The eyes are the body’s most celebrated and important focal points. They express feelings and emotions with just one look, which is why they are often called “the window to the soul.” Since your eyes tend to be the first thing people notice about you, patients with puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles are concerned that their eyes are making them look older and more tired than they feel. 

Under-eye filler can restore the youthful appearance you desire safely and effectively. At LUX Med Spa, we have successfully helped clients restore the youthful appearance they desire, so if you are concerned that your eyes are aging you, here are five things to know about under-eye filler.

What Causes Eyes to Look Old & Tired?

Sometimes there are obvious things that can cause your eyes to look tired, like red, irritated eyes, either from environmental irritants or from a lack of good sleep. But if redness is not your concern, what you are probably seeing is a lack of volume in your tear troughs. The tear troughs are the small grooves that begin in the corner of the eye and extend out towards the cheeks. As we age, we tend to lose fatty tissue in the face, and the tear troughs are no exception.

What happens when this volume decreases is it enhances the look of hollowness that can resemble dark circles or bags. As we age, we lose elasticity in the skin, so the skin under the eyes is less firm or “crepey.” This is due to reduced levels of collagen and a breakdown of elastin fibers in the skin. Since collagen and elastin help keep the skin plump and elastic (like when you stretch a rubber band, it bounces back), so when they start to diminish, the skin gets thinner and doesn’t retain its shape. The crepey skin under the eyes contributes to the look of less youthful and more tired eyes. 

How Do Under Eye Fillers Work?

Just like dermal filler placed in marionette lines (around the mouth), glabellar lines (between eyebrows), and other facial skin folds, under-eye dermal fillers can be expertly placed under the eyes in the tear troughs. Tear trough fillers work quickly and non-invasively to soften and smooth the appearance of eye grooves.

At LUX, we use hyaluronic acid-based fillers that boost volume loss and help to restore suppleness, hydration, and resilience to the entire eye area. Since this type of filler is pliable and soft, it yields optimal results, especially in the delicate under-eye area. Patients notice a visible improvement immediately after treatment.

5 Things To Know About Under Eye Filler

#1 – The Best Type of Filler To Use Under Eyes

Dermal fillers use different ingredients specifically designed to achieve aesthetic goals on different parts of the face. For under-eye filler that can be safely used in the tear troughs, LUX uses volumizers and collagen stimulators like Juvéderm, because they are compatible with the very thin and delicate tissue in this part of the face.

For example, Juvéderm Volbella XC is well-suited for tear troughs as an under-eye filler. It is composed of hyaluronic acid, is biodegradable, and contains non-animal acids and gel. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar naturally produced by the body that helps with skin hydration, fullness, and elasticity. This dermal filler plumps up the skin and smooths out wrinkles. 

It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use under the eyes. In fact, Juvéderm Volbella XC is specifically approved to treat the eye volume loss that contributes to dark circles.

#2 – Immediate And Lasting Results 

At LUX, we are excited to offer our patients under-eye filler because they can see visible improvement. Using a tiny needle, under-eye filler is administered with multiple injections. To ease any discomfort, a numbing cream will be applied prior to the treatment.

The bonus of hyaluronic acid is that it stimulates the body to produce collagen and elastin, so results can continue to improve for several weeks.

#3 – What To Expect After Under Eye Filler

Immediately after your under-eye filler procedure, you might feel numbness until the topical numbing cream wears off. The team at LUX will give you guidelines to follow to ensure an optimal recuperation period. You can return to your regular schedule but may be instructed to use cold compresses and sleep propped up to reduce swelling. It is normal to experience minor bruising because the under-eye area is a vascular location with a robust blood supply.

The final results of under-eye filler can last between 12 to 18 months. It tends to last longer because that area of the face does not move around, so the filler does not dissolve as quickly. The effect of the filler will dissolve gradually over time.

#4 – Under Eye Filler Does Not Change Pigmentation

One of the most important 5 things to know about under eye filler is it is ideal for easing the look of lost volume. Under-eye filler does not necessarily correct dark circles. This can be hard to determine because hollow tear troughs can cast shadows in a particular light that contribute to the look of bags or dark circles. However, under-eye fillers do not change the pigmentation.

During your consultation with our Nurse Injectors, they will be able to assess your under-eye concerns and let you know if under-eye filler is the best route for your cosmetic goals.

#5 – Maximizing Under Eye Filler Treatment

In addition to under-eye filler, LUX offers a variety of skincare services for youthful, glowing skin. Treating the whole face is a great way to maximize the benefits of under-eye filler and freshen up your look. The most common non-invasive treatments we provide are Botox to ease fine lines and wrinkles and treatments like DiamondGlow, SkinPen Microneedling, and Morpheus8.