Tear Trough Filler Side Effects: Is Tear Trough Filler Safe?

In this article, we will discuss whether tear trough fillers are safe, what types of side effects — both common and uncommon — you may experience, and the best candidates for this procedure. So whether you’re first thinking about fillers or looking for additional background, here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision. 

What are the side effects of tear trough filler?

Tear trough fillers are generally considered safe when performed by experienced professionals. However, like any cosmetic procedure, they come with potential side effects. Understanding the common reactions can help you prepare and decide if the treatment is right for you.

Common tear trough filler side effects

Swelling

Swelling is the most common side effect. This happens when the body is reacting to the injection process and the filler. Swelling usually goes down in a few days, although it can last up to a week in some instances. You can use a cold compress to reduce the pain.

Bruising

Another common side effect is bruising at the injection site. This occurs when the needle accidentally injures tiny blood vessels. Bruising is typically minor and resolves within a few days to a week. Not drinking alcohol, taking blood-thinning medications or supplements before the procedure may lower the risk.

Tenderness

It is common for the treated area to be mildly tender or sore, usually resolving in a few days. This feeling is a natural reaction to the injection process and can be eased with over-the-counter pain medication when needed.

Temporary redness

Some people develop a little bit of redness at the injection site. This reaction is short-lived and usually subsides within a couple of hours after the procedure.

Slight lumpiness

The filler may feel a little bumpy or uneven under the skin right after treatment. This is usually a result of the product settling and it is expected to improve with the filler integration into the tissue.

Although these side effects are usually mild and temporary, following the post-treatment aftercare instructions of your practitioner is important in supporting healing. Seek immediate help from your specialist if side effects don’t go away or get worse. With proper preparation and aftercare, any recovery can go smoothly and get you the best results possible.

Uncommon side effects of tear trough filler

Infection

As with any injectable treatment, infections are an uncommon but serious side effect. In rare cases, an infection occurs when bacteria enter the skin through the injection site. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, warmth, and pus at the site of the injection. If you observe these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to avoid complications. If you follow proper aftercare and hygiene measures, the risk of infection can be reduced.

Allergic reactions

In rare cases, an individual may have an allergic reaction to the filler substance. Signs of an allergic reaction can be itching, redness, rash, or swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days. More serious reactions, such as difficulty breathing, can happen in severe cases. If any of these warning signs become apparent, reach out to your practitioner immediately.

Migration of filler

Meanwhile, in a few cases, some amount of the filler can migrate from the tear trough area to another area of the under-eye or the surrounding areas. That can result in an uneven or lumpy look. Though uncommon, it can potentially call for extra treatments or tweaks from your practitioner.

Hyperpigmentation

In some cases, patients can develop a temporary dark pigmentation or net-like discolouration of the skin around the injection site, with people with sensitive skin or darker skin types being more prone to this. This hyperpigmentation is often treatable and tends to fade on its own.

Nerve damage

Although this is very rare, there is a small chance of injury to the nerve, causing temporary numbness or tingling in the treated area. Nerve damage usually heals itself, but you should speak with your practitioner if any abnormal sensations stick around.

More serious but rare side effects of tear trough filler

Vascular occlusion

One of the most significant potential risks associated with tear trough fillers is vascular occlusion, which is when the filler gains access to a blood vessel and prevents the blood from flowing. If not treated quickly, this can lead to tissue death, extreme pain and permanent scarring. Symptoms can include sudden pain, pale or blueish skin, or changes in vision. In case of vascular occlusion, there must immediately be intervention in the form of hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid-based fillers) injection to reverse the blockage.

Blindness

Blindness can happen if filler material is injected into blood vessels that supply the eye, although this is very rare. This is a medical emergency, and urgent active treatment is needed to restore blood flow to the eye. Symptoms of vision impairment or blindness may occur suddenly and can include blurred vision, double vision, or the complete loss of vision. If these symptoms happen, it is important to get emergency medical treatment right away.

Granulomas

Granulomas are small red lumps or nodules that form when the body treats the filler as foreign material and responds with an inflammatory reaction. Granulomas, while uncommon, can leave lasting discomfort and may need medical treatment. If the granulomas don’t resolve on their own, treatment may include corticosteroid injections or surgical removal.

Scarring

In rare instances, the injection site can become scarred, creating permanent indentations or an uneven texture to the skin. Improper injection techniques or one’s own skin response to the filler can cause scarring.

Do tear trough fillers hurt?

Fillers for the tear trough are well tolerated in general, and most individuals feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. A topical numbing cream is typically applied to the treatment area beforehand to reduce pain, and the filler itself often contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, to further limit discomfort. Although some people experience a mild pinching sensation or pressure with the injections, pain is usually short-lived and mild. 

Uncertainty about treatment may stem from unfamiliarity with the procedure itself; discomfort is typically mild, and any soreness or tenderness generally resolves in several days. For individuals with a lower pain tolerance, some over-the-counter pain relief can help numb any discomfort after the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for tear trough fillers?

A typical candidate for tear trough fillers is one who wants to treat under-eye hollows, dark circles or mild volume loss in the tear trough area. Ideal across-the-board candidates are in good health and have reasonable expectations of where their results will fall on the spectrum of what’s feasible. 

Tear trough fillers are best for people with skin that hasn’t sagged much and who have a true bony structure in the area under the eye. People with extremely pronounced under-eye bags, excess skin, and certain medical conditions—including active skin infections or very bad allergies—are not candidates. A discussion with a trained and qualified practitioner would need to take place to establish if you are suitable for tear trough fillers.

Book a tear trough filler consultation with Botonics today

If you are considering tear trough fillers and you want to refresh and rekindle your under-eye area, we recommend booking a time to speak with Botonics. Our specialists will evaluate your individual needs, listen to your beauty goals, and decide if tear trough fillers are right for you.

Using the latest techniques and highest quality products, Botonics can provide patients with safe, effective, natural-looking results. We’re here to help you achieve the youthful look you desire, so contact our knowledgeable staff today for a consultation to get started on your transformation!