I want to get under eye filler but most places just say the age limit is 21. What can I do to be able to get this done now?

Question

I’m an 18 yr old girl ever since I was young i always had this really bad darkness and discoloration around my eyes only. It’s been my biggest insecurity and have been hiding it with makeup ever since like 6th grade. I’ve noticed more now it’s like I have an indent to make circles and in that circle area it’s really dark. It’s as if I have dark circles without the baggy undereye but a noticeable indent like lack of volume there. I want more than anything to get it done what can I do?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

First, I want to acknowledge how hard this has been for you. Long-standing under-eye darkness and hollowing can be incredibly frustrating—especially when it’s something you’ve noticed since childhood and have worked so hard to hide. Your feelings around this are completely valid.

That said, there are important reasons why most experienced injectors set strict age limits for tear-trough (under-eye) filler, and it’s not about dismissing your concern.

Why under-eye filler is usually avoided at your age

Under-eye filler is one of the highest-risk cosmetic injections on the face. In younger patients especially:

Facial bones and fat pads are still changing and maturing

Early filler can shift over time and look worse as your face evolves

The tear trough area has delicate blood vessels—serious complications, though rare, are real

What looks like “volume loss” at 18 is often genetic anatomy or pigmentation, not true aging-related hollowing

For these reasons, ethical providers will not perform this procedure on someone under 21—and trying to “find a way around” that limit is not in your best long-term interest.

What you’re likely seeing instead

From your description, this sounds like a combination of:

Genetic tear trough anatomy

Thin under-eye skin

Pigment showing through (not actual darkness)

Possibly mild allergic congestion contributing to shadowing

These issues do not always improve with filler, even in adults—and in younger patients, filler can sometimes make things look heavier or more uneven.

What you can do now (and what actually helps)

There are meaningful, safer options at your age:

Medical-grade eye creams with ingredients like caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinoids (used cautiously)

Consistent sun protection, which makes a bigger difference under the eyes than most people realize

Addressing allergies or congestion, which can deepen under-eye shadowing

Color-correcting concealers (peach/salmon tones) rather than heavier coverage

In select cases, non-ablative laser or light treatments for pigmentation or skin thickness—these are sometimes appropriate even for younger patients when done conservatively

These approaches won’t “change your face,” but they can significantly soften what you’re seeing and prevent it from worsening.

Looking ahead

If, after facial maturation, under-eye hollowing remains a concern:

Tear trough filler can be considered later, when anatomy is stable

At that point, small amounts placed deeply and conservatively can be very effective

Waiting often leads to better, more natural results—not missed opportunities

The most important takeaway

I know how tempting it is to want a fast fix—especially when something has bothered you for so long. But under-eye filler is not a benign procedure, and doing it too early can create problems that are far harder to fix later.

Protecting your face now is the best investment you can make in how it will look in the future. Your concern is real—but patience here truly works in your favor.

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

If it's just dark circles that you have then I would look at skin tightening agents that can sometimes help with taking away the tired look in the eyes. If you have followers I would be interested to see how your cheeks play a role in worsening the hollowness in under eye. So as regards to being to young most of the studies are done on pts 21 and older that's not to say you are not a candidate for mild dermal fillers

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are other ways that you can possibly address discoloration under the eyes.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with an experienced aesthetician for an evaluation.  You may find that fillers are recommended for you but that other products or treatments would give the results you are wanting.  We always recommend using medical grade skin care products like Transform MD and wearing sunscreen every day.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

It would’ve been very nice if you had submitted some photographs of yourself. Nonetheless, flat or hollow lower eyelids are usually hereditary, and are passed on from the father’s side of the family. The best way is NOT to have any fillers injected in this area as it almost always results in problems. The best way to treat this area is with the use of your own fat. When fat grafting is done by an expert fat grafting, Plastic surgeon, the results are natural and practically permanent. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

The issue with having fillers at a younger age is that the FDA hasn't approved their usage for patients under 22 years of age. That doesn't mean that it isn't done though. Many fillers are used in patients under 22 years of age. The injector and patient just have to be comfortable with this "off-label" indication. Many fillers and neurotoxins are actually used for off-label purposes and sites. A thorough discussion of the risks of benefits of this must be had. Your injector is simply worried about legal ramifications should there be a complication given that the FDA has not approved the filler for your current age.

Regarding dark skin under the eyes, this can often be improved with treatments aimed at pigment reduction. You may wish to try this first.

If volume loss is truly present, consult with other injectors who may feel comfortable performing these in someone under 22 years of age.

Regarding dark skin under the eyes, this can often be improved with treatments aimed at pigment reduction. You may wish to try this first.

If volume loss is truly present, consult with other injectors who may feel comfortable performing these in someone under 22 years of age.

I want to get under eye filler but most places just say the age limit is 21. What can I do to be able to get this done now?

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