Tear trough filler

A tear trough filler naturally restores volume under the eyes, softening dark circles and a tired look. The treatment takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, is non-surgical, and the results are immediately visible. It is important to know in advance: a filler is suitable for a sunken tear trough, but not for actual bags under the eyes caused by fluid retention. Below, you can read how the treatment works, who it is suitable for, the procedure, safety aspects, and what you can expect.




Table of contents

  • What are tear troughs?
  • How do tear troughs develop?
  • Tear troughs or bags under the eyes? The difference
  • How does a tear trough filler work?
  • Who is it suitable for (and when is it not)?
  • How does the treatment proceed?
  • Recovery and aftercare
  • Result: how long does it last?
  • Safety and the choice of a doctor
  • Possible side effects
  • Price
  • Why Cosmopolitan Clinic?
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What are tear troughs?

Tear troughs (also known as bags under the eyes) can deepen or take on a darker color over the years, which can give the impression of a tired appearance. Deep tear troughs are often hereditary as well. The dark circles can give a false impression of how someone actually feels. It is sometimes also associated with a lack of sleep.

Anatomically, the tear trough is the groove that runs diagonally downwards from the inner corner of the eye, at the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek. Due to a lack of volume in this zone, light falls into the groove and creates a shadow, causing the area to appear darker and hollower than the surrounding skin.




How do tear troughs develop?

Tear troughs rarely have a single cause. Often, multiple factors play a role together:

  • Hereditary predisposition: young people can also have a deep tear trough, regardless of age or sleep.
  • Aging: with age, the volume of fat and bone around the eye socket decreases, causing the groove to deepen.
  • Thin skin: the skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body, causing shadows and underlying blood vessels to show through more easily as dark circles.
  • Lifestyle: fatigue, smoking, and dehydration can temporarily exacerbate the condition, but are usually not the main cause.

Tear trough or bags under the eyes? The difference

Tear troughs and bags under the eyes look similar but are not the same, and that difference determines whether a filler is the right choice. A tear trough is a sunken groove caused by volume loss; this can actually be beautifully filled. True bags under the eyes are often protruding fatty tissue or fluid accumulation under the eyes. In the case of fluid accumulation, a filler is even inadvisable, because hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and the bag may then appear fuller. During the consultation, the doctor assesses your specific situation and whether a filler is appropriate, or whether another treatment, such as eyelid surgery, would be a better fit.


How does a tear trough filler work?

With the help of fillers, volume can be restored to the tear troughs, reducing the tired appearance. The depth is removed and the dark discoloration becomes less noticeable. As a result, the area under the eyes regains a rested look. A fresher and rested appearance that also matches how one feels. Our doctors can provide you with more information regarding the indications for a tear trough filler treatment.


For this area, we use a soft hyaluronic acid-based filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar substance found in the skin that retains water; in a filler, it provides volume and a supple structure. The filler is carefully injected in small amounts into the deeper layer, precisely where volume is lacking, so that the shadow is filled in and the transition to the cheek looks smooth again. A pleasant side benefit: a hyaluronic acid filler is correctable. Should the result not be satisfactory or be too much, the filler can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Who is it suitable for (and when is it not)?


A tear trough filler is suitable if you suffer from a sunken groove, dark circles, or a tired look due to volume loss. The treatment works for both younger people with hereditary tear troughs and older people whose volume has decreased over the years.


The treatment is less or not suitable for:

  • actual bags under the eyes due to fluid retention or protruding fat;
  • very thin or sagging skin with a lot of excess skin;
  • pregnancy or breastfeeding;
  • an active inflammation, infection, or skin condition in the treatment area;
  • certain autoimmune or clotting disorders or blood thinners: always report this in advance.



The doctor always discusses this with you first, so that you receive honest advice about what will yield the best result in your situation.



How does the treatment proceed?

The treatment begins with a consultation during which the doctor discusses your wishes and assesses the eye contour. The area is then cleansed and, if necessary, numbed with a cream. The filler is subsequently injected precisely, often using a blunt cannula instead of a sharp needle, as this reduces the risk of bruising and hitting a blood vessel. The entire treatment takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and the result is immediately visible, although there may be some swelling during the first few days.



Recovery and aftercare

The recovery time is short: most people can do almost everything again the next day. For the best results, we recommend the following:

  • Do not touch the area or apply pressure for the first few hours;
  • Avoid intensive exercise, sauna, sunbeds, and alcohol for the first few days;
  • Cool gently if there is swelling;
  • Leave the skin alone and preferably do not use make-up on the treated area that day.


Result: how long does it last?

The result is a fresher, more rested look that appears natural. How long it remains visible varies per person and per filler used, but generally, the result lasts approximately nine to eighteen months. After that, the hyaluronic acid is slowly and naturally broken down by the body, and the treatment can be repeated. The doctor will discuss the correct expectations with you during the consultation.

Safety and the choice of a doctor

A tear trough filler is a medical procedure performed in a delicate area, close to important blood vessels around the eye. In rare cases, a filler can block a blood vessel (a so-called vascular occlusion); this is a serious complication that requires prompt and expert action. Therefore, this is not a treatment for a beauty salon, but work for an experienced, qualified physician who understands the anatomy and knows how to proceed. Furthermore, because we work with hyaluronic acid, the result is correctable with hyaluronidase. At Cosmopolitan Clinic, tear trough fillers are therefore always performed by physicians.

Possible side effects

The skin around the eyes is thin, which means that reactions here are sometimes slightly more noticeable than elsewhere on the face. Possible, usually temporary side effects include mild swelling, bruising, redness, and a sensitive or tight feeling. These usually subside within a few days to a week. Sometimes, especially with superficial placement, a temporary light blue tint may occur (the so-called Tyndall effect); this can be corrected. Serious complications are rare when the treatment is performed by an experienced physician.

Price

A tear trough filler treatment at Cosmopolitan Clinic starts from €450. The final price depends on the amount of filler required and will be discussed with you in advance, so you will never face any surprises.

Why Cosmopolitan Clinic?

At Cosmopolitan Clinic in Amsterdam, tear trough fillers are performed by experienced doctors who aim for a natural result. We always start with an honest consultation: is a filler suitable for your situation, or would another treatment be more sensible? This ensures you make a choice based on realistic advice. Would you like to know if a tear trough filler is right for you? Schedule a no-obligation consultation or view our other eye treatments, such as eyelid correction.



Frequently Asked Questions

Does a tear trough filler hurt?

The treatment is well tolerated. The area can be numbed beforehand with a cream, and the use of a cannula keeps discomfort to a minimum. You may experience a slight stinging or pressure sensation.

Is a tear trough filler suitable for bags under the eyes?

In the case of a sunken tear trough, yes, but for actual bags under the eyes caused by fluid retention, precisely not, because hyaluronic acid attracts moisture. The doctor will assess during the consultation which situation applies to you.

Is a tear trough filler safe?

With an experienced doctor, it is a safe treatment. Because it involves a delicate area, expertise is important; moreover, a hyaluronic acid filler is correctable with the enzyme hyaluronidase.

How long does the treatment take?

Approximately 15 to 20 minutes, including preparation. The result is immediately visible.

How long does the result last?

Generally nine to eighteen months, depending on your skin and the filler used. After that, the treatment can be repeated.

How much does a tear trough filler cost?

At Cosmopolitan Clinic starting from €450. The exact price depends on the required amount of filler and will be discussed with you in advance.

May I exercise or go into the sauna after the treatment?

Preferably not during the first few days. Avoid intense exercise, saunas, sunbeds, and alcohol shortly after the treatment so that the skin can recover properly.