The tear trough area can appear hollow, dark, or shadowed for several reasons, including:

• Aging: Natural collagen and fat loss beneath the eyes can create a sunken appearance.

• Genetics: Some people naturally have deeper tear troughs or pigmentation in this area.

• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration can exacerbate the appearance of tear troughs. 

1. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the most common treatment for tear trough concerns. Made from hyaluronic acid, fillers restore volume to the hollows, smooth the area, and reduce shadows that cause dark circles.

How They Work: Fillers are injected into the tear trough to lift and support the skin, creating a fuller, smoother appearance.

Results: Immediate improvement in hollowness, with optimal results appearing within 1–2 weeks as the filler settles. The effect lasts 6-8 months, depending on the filler used and your metabolism.

Best For: Individuals with volume loss or deep hollows under the eyes.

Key Advantages:
• Instant volume and contour correction.
• Long-lasting but temporary (fully reversible with hyaluronidase).
• Can also reduce the appearance of fine lines in the area.

Considerations:
• Not ideal for individuals with significant pigmentation , thin crepey skin or prolapsed fat pads as it doesn’t address skin issues or discolouration directly.

2. Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are an exciting, innovative option for tear trough rejuvenation. These treatments use DNA fragments to stimulate skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and repair damaged tissue.

How They Work: Polynucleotides promote fibroblast activity, encouraging collagen and elastin production. They also improve microcirculation, which can reduce pigmentation and puffiness.

Results: A gradual improvement in skin quality, texture, and hydration over several weeks. They are especially effective at addressing dark circles caused by poor circulation or pigmentation. Results typically last 6–12 months, depending on the client, and you’ll likely need a session every 12 months to maintain.

Best For: Those with pigmentation, thin or crepey skin, or a tired appearance without significant volume loss.

Key Advantages:
• Improves skin quality and texture.
• Reduces discolouration and puffiness.
• Non-volumising, making it ideal for those who don’t need additional volume.

Considerations:
• Results develop gradually over multiple sessions (3 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart).
• Not suitable for correcting significant hollows or volume loss.

3. Skin Boosters

Skin boosters, like SEVENTYHYAL, are injectable treatments designed to hydrate and plump the skin from within. They don’t add long term volume but focus on enhancing skin quality.

How They Work: Skin boosters deliver hyaluronic acid into the dermis to deeply hydrate the skin, improve elasticity and smooth fine lines.

Results: A brighter, smoother under-eye area with improved skin texture and hydration. Results are noticeable after 2–3 sessions, with effects lasting 6–9 months.

Best For: Those with dry, crepey skin or fine lines in the tear trough area.

Key Advantages:
• Hydrates and rejuvenates without adding volume.
• Enhances skin elasticity and smoothness.
• Non-invasive with minimal downtime.

Considerations:
•Not effective for correcting deep hollows or significant dark circles.
• Not suitable for clients with excess undereye volume. This will be exacerbated by this treatment.

Treatment: Dermal Fillers
Focus: Volume restoration
Best for: Deep hollows, volume loss
Results: Instant, settling in 1-2 weeks and lasting 9-12 months

Treatment: Polynucleotides
Focus: Skin repair and regeneration
Best for: Pigmentation, fine lines and crepey skin
Results: Gradual improvement over course, needs annual maintenance

Treatment: Skin boosters
Focus: Hydration and skin quality
Best for: Dehydration
Results: Gradual improvement over course, needs annual maintenance

Choose Dermal Fillers If: You have volume loss, deep hollows or a desire for immediate results. Fillers provide structural support and are ideal for individuals with prominent tear troughs but good skin quality.

Choose Polynucleotides If: Your primary concerns are pigmentation, puffiness or poor skin quality. Polynucleotides work at a cellular level to rejuvenate and brighten the under-eye area.

Choose Skin Boosters If: You want to hydrate and smooth the skin without adding long term volume. Skin boosters are perfect for addressing fine lines, dryness, and crepey texture. For many patients, a combination approach works best. For example, fillers can restore volume, while polynucleotides or skin boosters enhance hydration and skin quality for a comprehensive rejuvenation. 

1. Consultation: Your provider will assess your concerns and recommend the best treatment for your needs.

2. Numbing: A topical anaesthetic will be applied to ensure your comfort.

3. Injection: The chosen product is carefully injected using a fine needle or cannula.

4. Aftercare: Mild swelling or bruising is normal and typically subsides within a few days. You’ll be provided with aftercare instructions to ensure the best results. 

We do hundreds of assessments for these treatments but clients often leave with a totally different treatment path than they planned. The tear trough area is delicate, but with the right treatment, it can be beautifully rejuvenated to restore a refreshed, well-rested appearance. Whether you opt for dermal fillers, polynucleotides, or skin boosters, the key is choosing a provider with expertise in tear trough anatomy and aesthetics, at Alien we have researched heavily into all options and offer only very specific products with proven results and longevity. We’ve probably dissolved more poorly aged tear trough treatments from other practitioners than we’ve administered! So if you’re ready to brighten and refresh your eyes, let’s schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan to help you achieve your goals with natural results to make you feel out of this world!