Overview
The under-eye area, sometimes called the tear trough, can look hollow or shadowed when the soft tissue beneath it loses volume with age or was always thin. A small amount of hyaluronic-acid filler placed by a doctor can soften that hollow and reduce the shadow it casts.
Not every under-eye concern is treated with filler. Dark circles caused by pigmentation are treated at the clinic with a separate, licensed under-eye brightening treatment; puffiness from fat pads or fluid, and loose skin, do not respond to filler and may need other options. The first step is a consultation in which the doctor examines the area and tells you which treatment, if any, is suitable.
What we treat
- Hollowing under the eyes caused by volume loss
- A shadow or tired look that follows the hollow
- A visible step between the lower eyelid and the cheek
- Mild asymmetry between the two sides
What filler does not treat
- Dark circles caused by skin pigmentation — the clinic offers a separate licensed treatment for these; ask at the consultation
- Puffiness or bags caused by fat pads or fluid
- Loose or wrinkled skin under the eyes
- Hollowing that is better treated by addressing the cheek first — the doctor may suggest a different plan
Who is it suitable for?
Adults with under-eye hollowing from volume loss, good skin quality in the area and good general health. Under-eye filler is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you have an active skin infection near the eye, or if you have a known allergy to the product's ingredients. Tell the doctor about any previous eye surgery, eye conditions, or earlier filler in the area.
The doctor confirms suitability at the consultation.
What happens at the clinic
- Consultationthe doctor examines the under-eye area and the cheek, asks about your concerns and history, and tells you whether filler is suitable and which product is appropriate.
- Preparationthe area is cleaned and a numbing cream may be applied.
- Treatmenta small amount of filler is placed in the deeper tissue with a needle or a blunt cannula, depending on the doctor's assessment, and gently shaped.
- Aftercareyou leave the clinic the same day with written aftercare instructions.
Results and how long they last
Some improvement is usually visible straight away; the final result settles once any swelling subsides. How long it lasts depends on the product, the amount used and your individual response. Filler under the eyes is placed in small amounts, and the doctor may prefer a conservative first treatment with review rather than more product in one session. Your doctor will give you a realistic expectation at the consultation.
Results vary from person to person.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising are common after under-eye filler and can be more noticeable here than in other areas because the skin is thin. They usually settle over the following days. You will receive written aftercare instructions, which typically include avoiding strenuous exercise, heat, pressure on the area and eye make-up for the period your doctor specifies.
Risks and side effects
The under-eye area is delicate and close to important blood vessels, so it is treated only by a doctor and only after assessment. All risks, and how they are managed, are discussed with you at the consultation before any treatment.
Common
swelling, bruising, tenderness, temporary unevenness.
Uncommon
lumps or visible contour, a bluish tint under the skin where filler sits too superficially (Tyndall effect), puffiness that worsens with fluid retention, filler moving from where it was placed, infection, allergic reaction. Hyaluronic-acid filler can be dissolved if needed.
Rare but serious
injection into a blood vessel, which can affect the skin and, very rarely, vision. This is a medical emergency and the clinic has a protocol for it.
Dark circles: under-eye brightening treatment
For dark circles caused by pigmentation or dull, thin skin, the clinic offers a separate licensed injectable treatment, similar in approach to a skin booster. A product designed to revitalise the skin is placed in very small amounts just under the skin of the under-eye area, rather than deeper like filler. It aims to improve the brightness and texture of the skin over a course of sessions decided by the doctor. It does not add volume and does not treat hollowing; some people are suited to both treatments, planned separately.
- Who it suitsadults whose main concern is darkness or dullness of the skin rather than a hollow; the doctor confirms this at the consultation. The same contraindications as filler apply.
- What happensthe area is cleaned and numbed; the product is injected in a series of tiny points; you leave the same day with aftercare instructions.
- Resultsimprovement is gradual and varies from person to person; maintenance sessions may be suggested. The doctor explains what to expect for your skin.
- Risksswelling, small bumps at the injection points that settle, bruising, redness; uncommonly infection or allergic reaction; rarely injection into a blood vessel. All are discussed before treatment.
The product is registered with the UAE Ministry of Health; the doctor explains it at the consultation.
Products
The clinic uses hyaluronic-acid fillers registered for use in the UAE. For under-eye hollows the doctor selects a product designed for the tear-trough area and explains the choice at the consultation. The dark-circle treatment uses a different licensed product, explained at the consultation.
Your doctor
Portrait · Dr. Zahra TaghipourDr. Zahra Taghipour
In practice since 2021; leads the clinic’s non-surgical treatments. DHA licence 11550801-003.
Pricing
Under-eye filler pricing depends on the product and the amount used. Send us a message on WhatsApp for a quote, or book a consultation and the doctor will recommend a plan.
Ask about prices on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Does under-eye filler treat dark circles?
Only when the darkness is a shadow caused by hollowing. Dark circles caused by pigmentation in the skin, or by visible blood vessels, are not treated with filler; the clinic offers a separate licensed under-eye brightening treatment for them. The doctor tells you which type you have at the consultation.
Is under-eye filler painful?
A numbing cream may be applied and most products contain a local anaesthetic. Most patients describe pressure and mild discomfort. The area is sensitive, so some discomfort is normal.
How long does under-eye filler last?
It depends on the product, the amount and your individual response. Your doctor will explain what to expect in your case.
Why might the doctor say no?
If the main problem is puffiness, pigmentation or loose skin, filler can make the area look worse rather than better. The doctor will say so and discuss other options.
Can under-eye filler go wrong?
Like any injectable treatment it carries risks, including lumps, a bluish tint, puffiness and, rarely, blockage of a blood vessel. These are explained before treatment. Hyaluronic-acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme if needed.
Will my eyes look puffy?
Some swelling in the first days is expected. Lasting puffiness can occur if filler attracts fluid or is placed too superficially; this is one reason the doctor treats conservatively and reviews you afterwards.
Is it suitable for men?
Yes, when the concern is hollowing from volume loss. The assessment and approach are the same.
Is under-eye filler safe?
It is a medical procedure and carries risks, including the uncommon and rare complications listed above. No treatment is risk-free. Before treatment, your doctor assesses your suitability, explains the risks and benefits for your case, and obtains your consent.
Related treatments
Results vary from person to person. This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Treatment is provided only after a doctor has assessed your suitability.