Key takeaways

• Tear trough treatments restore lost volume, smoothing hollows and reducing dark circles.
• The procedure is non-invasive, offering natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
• Results typically last 9–12 months, with subtle, noticeable improvements in appearance and confidence.

Eyes are the first to show when you’re tired, stressed, or getting older. 

Dark circles, puffiness, and hollows under the eyes — known as tear troughs—are common signs that can leave you looking more run down than you feel.

Luckily, modern tear trough treatments can help refresh and rejuvenate the area around your eyes. 

These non-invasive options can restore a more youthful, well-rested look with minimal downtime.

So, how does tear trough treatment work?

In this blog, we’ll break down how these treatments work and what you can expect. 

Let’s go through each step, from consultation to results, so you know exactly what’s involved. 

How does tear trough treatment work? 

Tear troughs form due to a few common factors. 

For one, genetics plays a role. Some people naturally have deeper-set eyes, which can create shadowing under the eyes. 

Ageing is another big factor. 

As we get older, our skin loses fat and collagen. These are the things that keep skin looking full and firm. Without them, the under-eye area can start to hollow out. 

On top of that, lifestyle habits like lack of sleep or high stress can.

When you lose volume in the tear trough area, it can make your eyes appear This is because there’s less support under the skin. 

Less volume means shadows are more pronounced, making the under-eye area look darker.

Tear trough treatments work by restoring that lost volume. These are non-surgical procedures designed to fill in the hollow areas under the eyes. 

By adding volume back, they can smooth out the skin and make it look plumper. 

These treatments also help with hydration in the area, improving the overall appearance and reducing the look of dark circles.

Your clinician will focus on both — like the loss of fat and collagen—and hydration. By targeting both, the under-eye area looks fresher and less tired. 

What makes tear trough treatments effective is its precision. The goal isn’t to change how you look but to restore what’s been lost. 

This is why the results feel subtle but noticeable. You’ll look more awaket, without looking like you’ve had anything “done”. 

Step 1 — Consultation to get to know your eyes

The journey begins when you book a consultation with your cosmetic physician. This is the first and most important step because it sets the foundation for your treatment.

During the consultation, a cosmetic physician will assess your facial anatomy, focusing on the tear troughs. They look at volume loss, skin quality, and any signs of discolouration or puffiness. This helps pinpoint what needs to be corrected.

Your cosmetic physician will also explain what kind of results you can realistically expect, based on your specific anatomy and the treatment’s capabilities.

Based on this consultation, they will develop a custom treatment plan personalised for your needs. The goal is to create a subtle, natural-looking improvement that matches your facial structure.

Step 2 — Numbing and mapping the area

Once your plan is set, the next step is preparation to ensure comfort and precision.

A topical numbing creamapplied to the under-eye area to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Even though the treatment is non-invasive, the numbing cream makes the experience as comfortable as possible.

Your physician will mark the areas that need volume restoration. This step is necessary for precision, guiding your treating physician to target the right spots and ensure symmetry for natural-looking results.

With the area prepped and ready, you’re set for a quick and comfortable treatment.

Step 3 — Restoring volume and brightening your eyes

Now comes the main part of the treatment — restoring volume and brightening the under-eye area.

Your physician will use a fine, precise tool to carefully add volume to the tear trough area. The goal is to fill the hollows, smooth the skin, and eliminate the shadows

In addition to volume restoration, the treatment helps hydrate the skin. 

This is particularly important for the thin, delicate skin under the eyes, which often becomes dry and contributes to a tired appearance. Hydration helps smooth the skin’s texture and reduce fine lines.

Thanks to the numbing cream applied earlier, most patients feel little to no discomfort. 

Some may experience mild pressure or a slight sensation, but it’s generally painless. 

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs.

One of the key benefits of tear trough treatments is that results are often visible right away. 

You’ll see an immediate improvement in the under-eye area, though the full effect will develop over the next 1–2 days as any minor swelling subsides.

In just one session, you’ll see the difference — a refreshed, brighter look that feels natural and subtle.

Step 4 — Post-treatment care

For the first day, avoid touching or rubbing the under-eye area. Be gentle when washing your face. 

It’s also important to avoid heavy exercise, saunas, or extreme temperatures for the first 48 hours. This helps the treatment to settle properly.

Remember, some mild swelling or bruising is normal, but it typically resolves within a few days. 

You can resume most of your regular activities immediately. The treated area might feel slightly tender, but that sensation fades quickly.

While the area may look refreshed right away, the full effect of the treatment becomes more apparent after about a week. This is when the volume fully settles, and your skin adjusts to the added hydration.

Step 5 — Keeping your eyes bright for longer

Tear trough treatments provide long-lasting results, but a little maintenance is needed to keep your eyes looking fresh.

Typically, tear trough treatment results last between 9 and 12 months. This depends on individual factors like your metabolism, lifestyle, and skincare routine.

Follow-up treatments are recommended every year to maintain the volume and brightness. Some people might benefit from earlier touch-ups, but most find that yearly sessions keep the area looking rejuvenated.

To extend the effects of the treatment, keep the area hydrated. Stick to the right skincare routine, stay hydrated, and protect your skin from the sun to help maintain your results longer.

Reaping the benefits of bright, refreshed eyes

Tear trough treatments offer a simple, effective solution for anyone looking to refresh how they look. 

The results are subtle and natural, giving you a brighter, more awake look without any drastic changes. 

With minimal downtime, it’s a perfect option for those who want noticeable improvements but can’t commit to a long recovery.

This treatment is a confidence booster for many. It smooths out hollows, reduces dark circles, and helps you look well-rested, even if you aren’t getting the sleep you need. 

And with a skilled cosmetic physician like Dr. Scott Allison, you get expert guidance to reach your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.

With a simple, minimally invasive treatment, you can look refreshed every day.