Two people can point at the same place under their eyes and need completely different treatments. One has a hollow. The other has skin that has become thin and crepey. From the outside both just look tired, which is why this is the area I’m most careful with.
Start with the cause
The right treatment depends entirely on the cause of the concern.
- A hollow or sunken look is about volume. As we get older we lose a little support under the eye, and a shadow appears. That is where tear trough filler can help.
- Fine lines, crepiness or thin, tired skin is about skin quality. That is where polynucleotides usually suit better.
Some people have a bit of both, and some have a concern that neither treatment can change. That’s why I assess the area at a consultation before I recommend anything.
Tear trough filler
Tear trough filler is a soft hyaluronic acid gel placed under the eye to soften that hollow, sunken look. It replaces a little of the volume that has gone.
- Appointment: about an hour
- How long it lasts: around 12 to 18 months
- Price: £300
- Review: a free review at 2 weeks is included
I take a deliberately cautious approach here. I don’t fill fully at the first appointment. I place a little, let it settle, and look again with you at your 2 week review. Under the eyes, less is nearly always better.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotides are an injectable skin treatment that improves the quality of the skin itself. They don’t add volume. Over a course they can improve texture, tone and elasticity, so the skin looks fresher.
- Course: 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- When you’ll see it: improvement starts within about 14 days and builds over 3 to 6 months
- How long it lasts: up to 9 months
- Price: £300 a session, or £660 for a course of three
I’ve written more in my guide to polynucleotides under the eyes.
What neither can do
I’d rather be honest about this before you book. Loose skin and under-eye bags are beyond what filler or polynucleotides can change. If that is what’s bothering you, I’ll tell you kindly at your consultation, and I won’t suggest a treatment that can’t give you what you’re hoping for.
Downtime for both
With either treatment you may have some swelling or a bruise. Swelling usually settles within a few days, and a bruise can take longer to fade. Plan your appointment away from big events, and keep make-up off the area for 12 hours.
Before and after · Tear trough
Dermal Filler
A real client of mine. Every face is different, so results vary from person to person.
Before and after · Under eyes
Polynucleotides
A real client of mine. Every face is different, so results vary from person to person.
Real clients of mine. Every face is different, so results vary from person to person. All treatments carry risks. Consultation first.
Your questions
Can I have both treatments?
Sometimes both treatments may be suitable, but never on the same area in the same session. I may advise a course of polynucleotides first, to firm the skin and improve its quality, before under-eye filler. If I think you’d benefit from both, we plan them in the right order.
Does tear trough filler hurt?
Fillers contain a local anaesthetic, which helps keep you comfortable. If you’re nervous, tell me and we’ll take our time.
Can Profhilo treat under-eyes?
No. I don’t use Profhilo under the eyes.
Book a consultation in King’s Cross
I’m at 260 Pentonville Road, a short walk from King’s Cross St Pancras and close to Angel, Islington and Bloomsbury. Your consultation is £30 and comes off your treatment. Book a consultation, or read more about dermal filler and polynucleotides.