Dark circles beneath the eyes can have several causes, which is why identifying what is creating the concern is important before considering under-eye filler.

A pronounced tear trough can create a hollow between the lower eyelid and upper cheek. This depression catches light differently from the surrounding tissue, producing shadowing that can make the under-eye area appear darker and contribute to a persistently tired appearance.

However, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, thin skin and other anatomical factors can also contribute to dark circles. Tear trough filler does not treat pigmentation itself.

At Derma Plus Medical Sheffield, our medical clinicians assess the under-eye area to determine whether volume loss and hollowing are contributing significantly to the concern and whether tear trough filler is an appropriate treatment.

Under-eye bags and tear trough hollows are different concerns and require careful distinction before treatment. Tear trough filler works by adding volume, so it is generally most appropriate where a genuine depression or hollow is contributing to the appearance beneath the eyes.

Patients with prominent puffiness, significant eye bags, fluid retention or loose and sagging under-eye skin may not be suitable. In some cases, adding filler to an area that already has excess volume can make puffiness appear more noticeable rather than improving it.

For this reason, patients considering tear trough filler in Sheffield are assessed before treatment. Our medical clinicians will determine what is contributing to the under-eye concern rather than assuming that dermal filler is the appropriate solution.

The tear trough is a delicate anatomical area where excessive volume can create an unnatural or puffy appearance. At Derma Plus Medical Sheffield, we therefore use small, controlled amounts of low-density dermal filler rather than attempting to completely correct the area with excessive product.

We use a maximum of 1ml during an appointment. If the tear trough depression is more pronounced, it may be clinically preferable to allow the initial treatment to settle before assessing whether additional filler is required.

This considered approach to under-eye filler allows our medical clinicians to evaluate the response to treatment and reduces the risk of unnecessary overfilling.

These aftercare instructions apply to all tear trough filler treatments.

Avoid high-intensity exercise immediately following treatment. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption for 24 hours after treatment. Do not apply make-up to the treated area for at least 24 hours.

Avoid extended exposure to sunlight, UV rays and extreme temperatures such as saunas or steam rooms for one week following treatment. Bruising and swelling may be reduced through the use of arnica gel, a cold compress and a non-drowsy antihistamine.

The duration of tear trough filler results is typically around 6-24 months, depending on the product used, the treated area and how many times the area has previously been treated. Always wear SPF 30-50 on the treated area when exposed to sunlight or UV rays.

Laser treatments and skin needling procedures should be avoided for 2 weeks following treatment.

Temporary swelling, redness, tenderness and bruising can occur following tear trough filler. Because the under-eye area has thin skin and complex anatomy, appropriate product selection, injection technique and patient suitability are particularly important.

Other potential complications can include prolonged swelling, irregularities, asymmetry, visible or palpable filler and a blue-grey discolouration known as the Tyndall effect when filler sits too superficially. Dermal filler procedures also carry uncommon but potentially serious vascular risks.

At Derma Plus Medical Sheffield, tear trough filler is carried out by experienced medical clinicians as part of a CQC-registered, medical-led aesthetics business. Relevant risks, expected outcomes and aftercare are discussed before treatment as part of the consultation and informed consent process.

Tear trough filler results vary between patients. We typically expect results to last around 12 months, although we have found that improvement can remain visible for considerably longer in some patients.

The majority of suitable patients require one initial treatment. Where hollowing is particularly pronounced, a second treatment may sometimes be considered once the first treatment has settled and the area can be appropriately reassessed.

Further tear trough filler should be based on the current appearance of the under-eye area rather than automatically repeated after a fixed period. At Derma Plus Medical Sheffield, our medical clinicians can reassess the area before recommending whether any additional treatment is appropriate.