A tear trough is the groove between your lower eyelid and upper cheek. When it’s deep, it can cast a shadow, making you look tired or older. Some people naturally have more noticeable tear troughs, while others develop them with age as their skin loses volume.
For some, tear troughs are a hereditary characteristic. In others, these grooves become more pronounced as they age due to a loss of facial tissue volume over time.
The purpose of using a tear trough filler or Under Eye Filler is to diminish the depth of this indentation. A qualified medical professional administers a filler to the area, which enhances the fullness and firmness of the skin. This approach offers a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation.
However, similar to other facial fillers, Under Eye Filler comes with advantages and disadvantages. So, it is important to be aware of the process & possible side effects before getting the treatment.
Tear Trough Filler Side Effects
Tear trough fillers are generally safe, but like any cosmetic procedure, there’s always some risk. In rare cases, under-eye fillers can cause blindness if they block the blood vessel that supplies the eye with blood.
From an aesthetic standpoint, if the filler isn’t applied correctly, it could lead to lumps at the injection area or even shift to another part of the face.
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically have a low chance of causing long-term problems. However, possible tear trough filler side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tyndall Effect
- Infection and Asymmetry
- Allergic Reactions
- Persistent Lumps
- Granuloma Formation
- Vascular Occlusion and Blindness
- Pain and Discomfort
Let’s understand these side effects more in detail:
Swelling
Mild swelling is common after getting tear trough fillers, usually due to the small trauma caused by the injection. In a few weeks, this swelling usually goes away. However, if the swelling persists, it might be due to a few reasons: the wrong type of filler was used, too much filler was injected, or there’s been a disruption in lymphatic drainage. If the swelling doesn’t improve after four weeks, dissolving the filler might be recommended. Under eye fillers can impact the lymphatics in certain susceptible individuals and cause delayed swelling or festoons/malar bags even a few years after injection.
Bruising
Bruising is another side effect of tear trough fillers. This happens when the needle hits small blood vessels during the injection. The amount of bruising can vary based on skin type, the injection technique used, and if the person was taking blood-thinning medications or supplements before the procedure. Typically, bruising fades within a week.
Tyndall Effect
The Tyndall effect is a bluish tint that can appear if the filler is injected too close to the surface of the skin. The surgeon must understand facial anatomy well and use precise techniques to avoid this. Injecting the filler at the correct depth reduces the risk of this issue. However, regular follow-up appointments help address any concerns during the healing process.
Infection and Asymmetry
Though rare, infection can occur after tear trough fillers if bacteria are introduced during the procedure. The injection area exhibits redness, swelling, discomfort, and pus, among other symptoms of infection. If you think you may have an infection, get medical help right away. Asymmetry, or unevenness between the eyes, can also happen if the filler isn’t distributed evenly or if the body absorbs it unevenly. This is generally corrected with subsequent treatment.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to filler materials are rare but possible. Itching, rash, swelling, and redness are possible symptoms. In more serious cases, an allergic reaction could lead to breathing difficulties. If you know you’re allergic to any of the filler ingredients, you should avoid the procedure. If you experience an allergic reaction after treatment, seek medical help right away.
Persistent Lumps
In rare cases, small, firm bumps can form in the treated area. These lumps may result from filler migration, clumping, an inflammatory response, or improper injection technique. To lower the risk of bumps, it’s important to choose an experienced surgeon who uses high-quality products and proper techniques. Regular follow-up visits help address any issues early on.
Granuloma Formation
Granulomas are a type of inflammatory reaction that can happen when the body reacts to the filler as if it’s a foreign substance. Although this is extremely rare with modern hyaluronic acid fillers, it is more possible with non-biodegradable fillers. Granulomas feel firm and can be uncomfortable or painful. Unlike other complications, they tend to develop months or even years after the filler is injected.
Vascular Occlusion and Blindness
Vascular occlusion is an infrequent but serious side effect where the filler accidentally blocks a blood vessel. This can stop blood flow, leading to tissue damage and, in extremely rare cases, blindness. The risk is significantly reduced by choosing an experienced doctor. If you notice severe pain, changes in skin colour, or vision problems after the procedure, get medical help immediately.
Pain and Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort during and after the filler injection. The injection itself may cause a brief sharp pain, and afterwards, the treated area may be tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with this, but if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away, you should contact your doctor.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Tear Trough Fillers?
Tear trough filler helps reduce the appearance of deep hollows under the eyes, giving the face a more refreshed look. Many people who do their research and have realistic expectations make good candidates for this treatment. But before choosing any aesthetic procedure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your medical history.
You may be a great candidate for tear trough filler if you:
- Have mild to moderate under-eye hollowness or sagging.
- Have healthy, thicker skin
- Have realistic expectations about the results.
- Understand the effects are temporary.
- Are in good overall health.
On the other hand, you might not be an ideal candidate if:
- Your skin is very thin.
- You have a lot of excess skin under the eyes.
- Your tear troughs are very deep.
- There’s a lot of extra skin under your eyes.
- There’s an active skin infection in the area.
- You have very dark circles under your eyes.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand the possible side effects of tear trough fillers before you have the procedure. Although most side effects are temporary and manageable, it’s vital to be aware of the more serious risks.
Selecting a qualified and skilled surgeon, adhering to post-treatment care guidelines, and maintaining open communication with your doctor can help reduce risks. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience with fillers is different, and results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do tear trough fillers hurt?
A numbing cream is typically applied under the eyes for about 10-15 minutes before the procedure, making the injections nearly painless. The fillers also have an anaesthetic mixed in to make the experience more comfortable.
2. When will I see results from under-eye fillers?
The treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes, and you’ll notice results immediately. There may be very mild swelling at first, so it is recommended to wait about a week to see the final effect. If you also have pigmentation under your eyes, you may need a specific skincare routine to address that. In such cases, the filler will help with shadows and thinning skin right away, but it could take a few weeks to improve the pigmentation.
3. How long do tear trough fillers last?
Depending on your age, skin type, lifestyle, and amount of activity, the results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. If you have more severe under-eye bags, surgery might be a better option, as it can offer results that last 10 years or more.
4. Can tear trough fillers get infected?
Infections are rare but possible. They can happen when the protective skin barrier is compromised during or after the injection. Acute infections typically show up within two weeks and may cause inflammation or an abscess at the injection area.
5. Are tear trough fillers safe?
Yes, tear trough fillers (hyaluronic acid fillers) are generally very safe. However, like any procedure, there are some potential side effects. The most common ones are bruising and swelling, which are usually mild and go away on their own.
