Filler Myth for Under Eye Hollows?

"You're too young for _x_" is often said by friends that mean well, but in reality whether or not you would benefit from filler is not based on your age. It's based on what condition you have and whether or not the treatment will improve that condition. If you have hollow undereye region, then filler is an excellent option. I prefer Restylane in this area, and caution you to go to only a physician with experience treating this area. There are risks involved, and meticulous technique is key to getting a good result. Filler for undereye hollows (or "tear troughs") is injected right along the bone. I have never heard of fillers creating pockets or making hollowing worse. It sounds like those were comments that arose from fear. Also, rather than needing more filler over time, I have noticed the exact opposite. Patients actually tend to need less filler over time, since the fillers stimulate your own collagen.

At home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (MTS roller with anteage MD ampules) should be started now. 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 lower eyelid blepharoplasty with or without fat pad repositioning 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 (Belotero, Juvederm Volbella​), lasers (Moxi/Halo/Fraxel/CO2​), Renuvion (J-Plasma), microneedling/PRP, stem cells 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. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat might be the best solution long-term. I suggest you get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals. Best, Dr. Emer.

Without seeing you in person to do a full assessment, or at least viewing photo's of the area, it's very difficult to answer your question. You should consider posting pictures -- there is likely a treatment suited for you!

Thank you for the great question. Restylane is a great option for the under eye hollows, even in younger patients (late 20's to 30's). The filling effect generally lasts 6 to 9 months. Though injecting in this area does require good hands, there are no long-term effects like stretching or pocket-formation that I have seen in my practice. Best of luck!

     The under eye hollows or tear troughs can be treated with Restylane, and this should not result in future negative repercussions with regard to creating hollows.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA 

There is always someone around who thinks they know everything.  The under eye filler service is one of the greatest innovations in cosmetic surgery in the past 20 years.  Don't let your well meaning but ignorant friend talk you out of this service.  What is true is that the treatment can be fussy.  It really needs to be performed by an expert.  Take your time, do your research to find the right injector.

Hi there! Dermal filler is an effective option for people looking to minimize under eye hollows. I have not seen filler result in any premature aging, tissue sagging, or anything similar to this in the under eye area. That said, this is a delicate area that is considered high risk due to the concentration of blood vessels in the area, so be sure to do thorough research when looking for a provider and select someone who is highly qualified for your treatment. Hope this helps!

I have not seen a situation, or heard of one for that matter, in which worsening hollows under the eyes are unequivocally linked to the injection of Restylane, or any filler.  In general we intend only to fill in areas of deficient volume, and we don't expect to see "stretching" of the tissues when we do this.  In fact, a number of studies have shown actual thickening of tissues and collagen production resulting from filler injection.

The biggest worry that patients have other than side effects, is whether starting anti-aging treatments will make them age faster over time. This is an absolute myth and does not happen. Botox and Dysport weaken the communication between nerve and muscle, so the muscle weakens, but if you let them wear off and give your muscles time to get back into the swing of things, function fully returns to normal over time, and you'll eventually get all of those wrinkles back (in case you missed them!). If you do Botox or Dysport regularly for many years, you may be ahead of the game and never get all of your wrinkles back, but you will get all of your normal muscle function back.

With the fillers, treatment over time actually can improve your tissue elasticity and collagen quality, rather than, as you describe that your friend scared you with, creating hollow pockets that will cause increased sagging and hollowness over time.

Do not fear treatments, if done by a properly trained, experienced BOARD-CERTIFIED cosmetic physician from one of the four CORE cosmetic specialties. These include dermatology/derm surgery, plastic surgery, ENT/facial plastic surgery, and oculoplastic surgery. Think three times about getting treatment from someone else.

I perform this frequently. The results can be outstanding but it can take a little longer than nasolabials or lips to settle. It shouldn't create a pocket as these are dermal fillers (ie.... they are filling skin!) .... restylane is basically like injecting a liquid sponge that holds water for 9 months or so.