Under Eye Filler Frequently Asked Questions

For the beginner: what exactly is “filler?”

Filler is a substance used to fill lines or furrows in the skin, add volume to areas which have lost volume over time.  It can be made of many substances but it is usually made of long sugar chains known as hyaluronic acids (HA)

Is it common to get it under the eye, or in the tear trough?

It is a procedure performed by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other healthcare providers but it has more risks associated with this area compared with other areas of the face.

What type of filler is customarily injected underneath the eye?

I inject as soft HA filler such as belotero, vobella or using a cannula Resylyne.

How long does under-eye filler typically last?

It lasts for approximately 1 year but results are variable and some patients need more every 6 months and others not for years. 

What exactly does under-eye filler do; i.e. what does it make the under-eye look like?

It softens the lines and shadows underneath the eyes and improves the hollowness.

Under-eye filler primarily treats hollowness under the eye, as opposed to dark circles/pigmentation, correct? 

Correct.  However, filler underneath the eyes can often improve the darkness under the eyes “dark circles” as it adds a layer under the skin and helps to mask the blood vessels under the eyes which give the under eye a dark appearance.

Does the under-eye swell/bruise in the same way as, let’s say, lips, after being injected?

Bruising and swelling is very common after this procedure.  Allow two weeks for full effect and before a big event.

What are the potential side effects of under-eye filler?

Bruising and swelling are common side effects.  Nodules or bumps under the eye can occur.  Blindness is a rare side effect if the filler enters a blood vessel of the eye and occludes it.

Can you dissolve under-eye filler if you don’t like it or have a reaction?

Yes as long as they use a hyaluronic acid based filler.

How much does under-eye filler typically cost?

Cost varies from practice to practice but usually starts at approximately $850 in the San Francisco area. 

Who should you see to inject under your eyes? Would you suggest against a med-spa, for example? Because of the potential side effects including blindness?

 I recommend only a board certified dermatologis, plastic surgeon, ore staff in their offices who have been appropriately trained and are under a physician’s license.

How do you care for your under-eyes once they’ve been filled, both immediately after and in the long run? 

I like my patients to massage using Alastin’s post-injection serum to prevent bruising or topical arnica.  I usually ask them to massage for a couple of days to two weeks. 

Can under-eye filler migrate? Is this common?

It can.  So if you feel like it is floating or migrating it’s important to see your medical provider.

Who is a good candidate for under-eye filler?

All people are candidates.  It is important to do a consultation first with your provider before doing the procedure.

Anything else you’d like to add on the subject?

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of seeing a well-qualified, board-certified physician or physician’s office who does this procedure frequently.