Tear trough fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA) injected into the tear trough — the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye down towards the cheek — to restore lost volume, reduce hollowing, and eliminate the dark shadows that make patients look tired or older. The tear trough is one of the most technically demanding areas to treat with filler, requiring precise placement and a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy of the periorbital region.
The tear trough area is particularly prone to complications because the skin is very thin, the tissue planes are complex, and the area is highly vascular. A very soft, low-viscosity HA product must be used to avoid the Tyndall effect (a bluish discolouration visible through thin skin) and to ensure a natural result.
Tear trough filler is not appropriate for all patients. Patients with significant skin laxity, prominent fat pads, or very dark circles caused by pigmentation (rather than volume loss) may not benefit from filler alone. A thorough assessment is essential to determine whether filler is the right treatment, and whether the tear trough or the cheek (or both) should be treated.
Tear trough filler carries a higher risk of complications than most other filler treatments due to the complex anatomy and thin skin of the periorbital area. Complications include the Tyndall effect, vascular occlusion (which can affect the retinal artery), prolonged swelling, and migration. Only use a practitioner with specific training and significant experience in tear trough treatment. Ensure they carry hyaluronidase and have a clear protocol for managing vascular emergencies.
| Region | Tear trough only | Tear trough + cheeks |
|---|---|---|
| London | £400–£700 | £700–£1,200 |
| South East | £350–£600 | £600–£1,000 |
| Midlands | £300–£500 | £550–£900 |
| North West | £300–£500 | £550–£900 |
| Yorkshire | £280–£480 | £500–£850 |
Tear trough filler requires a practitioner with specific training and significant experience in the periorbital area. Ask how many tear trough treatments they perform per month, request to see before-and-after photographs of their own patients, and ensure they carry hyaluronidase. Be very wary of practitioners offering tear trough filler at very low prices.
Visit our full safety guide for the complete list of questions to ask before booking any aesthetic treatment.