Tear Troughs & Dark Circles

When performed by an experienced practitioner using appropriate products and techniques, tear trough fillers are safe. The under-eye area requires specialised expertise due to its delicate nature and proximity to important structures. Dr. Phillips uses only premium, ultra-soft fillers designed for this area and employs careful techniques to minimise risks. Thorough assessment ensures you're a suitable candidate.

Not when done correctly. Puffiness results from using inappropriate products, placing too much filler, or injecting at the wrong depth. Dr. Phillips uses conservative amounts of ultra-soft filler placed precisely to smooth hollows without creating fullness. We can always add more if needed, but starting conservatively prevents over-correction. Most patients look naturally refreshed, not puffy.

Tear trough fillers typically last 9-12 months or longer—the under-eye area has minimal movement, allowing filler to persist. Polynucleotide results last 9-12 months as the regenerative benefits become part of your own tissue. Profhilo lasts 6-9 months. Regular maintenance keeps the area looking consistently refreshed rather than cycling between improvement and return.

Eye bags—caused by protruding fat pads—are different from hollows. While filler can camouflage mild bags by filling surrounding hollows, prominent fat pads are best addressed surgically (blepharoplasty). During consultation, Dr. Phillips will assess whether your concerns are hollows, bags, or both, and advise honestly on what non-surgical treatment can achieve versus surgical options.

Dark circles often aren't about sleep at all. Tear trough hollows cast shadows that appear as darkness. Thin skin reveals underlying blood vessels as blue-purple discolouration. Genetic pigmentation causes brown darkness. Volume loss in cheeks deepens under-eye appearance. Understanding your specific cause guides treatment—hollows respond to filler, thin skin to polynucleotides, pigmentation to topical products.