Am I a candidate for under-eye fillers? If not, what are my other options? (23F, fair skin, non-smoker) (Photos)

Question

Hello, I recently had a consultation about under-eye fillers and I found it to not be helpful. She basically said "it might work, it might not" so now I'm not sure what to do. I am working on booking a consultation with another clinic to get a second opinion but in the meantime, what do you think is the best option for me based on photos? I feel like when I do the "pinch test" the pigment goes away indicating that it is thin skin and not actual pigmentation. What are your thoughts?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @lunastellax! The upper cheek is a major support for the under eyes. I would first begin with addressing the volume loss in the cheeks followed by addressing the tear trough area. If you are hesitant about tear trough fillers, I recommend PRP injections. PRP which stands for Platelet Rich Plasma is a natural and non-surgical solution to treat under eye circles and bags. PRP is highly effective for restoring sunken eyes.  Generally, two vials of blood will be collected from the patient and placed into a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood components. The plasma contains the valuable collagen and growth factors from the rest of the blood's components. The plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and injected in the tear trough area. Typically, 3 sessions is adequate for optimal results.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. You would likely benefit from dermal filler injections to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and lines. These hyaluronic acid (HA) formulas can restore lost volume by adding HA back into the dermal structure. 
Results from dermal fillers typically last for 6-12 months, depending on the formula used. 
I agree that scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified injector for a second opinion is a good idea. They will be able to suggest the best approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The eye area needs significant combinations to get improvement. Lasers like erbium, co2, halo, profractional/contour, or Fraxel can all be used to build collagen long term. Plasma pen is a newer less invasive option but will take many treatments and require proper skincare. Plasma Pen is focused electrical plasma energy to tighten skin, producing small columns of energy just above the skin, allowing the skin to tighten to help improve wrinkles. This area will have 3-5 days of small “dots” that will then scab and peel, then the skin will tighter and brighter after. Numerous treatments are needed over lasers where only one or two give a bigger result, but more downtime. After plasma pen you NEED peels 2 weeks like later Cosmelan, enlighten or aerify, see emeragecosmetics (link). At home derma rolling should be started weekly even after plasma pen or lasers to further increase collagen, see emeragecosmetics AERIFY x anteagemd stem cell ampules. To properly heal you need light Stim red LED, EmerageSkin refit face, refit eye; AnteageMD serum, silagen silicone gel, jan Marini bioshield, EmerageSkin enzymatic polish, and EmerageSkin hyla b and AOX, and Sente dermal repair. Otherwise there is EXTREME risk of pigmentation issues and “dots” in the treatment area. at home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (AERIFY emerageskin roller with Anteage MD ampules) should be started now regardless for antiaging, sun damage, and wrinkle prevention. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will such as eyelid blepharoplasty with or without fat pad repositioning (if doing lower eyelid surgery) will be the best long term. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles without surgery. Non invasive less downtime options such as fillers, lasers, microneedling/PRP, cosmelan peels, and microneedling RF like Fractora, PiXel8 or morpheus can all help give some improvement. Accutite can often be used or stronger lasers like erbium or co2 spot treatment can tighten the skin and give very quick improvement in wrinkles and texture. I suggest you get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears that you are a candidate for under eye filler.  It should give you some improvement and smooth the under eye contours.  Visit with an experienced injector to discuss your concerns.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, tear trough filler may be helpful in attaining your goals. Now, how much will it help and will it be worth the cost? That's a little tougher to nail down and comes down to your expectations. In addition, treating the under eye region with fillers requires great care and precision, so please seek out an expert if you decide to go through with it. All the best!
-Dr. P

Am I a candidate for under-eye fillers? If not, what are my other options? (23F, fair skin, non-smoker) (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Am I a candidate?

Answer: Am I a candidate?

Answer: Tear trough filler

Answer: Tear trough filler

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Am I a candidate for under-eye fillers? If not, what are my other options? (23F, fair skin, non-smoker) (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Am I a candidate?

Answer: Am I a candidate?

Answer: Tear trough filler

Answer: Tear trough filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.