Tear Trough or Cheek Filler? (Photo)

Question

Hi there, Under my eyes are super hollow, this is something I am getting really consious of, especially when I smile the hollows look worse. I have read about tear trough fillers but I am really scared about the potential risks involved (blindness etc). I have found an experienced doctor with incredible reviews but I am really scared just in case. Could Cheek fillers be an alternative, safer option?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi,

I completely understand your concerns—under-eye hollows can really impact how refreshed you look, and it’s natural to feel cautious about treatment risks. Tear trough fillers can give a very direct improvement to the hollow area, but you’re right that there are some rare but serious risks, including vascular complications. That said, an experienced injector who uses safe techniques and proper product choice greatly reduces those risks.

Cheek fillers can be a very effective indirect approach. By adding volume to the cheeks, the skin under the eyes is gently lifted, which can soften the appearance of hollows and shadows without injecting directly under the eye. While it may not completely eliminate deep hollows the way a tear trough filler could, it is often a safer first step for someone who is hesitant about under-eye injections.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes a combination approach—a subtle cheek lift first, followed by minimal tear trough filler if needed—can achieve a natural, refreshed look while minimizing risk. The key is going slow, conservative, and using an experienced injector who prioritizes safety.

Tulsi Kotecha, MD · Answer

I think that any injector would fill your cheeks first before filling the tear troughs as this would reduce the amount of filler that you would need for the under eyes anyway. I love PRF with biogel for under eyes which would require about 3 treatments. This uses your own blood which is spun down and then heated before being placed under the eye. This stimulates your own body to make collagen and fill that area naturally. I would recommend cheek filler with the under eye PRF.

Daphney Gracia Antony, MBBS, DipDerm, MScSurg(Ed) · Answer

In your case, cheek fillers can accentuate the under-eye hollows and worsen the problem. Filling the tear troughs will not only fill out the hollows but also help with the under-eye pigmentation. Cheek fillers can be done for projection as the next line measures. Nasolabial filler and mid-face thread lift can help.

Tear Trough or Cheek Filler? (Photo)

Answers (3)

More Cheek Fillers Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (3)

More Cheek Fillers Questions

Is sleeping on your back necessary after cheek and temple filler? Worried side sleeper

Cheek filler vs implant for my round face? (Photo)

What causes under eye bags after cheek filler? (Photos)

Skin face sagging & jowls at 23, what can I do? (Photo)

Am I a candidate for filler in the cheek bone area? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS