out as expected, don’t worry - there are several ways to correct it. The right solution depends on the specific issue, whether it’s puffiness, lumps, or discolouration. Here’s what you can do:

• Massage (Only if Advised by Your Injector)

In some cases, gentle massage can help redistribute the filler and smooth out minor lumps. However, this should only be done under professional guidance to avoid worsening the issue.

• Dissolving with Hyaluronidase

If the filler used was hyaluronic acid-based, a special enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler within 24-48 hours. This is the most effective way to correct overfilled or misplaced results.

• Camouflaging with Additional Filler

If the problem is under-correction or results are uneven, a skilled injector might add a small amount of filler to balance the area rather than dissolving everything.

• Medical Treatments for Discolouration

For blue-tinted under-eyes (Tyndall effect), dissolving the filler is usually the best solution. If discolouration persists, laser treatments or skin-brightening treatments may help.

• Choose the Right Injector for Correction

Fixing botched tear trough fillers requires experience and skill. Always consult a qualified and experienced doctor who specialises in under-eye treatments.

Final Thoughts

Tear trough fillers can offer great results, but it's important to remember that things don't always go as planned. When performed by a skilled professional, they can bring subtle but visible improvements to tired or sunken eyes, giving you a refreshed look. It is important to have realistic expectations and select a skilled practitioner because there are some possible risks, like lumps, discolouration, or swelling. Always make sure to discuss any concerns or questions during your consultation to ensure the best possible outcome.