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Under-Eye Hollow & Tear Trough Treatments

Clinical management of infraorbital hollowing and tear trough deformity

Under-eye hollows (tear trough deformity) create a shadowed, tired appearance even when well-rested. The hollowing occurs where the thin periorbital skin meets the thicker cheek skin, and deepens as orbital fat pads descend and mid-face volume diminishes with age. Doctor-led assessment is critical in this area — the under-eye is one of the most technically demanding areas to treat, and not all patients are suitable candidates for filler.

Doctor-Led
CQC Registered
Award-Recognised
Est. 2016

Aetiology & Contributing Factors

Most skin and aesthetic concerns are multifactorial. Clinical assessment helps identify which contributing factors are most relevant in your case before treatment is selected.

  • Age-related loss of orbital and mid-face fat volume
  • Thinning of the already-delicate periorbital skin with age
  • Descent of sub-orbicularis fat pads creating a visible groove
  • Bone resorption in the infraorbital rim
  • Genetic predisposition — some patients have prominent tear troughs from a young age
  • Dehydration and poor skin quality accentuating the hollow appearance
  • Allergies and chronic sinus congestion contributing to periorbital darkening

Clinical Presentation

Presentation varies by skin type, severity and duration. These are common clinical signs we assess during consultation.

  • A visible groove or depression running from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheek
  • Dark shadows under the eyes creating a tired, aged appearance
  • A sunken or hollow look beneath the lower eyelid
  • Loss of smooth transition between the lower eyelid and cheek
  • Under-eye puffiness or bags above the tear trough hollow
  • Concealer settling into the groove and accentuating the shadow

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Treatment selection is individualised following clinical assessment, taking into account disease severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history and patient goals. You can also review our consultation standards before booking.

Why we start with a consultation

Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.

All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.

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Clinical FAQs: Under-Eye Hollows

These answers cover common practical questions. For individual diagnosis and treatment advice, book a medical consultation.

When performed by an experienced doctor with appropriate product selection and technique, tear trough filler is safe. However, this is a high-risk area and should only be treated by experienced practitioners. We assess every patient individually.
Not everyone is a good candidate. Patients with very thin skin, significant eye bags (pseudo-herniation of orbital fat) or excessive laxity may be better suited to alternative treatments. Your doctor will assess this honestly.
Tear trough filler typically lasts 9–18 months, sometimes longer due to the relatively low-movement area. We recommend conservative volumes with gradual top-ups rather than over-treatment.
We offer alternatives including Profhilo and polynucleotides to improve under-eye skin quality. In some cases, treating mid-face volume loss with cheek filler can reduce tear trough shadowing indirectly.
Topical anaesthetic is applied before treatment, and most fillers contain lidocaine. The area is sensitive but most patients describe only mild, tolerable discomfort.
Expect mild swelling and possible bruising for 5–10 days. We recommend avoiding social events for a few days after treatment. The area is delicate and bruising is common.

Plan Your Next Step

Use these links to review consultation standards, check treatment pricing, and request a doctor-led assessment.

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Selena LangdonMedical Director, MBBS

GMC 6159259

Last reviewed:

Clinical Summary

Expected Recovery PeriodModerate — expect mild swelling and possible bruising for 5–10 days in the periorbital area
Therapeutic ResponseFiller results are visible immediately with final settling over 2–4 weeks; Profhilo and polynucleotide improvements develop over 4–8 weeks

Clinical Governance

  • Tear trough treatment is performed exclusively by experienced doctors trained in advanced periorbital injection techniques
  • We carefully assess suitability — not all patients are candidates for under-eye filler, and we are honest about alternatives when filler is not appropriate
  • Conservative, natural results are prioritised — the goal is to reduce shadowing without creating puffiness or an overfilled appearance

Book a Consultation

Request a medical assessment for your under-eye hollows with our clinical team.

Book NowCall 01628 202028

Not sure what you need?

Try our free AI skin analysis to identify your main concerns and see suggested treatments.

Start free skin analysis →

Related Conditions

Explore related condition pages for differential context and linked treatment options.

Further Reading & Clinical References

The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Clinical governance

Page last reviewed: March 2026

Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026

Request a Clinical Assessment

Book a medical consultation to discuss diagnosis and an individualised treatment protocol.