What is the future of under-eye treatments?

Question

I'm curious about products in development that may change how the under eye is treated. Are there new fillers in development? Does DermaClae have a use case for under-eyes? Or will dermal fillers and fat transfers be the mainstay treatments for the foreseeable future?

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Aesthetic medicine is constantly evolving, and there are always new fillers, neuromodulators, regenerative therapies, and skin-quality treatments in development. That said, when it comes to the under-eye area, the most important factor is identifying the specific cause of the concern, as there is no single treatment that works for every patient.

Common under-eye concerns include volume loss, fat herniation (under-eye bags), skin laxity, crepey skin, and pigmentation. If volume loss is the primary issue, dermal fillers remain a common non-surgical option, while fat grafting or fat repositioning can provide longer-lasting surgical solutions. For patients whose concerns are related to excess fat, skin quality, or pigmentation, entirely different treatments may be more appropriate.

While emerging technologies such as regenerative and biostimulatory treatments are generating significant interest, it remains to be seen which products will prove to be both safe and effective for routine under-eye use. The under-eye region is one of the most delicate and technically challenging areas of the face, so new treatments tend to be adopted cautiously.

Researching available and upcoming treatments is certainly valuable, but choosing an experienced physician or facial plastic surgeon is equally important. A thorough evaluation can help determine the true cause of your under-eye concerns and guide you toward the treatment that is most likely to provide a safe, natural-looking result.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a great question because the under-eye area remains one of the most challenging regions to treat in aesthetic medicine. The skin is extremely thin, the anatomy varies significantly from person to person, and even small amounts of swelling or product can become visible.

For the foreseeable future, volume restoration will continue to play a major role in under-eye treatment. Hyaluronic acid fillers and fat transfer remain the most established options because many under-eye concerns stem from volume loss, hollowing, or structural changes that occur with aging.

That said, I believe the future is moving toward treatments that improve tissue quality rather than simply adding volume.

One of the most exciting areas of development involves regenerative aesthetics. These treatments aim to stimulate the body's own collagen, elastin, and tissue repair mechanisms. Biostimulatory products, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), exosomes, and other regenerative technologies are receiving increasing attention because they may improve skin thickness, texture, and overall under-eye quality without creating excessive fullness.

Regarding DermaClae and similar regenerative or extracellular matrix-based products, the concept is certainly promising. Theoretically, these products could help improve tissue support and skin quality around the eyes. However, we still need more long-term clinical data before they become standard treatments specifically for the tear trough area.

Another trend is the increasing use of imaging technologies, such as ultrasound-guided injections. This allows providers to visualize vessels and filler placement more accurately, potentially improving safety and outcomes in a delicate area where complications have historically been a concern.

I also think we will continue to see the development of softer, more tissue-integrated fillers designed specifically for thin-skinned areas. The ideal under-eye filler would provide subtle support without attracting excess water, causing puffiness, or becoming visible through the skin.

Perhaps the biggest shift is philosophical rather than technological. Many specialists are moving away from aggressively filling tear troughs and instead treating the midface, cheeks, temples, and surrounding structures to create a more natural improvement under the eyes. Sometimes the best under-eye result comes from treating the face as a whole rather than the under-eye area itself.

In my view, fillers and fat transfer are not disappearing anytime soon. However, the future will likely involve a combination of structural support, regenerative medicine, collagen stimulation, and improved imaging technologies rather than relying solely on volume replacement. The goal is becoming less about "filling a hollow" and more about restoring healthy, youthful tissue throughout the entire region.

Yong-Heon Ha, MD · Answer

We always recommend that patients first understand the main causes of their under-eye concerns, whether they are related to pigment, structural factors, skin thinness, or even fat protrusion under the eyes. Not all under-eye treatments serve the same purpose, so the best approach depends on the underlying cause.
Collagen boosters can definitely help improve multiple concerns to some extent, especially skin quality and thinness. However, in cases where there is a structural hollow or sunken under-eye area, collagen boosters alone may not provide enough volume or support. There are also cases where under-eye fat causes irregular contours or puffiness, which may require a completely different approach.
Rather than focusing on trends or a single “best” treatment, we believe it’s more important to identify the primary causes and tailor the treatment plan to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Under eye treatments can vary widely based on the concern.  Fillers and fat transfer can often help when the concern is volume loss.  If there is skin laxity the correct treatment will depend on the degree of correction needed.  Anything from microneedling to surgical blepharoplasty may be recommended.  Other treatments such as Morpheous8 can address overall skin tone and texture.  Lasers may be appropriate for others who need a more aggressive treatment.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about your options.

What is the future of under-eye treatments?

Answers (4)

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