What exactly is the tear trough?
The tear trough is the narrow, groove-shaped area that runs diagonally down from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheek. In young people, this transition is often still smooth and inconspicuous. As we get older, volume loss can develop in this area due to a decrease in fat, collagen and elasticity.
The result is a deeper groove, which creates a shadow under the eyes. This shadow is often mistaken for dark circles or eye bags, but in reality it is usually a combination of volume loss and the way light falls.
In some cases, a deep tear trough also occurs at a younger age, for example due to a hereditary predisposition or a natural depth of the eye socket. In that case, too, a tear trough filler can offer a solution.
Why do people choose a tear trough filler?
A tired look is one of the most common cosmetic concerns. Even if you have slept well and feel energetic, deep tear troughs or dark circles can make you look different from how you feel. Because of this, many people get comments such as "Are you tired?" or "Are you all right?", when there is actually no reason for them.
A tear trough filler makes the face look fresher and more rested, without the effect being noticeable or unnatural. The treatment focuses specifically on restoring volume in a small but defining part of the face.
What is the difference between a tear trough filler and an eye bag treatment?
It is important to distinguish between tear trough problems and bags under the eyes. A tear trough is caused by volume loss, whereas a true 'eye bag treatment' often involves bulging fat or skin laxity, in which case there is excess skin. In that case, a filler is not always the right solution.
A tear trough filler only fills the volume deficit in the transition between the eye and the cheek. This reduces the shadow, but the fat pad itself (the eye bag) is not treated. That is why it is important that a doctor assesses whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
How does a tear trough filler treatment work?
During the treatment, a thin needle or cannula is used to place a small amount of filler in the tear trough. The filler usually consists of a soft, thin hyaluronic acid product that is specially suited to the thin skin around the eyes.
The doctor places the product precisely at the right depth, after which the area is gently massaged if needed for an even distribution. The treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes on average and causes hardly any pain. A numbing cream can be applied beforehand if desired.
The result is visible immediately, although there may be some mild swelling or a small bruise in the first days.
What are the benefits of a tear trough filler?
A tear trough filler is a relatively small treatment with a big impact on the appearance of the face. The main benefits are:
- A fresher, more rested look without surgery
- Reduction of dark circles and shadowing
- Immediately visible result
- Natural transition between the eye and the cheek
- No scars or recovery time
- Treatment is reversible if needed
For many people it is a subtle but very effective way to improve their appearance without the result looking 'done'.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes, provided it is carried out by an experienced and skilled doctor who performs this treatment frequently. The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, and the tear trough is an anatomically complex area. That is why it is important to work with the right technique, knowledge of the anatomy and safe products.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk we do not perform tear trough fillers. Our doctors do not carry out this treatment often enough. If there is excess skin, lower eyelid surgery can offer a solution. For this, Kliniek het Bolwerk is the right place for you.
How long does the result last?
The effect of a tear trough filler lasts 9 to 12 months on average. The exact duration depends on:
- Your skin type and metabolism
- The type of filler used
- How much you use your facial expressions around your eyes
- Lifestyle (such as smoking, hydration and sun exposure)
Over time, the filler is gradually broken down by the body. You can choose to repeat the treatment to maintain the result. A second treatment often requires less product than the first.
What are the risks or side effects?
Most people experience no side effects or only mild ones after a tear trough filler treatment. Possible reactions are:
- Swelling or redness at the injection site
- A small bruise
- Some temporary pressure or tenderness under the eye
- In rare cases: asymmetry or an uneven result
Side effects usually disappear within a few days. If the filler is not evenly distributed or the effect is different from what was intended, the product can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. This makes the treatment safe and reversible.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
The tear trough filler is suitable for people who are bothered by:
- Dark circles or shadows under the eyes caused by a lack of volume.
- A tired or stern appearance
- A clearly visible, sharp transition between the eye and the cheek
- Hereditary deepening of the tear trough, including at a younger age
During a consultation, the doctor assesses whether you are a suitable candidate. Not everyone is eligible; for example, with pronounced eye bags, fluid retention or very thin skin, a different approach may be better.
Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment
At Kliniek het Bolwerk we do not perform treatments with tear trough fillers. We do, however, think it is important that you are well informed about aesthetic treatments around the eyes and the possible options. That is why we share this information through our knowledge base.
If you are considering a tear trough filler treatment, we advise you to contact a specialised cosmetic doctor or clinic with extensive experience of injectables in this area. They can assess whether this treatment is suitable for your situation and inform you about the options and risks.
Conclusion
A tear trough filler is a subtle but effective treatment that helps reduce dark circles and shadows under the eyes. By adding volume in the transition between the eye and the cheek, your face gets a fresher and more rested appearance.
The treatment is safe, quick and gives an immediate result, provided it is carried out by an experienced doctor. The effect lasts 9 to 12 months on average and is fully reversible. Especially for people who are bothered by a tired look without feeling tired, this treatment can make the difference.
A tear trough filler is not a standard solution, but a refined technique that requires precise analysis and treatment. A consultation is therefore always the first step, so that together we can decide whether this treatment is right for you.
Want to know what we do in this area? Read about eyelid surgery or Upper eyelid surgery.
