At Central CosMedic, Dr Danielle Waxman offers tear trough filler for patients across Havelock North, Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay. A small amount of dermal filler is placed under the eyes to soften hollowness and the shadows it creates, for a fresher, more rested look.
The under-eye area is delicate, so Dr Waxman takes a careful and conservative approach. This page explains what tear trough filler can and cannot do, how to prepare and what to expect.
The tear trough is the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheek. As we age, we lose volume and support in this area and in the cheeks, which can make the groove deeper. This can cast a shadow under the eyes and make you look tired, even when you are well rested.
Tear trough filler uses a soft hyaluronic acid filler designed for the under-eye area. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your skin already makes, and it attracts water to give gentle, natural-looking support.
Hollowness under the eyes
Shadowing caused by a deep tear trough
A tired look that does not improve with rest
A sharp step between the lower eyelid and the cheek
Filler is not the right answer for everyone. It does not treat puffy eye bags, dark circles caused by pigment or very thin, crepey skin. If one of these is the main concern, Dr Waxman will explain other options, such as skin treatments or Sunekos.
This image shows the appearance before and immediately after Tear Trough Filler treatment. Individual results and recovery vary.
Dermal fillers under the eyes are only recommended after a consultation, and only if they are suitable for you.
Dr Waxman talks with you about your concerns, your medical history, any medicines or supplements you take and any previous treatments.
She looks at the under-eye area and your cheeks together. For some people, restoring cheek volume first gives better support to the under-eye area and a more natural result.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the cost, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, you agree a plan together. Dr Waxman places only as much filler as is needed, and a review can be booked to check your result.
To lower the risk of bruising, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. If it is safe to do so, stop supplements that can thin the blood for one to two weeks beforehand. These include ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, fish oil and other omega 3 supplements, St John’s wort, garlic and ginger. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Treatment takes around 30 minutes. The filler contains a local anaesthetic called lidocaine to keep you comfortable. Dr Waxman uses a microcannula, a fine, blunt-tipped tube, which helps to reduce bruising and lowers the risk of the filler entering a blood vessel.
You will see a difference straight away, and the final result settles after around one week, once any swelling has gone down. Results usually last around 12 months. This varies from person to person, depending on your age, lifestyle, skin type and muscle activity.
Mild swelling is common for a few days after treatment. Some people also have bruising, tenderness, redness or small lumps, which usually settle within a few days to a week.
Less commonly, filler under thin skin can show as a slight bluish tinge, swelling can last longer, or the filler can move or feel lumpy. Rarely, filler can block a blood vessel. This needs urgent treatment, and in very rare cases it can affect vision. Using a blunt microcannula and a careful technique lowers this risk, and hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed. Tear trough filler is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Dr Waxman will talk through all the possible risks so you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns after treatment, contact the clinic straight away.
Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips, or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you. For product information, check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.
