Under-Eye Dark Circles and Tear Trough Treatment in Sydney 2026: A Complete Clinical Guide

By Crystal — Injection Nurse, SkinSpirit Sydney Published 27 April 2026

If there is one concern that walks through our doors more frequently than any other — more than lip volume, more than forehead lines, more than jawline definition — it is the under-eye area. The question is always some variation of the same thing: Why do I look so tired? The person asking it slept eight hours, drinks two litres of water a day, uses a retinol at night and a vitamin C in the morning, and still the mirror shows deep, darkened hollows beneath the eyes that no concealer can fully disguise.

I have spent the better part of a decade injecting faces, and I can tell you that the periorbital region — the skin, fat, muscle and bone architecture surrounding the eye — is the most technically demanding area in all of cosmetic injectables. It is also one of the most rewarding to treat correctly, because a well-executed under-eye correction changes the entire perception of a face. Not by adding volume in the way that lip filler adds volume, but by removing the visual signals of fatigue, age and illness. People do not notice what you had done; they notice that you look well.

This guide is a deep, honest exploration of everything available in Sydney in 2026 for under-eye dark circles and tear trough hollowing — from clinical skincare and in-office treatments to injectable correction and the emerging regenerative approaches. It is written from the perspective of someone who performs these procedures daily, and it includes the information I wish every client had before their first consultation.

Understanding why under-eye dark circles happen

Before we discuss any treatment, we need to understand what we are actually looking at. "Dark circles" is a catch-all term that clients use for at least four distinct anatomical and physiological problems, each requiring a different treatment approach. Confusing them — which happens constantly in the beauty industry — leads to wasted money and disappointing results.

1. Tear trough hollowing (volume loss)

The tear trough is the concave groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye diagonally downward and outward along the junction of the lower eyelid and the cheek. In a youthful face, this groove is barely perceptible because it is cushioned by a combination of deep fat pads (the suborbicularis oculi fat, or SOOF) and a smooth transition of skin and soft tissue from the lower lid onto the cheek.

As we age — and for some people this begins in the mid-twenties — the deep fat pads shrink and descend, the overlying orbicularis oculi muscle thins, and the bony orbital rim becomes more prominent as the maxilla remodels. The result is a visible hollow that catches shadow, creating the appearance of darkness even when the skin itself is not discoloured at all. This is volumetric dark circles, and it is the most common cause of the "tired look" in clients between twenty-five and fifty.

If you tilt your chin up toward a light source and the darkness disappears, it is almost certainly shadow from volume loss rather than true skin pigmentation. That simple test saves a lot of diagnostic confusion.

2. Vascular dark circles (venous pooling)

The skin of the lower eyelid is the thinnest skin on the entire body — approximately 0.5 millimetres, compared to 2 millimetres on the rest of the face and up to 4 millimetres on the back. Beneath it lies a dense plexus of veins that drain the lower eyelid and cheek. In many people — particularly those with fair, translucent skin — this venous network is visible through the skin as a blue-purple discolouration.

Vascular dark circles worsen with fatigue (venous congestion from reduced lymphatic return during poor sleep), allergies (histamine-mediated vasodilation and oedema), dehydration, alcohol consumption and seasonal allergies. They are more prominent in the morning because fluid pools in the periorbital tissues overnight when the head is level.

If you press gently on the dark area and the colour blanches momentarily before returning, you are looking at vascular dark circles. The veins themselves are the problem, not the skin.

3. Pigmentary dark circles (melanin deposition)

True pigmentary dark circles — also called periorbital hyperpigmentation — involve excess melanin deposited in the epidermis and/or dermis of the lower eyelid skin. This is more common in Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI (olive to dark skin) and is strongly influenced by genetics, chronic UV exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from eczema or allergic dermatitis, and hormonal factors.

Pigmentary dark circles look brown or brownish-black rather than blue-purple. They do not blanch with pressure, and they do not disappear when you change the angle of light. They are the most challenging type to treat because the melanocytes in periorbital skin are particularly reactive, and aggressive treatments risk worsening the pigmentation through post-inflammatory rebound.

4. Structural and skin-quality issues

The fourth category is a combination of skin laxity, crepiness (fine wrinkling from elastin degradation), orbital fat prolapse (the "bags" that bulge forward as the orbital septum weakens) and festoons (malar mounds — the puffy, swollen-looking tissue over the cheekbone that is often confused with under-eye bags but sits lower and is caused by chronic oedema in the malar fat pad).

Many clients present with two or three of these overlapping causes, which is why the first step in any under-eye treatment plan is a proper clinical assessment under direct and side-lighting to identify exactly what is contributing to the appearance.

Non-injectable treatments: the skincare and in-clinic options

Not everyone needs filler. In fact, for mild dark circles or as a complement to injectable treatments, a well-designed skincare and clinical treatment plan can make a remarkable difference.

Medical-grade eye serums and creams

The periorbital area requires its own products because the skin is thinner, more sensitive and more prone to milia (tiny cysts from occluded pores) than the rest of the face. Here is what the evidence supports:

Retinoids. A low-concentration retinaldehyde (0.025–0.05%) applied to the under-eye area three to five nights per week stimulates collagen synthesis in the papillary dermis, thickens the epidermis slightly and improves the overall quality of the thin eyelid skin. This helps with both crepiness and mild vascular dark circles by creating a slightly thicker "curtain" over the underlying vessels. Standard retinol (0.3–0.5%) is an alternative, but retinaldehyde is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid and tends to cause less irritation in this delicate area.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). A stable L-ascorbic acid serum at 10–15% applied in the morning provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced melanogenesis and also supports collagen synthesis. For pigmentary dark circles, the tyrosinase-inhibiting effect of vitamin C provides a gentle, sustained lightening action over eight to twelve weeks.

Vitamin K oxide. Vitamin K is involved in blood coagulation and vascular integrity. Topical vitamin K oxide at 1–2% has modest evidence for reducing the visibility of vascular dark circles by strengthening capillary walls and reducing micro-haemorrhage-related haemosiderin staining. It is not a dramatic ingredient, but in combination with vitamin C and retinoids it contributes to an overall improvement in vascular dark circles.

Caffeine. Topical caffeine (1–5%) is a vasoconstrictor and mild diuretic that temporarily reduces puffiness and venous distension in the under-eye area. It provides an immediate but short-lived improvement — useful as a morning ritual but not a long-term solution. We recommend it as a complement to other treatments, not as a standalone.

Niacinamide. At 4–5%, niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, making it useful for pigmentary dark circles. It also strengthens the lipid barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss, which improves the translucency of thin eyelid skin over time.

Peptides. Specific peptides — particularly palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (anti-inflammatory, reduces glycation) and acetyl hexapeptide-3 (muscle-relaxing, reduces dynamic creasing) — are commonly included in premium eye creams. The evidence base is thinner than for retinoids or vitamin C, but the clinical observation of improved skin texture with consistent use over three to six months is fairly consistent in my experience.

HydraFacial with lymphatic drainage

The HydraFacial Perk eye treatment is a gentle, non-invasive option for clients who want an entry-level clinical treatment. It combines low-grade suction exfoliation with a targeted antioxidant serum infusion and a lymphatic drainage protocol around the orbital rim. For clients with puffiness-predominant under-eye concerns or mild vascular dark circles, a series of four to six fortnightly sessions produces a visible reduction in fluid retention and an improvement in skin clarity.

At SkinSpirit, we often combine the Perk eye treatment with a full HydraFacial, making it a convenient add-on to existing maintenance appointments.

Chemical peels for periorbital pigmentation

For pigmentary dark circles, carefully selected chemical peels can be highly effective — but this is an area where the choice of peel and the skill of the practitioner matter enormously. We favour:

Lactic acid peels (20–30%). Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with humectant properties that provides gentle exfoliation suitable for the thin eyelid skin. A series of four to six peels at two-week intervals can improve epidermal pigmentation significantly without the risks associated with stronger peels.

Modified Jessner's peels. For more resistant pigmentation, a modified Jessner's solution (lactic acid, salicylic acid and citric acid, without the resorcinol found in traditional Jessner's) provides deeper exfoliation. This must be applied with extreme precision and a conservative number of layers in the periorbital area.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels at low concentration (10–15%). In experienced hands, a very light TCA peel can improve pigmentary and textural concerns around the eyes. We reserve this for Fitzpatrick types I–III due to the higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin types.

We never use phenol or high-concentration TCA peels in the periorbital area. The margin for error is too slim and the consequences of over-treatment — scarring, ectropion, permanent hypopigmentation — are too severe.

Microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling

Microneedling with a medical-grade device (we use the SkinPen at SkinSpirit) at conservative depths (0.25–0.5 mm for the lower eyelid, compared to 1.0–2.0 mm for the rest of the face) stimulates a controlled wound-healing response that increases collagen and elastin production in the papillary dermis. For under-eye crepiness, fine lines and mild skin laxity, a course of three to four microneedling sessions at four-week intervals produces measurable improvement in skin thickness and texture.

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling — which we offer with the Morpheus8 device — adds thermal energy to the mechanical stimulus of the needles. The RF energy heats the deep dermis to 60–70°C, causing immediate collagen contraction and a sustained neocollagenesis response over three to six months. For under-eye skin quality improvement, RF microneedling is superior to standard microneedling, but it requires a practitioner who is comfortable adjusting depths and energy levels for the extremely thin periorbital skin. We use depths of 0.5–1.0 mm with reduced energy settings around the eyes, compared to 2.0–4.0 mm on the face and body.

LED light therapy

Red (633 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) LED light therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity in fibroblasts, increasing ATP production and supporting the collagen synthesis cascade. For under-eye concerns, LED therapy is a gentle, risk-free adjunct treatment that supports recovery from other procedures and provides a mild, cumulative improvement in skin quality over time. We recommend it as a post-procedure add-on rather than a standalone treatment for dark circles, as the effect size is modest when used alone.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) under-eye treatment

PRP — popularly known as the "vampire facial" — involves drawing a small sample of the client's own blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma (which contains growth factors including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF and EGF), and injecting or needling it into the target area.

For the under-eye area, PRP is particularly interesting because it addresses multiple causes simultaneously: the growth factors stimulate collagen remodelling (improving skin thickness and texture), promote angiogenesis (improving microcirculation, which helps with vascular dark circles), and have anti-inflammatory properties (reducing chronic oedema). A course of three PRP sessions at four-to-six-week intervals, either injected with a fine needle or delivered via microneedling, produces a noticeable improvement in under-eye skin quality, texture and tone.

PRP is autologous (from your own body), so there is no risk of allergic reaction or product-related complications. It is one of the safest under-eye rejuvenation treatments available, and we recommend it strongly for clients who are not ready for filler or who have skin-quality issues that filler alone cannot address.

Tear trough filler: the injectable solution for volume loss

For clients whose primary concern is tear trough hollowing — the shadow-casting groove that creates the most dramatic "tired" appearance — injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is the gold-standard treatment in 2026. But it is also the treatment that generates the most anxiety, the most misinformation online, and the most variable results depending on the skill of the injector.

Let me be transparent about this: tear trough filler is not a treatment that every injector should be performing. The periorbital anatomy is unforgiving. The skin is thin enough that every millimetre of product is visible. The vascular anatomy includes the infraorbital artery and vein, the angular artery and a variable network of perforating vessels — any of which, if inadvertently injected, can cause a vascular occlusion with consequences ranging from localised skin necrosis to (in the worst-case scenario involving retrograde flow into the ophthalmic artery) vision loss.

I say this not to frighten anyone away from the treatment, but because choosing the right injector is the single most important decision you will make in this process.

Who is a good candidate for tear trough filler?

The ideal candidate for tear trough filler has:

• A visible groove along the orbital rim that creates shadow and the appearance of hollowing
• Good skin quality — relatively smooth, elastic lower eyelid skin without significant crepiness or laxity
• Minimal or no orbital fat prolapse — if there is a visible "bag" bulging forward, filler alone will not fix the problem and may make it worse by adding more volume to an already crowded area
• Realistic expectations — tear trough filler softens the hollow and reduces shadow, but it rarely eliminates dark circles completely, especially when there is a vascular or pigmentary component as well
• Age range typically 25–55 — younger clients tend to have a predominantly volumetric cause, while older clients often have multiple overlapping factors that require a combined approach

What products do we use?

In Australia, the hyaluronic acid fillers approved for use in the tear trough include several products from the Juvederm (Allergan) and Restylane (Galderma) ranges. At SkinSpirit, we predominantly use:

Restylane Eyelight (formerly Restylane-L). This is a purpose-designed tear trough filler with a lower G-prime (less firm), lower cohesivity and lower hygroscopic properties than standard facial fillers. The reduced water-attracting tendency is critical under the eyes, because a filler that swells significantly after injection will create puffiness and a bluish discolouration known as the Tyndall effect (light scattering through superficially placed HA, creating a visible bluish hue through the thin eyelid skin).

Juvederm Volbella. Another low-G-prime, low-hygroscopic filler that performs well in the tear trough. It integrates smoothly into the tissue and has a relatively low incidence of the Tyndall effect.

We do not use Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft or any other high-G-prime volumising filler in the tear trough. These products are designed for deep injection in the cheek and jawline; placing them under the thin eyelid skin creates visible lumps, excessive swelling and a high risk of the Tyndall effect.

The injection technique

There are two main approaches to tear trough filler injection, and the choice between them depends on the individual anatomy:

Cannula technique. This is our default approach at SkinSpirit. A single entry point is created with a needle at the lateral aspect of the infraorbital rim, and a blunt-tipped cannula is threaded medially along the bone to deposit small aliquots of filler in a retrograde fashion. The cannula reduces the risk of vascular injury (the blunt tip pushes vessels aside rather than piercing them), minimises bruising (fewer puncture points) and allows precise control of product placement along the entire tear trough from a single entry point.

Needle technique. In some cases — particularly when the hollow is very localised or when scar tissue from previous treatments makes cannula passage difficult — we use a fine-gauge needle (30G or 27G) for precise, small-volume injections directly onto the periosteum (the bone surface). This requires meticulous knowledge of the vascular anatomy and a slow, aspirate-before-injecting technique.

Regardless of the technique, the key principles are the same:

• Deep placement — product should sit on or just above the periosteum, not in the superficial layers where it will be visible and prone to the Tyndall effect
• Conservative volume — typically 0.3–0.5 mL per side, sometimes less. Under-treating and reviewing at two weeks is always preferable to over-treating
• Layered correction — we often achieve the best results with two sessions spaced four to six weeks apart rather than trying to achieve full correction in a single sitting
• Product that stays where you put it — hence the preference for lower-hygroscopic fillers that will not migrate or swell significantly after injection

What to expect: downtime, results and longevity

Day of treatment: Mild swelling, possible bruising (more likely with needle technique, less with cannula), tenderness at the injection site. Most clients return to work the same day or the next day.

Days 2–7: Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and then resolves steadily. Bruising, if present, typically fades within seven to ten days. Arnica supplements and topical arnica gel help accelerate bruise resolution.

Two-week review: This is when we assess the result. Swelling has fully resolved, the product has integrated into the tissue and we can see the true correction. If additional volume is needed, a touch-up is performed at this appointment.

Results duration: Tear trough filler typically lasts twelve to eighteen months, and in many clients longer. The periorbital area has relatively low muscular activity and metabolic turnover compared to the lips or nasolabial folds, so the HA degrades more slowly. Many of our clients return once a year for a small top-up rather than a full re-treatment.

Risks and complications

Transparency about risks is essential. The complications of tear trough filler include:

• Bruising and swelling — common, temporary, managed with ice and arnica
• Asymmetry — addressable at the two-week review with a small touch-up
• Tyndall effect — a bluish discolouration from superficially placed HA, treatable with hyaluronidase dissolution
• Lumps and irregularities — palpable or visible bumps, usually from superficial placement or excessive volume, also treatable with hyaluronidase
• Malar oedema — fluid accumulation over the cheekbone caused by filler impeding lymphatic drainage; more common in clients with pre-existing puffiness or allergies. This is one of the most important reasons for conservative volume and deep placement
• Vascular occlusion — rare but serious. Inadvertent injection into or compression of a vessel can cause skin necrosis or, in the worst case, vision impairment. This is why injector experience, anatomical knowledge and the availability of hyaluronidase for emergency dissolution are non-negotiable

At SkinSpirit, we maintain an emergency vascular occlusion protocol, keep hyaluronidase in every treatment room, and Crystal has completed advanced vascular anatomy training. Choosing a qualified, experienced injector is the single most important safety factor.

Emerging and regenerative treatments for 2026

The under-eye treatment landscape is evolving rapidly. Here are the most promising emerging approaches we are following — and in some cases already offering — at SkinSpirit in 2026.

Polynucleotide (PN) and PDRN skin boosters

Polynucleotide-based injectable skin boosters — products like Ameela, Plinest and Nucleofill — represent one of the most exciting developments in periorbital rejuvenation. These products contain highly purified salmon-derived polynucleotides (PN) or polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) that work through a fundamentally different mechanism to hyaluronic acid.

Rather than filling a hollow with volume, polynucleotides stimulate the A2A purinergic receptor pathway in fibroblasts, increasing collagen synthesis, improving tissue hydration from within, and promoting angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory activity. The result is a gradual, cumulative improvement in skin quality — thickness, elasticity, hydration and microcirculation — over a course of three to four treatments.

For under-eye dark circles, polynucleotide skin boosters are particularly exciting because they address the vascular component (improved microcirculation reduces venous pooling), the structural component (increased collagen and elastin improve skin thickness and resilience) and the pigmentary component (anti-inflammatory effects reduce post-inflammatory melanin deposition). They can be used as a standalone treatment for clients with mild to moderate concerns, or in combination with tear trough filler for a more comprehensive correction.

We have been incorporating polynucleotide treatments into our under-eye protocols at SkinSpirit since early 2026, and the results have been consistently impressive — particularly for younger clients (twenties and thirties) with skin-quality-predominant dark circles that are not yet severe enough to warrant filler.

Exosome therapy

Exosome therapy — the application of cell-derived extracellular vesicles containing growth factors, cytokines and signalling molecules — is the next frontier in regenerative aesthetics. For the under-eye area, exosome preparations are applied topically after microneedling or injected via mesotherapy technique to amplify the tissue's own regenerative response.

Early clinical data suggests that exosomes may provide a more potent and more targeted regenerative stimulus than PRP, with the advantage of being a manufactured product (standardised potency, no blood draw required). However, the regulatory landscape in Australia is still developing, and we approach exosome therapy as an exciting complement to established treatments rather than a replacement.

Biostimulatory fillers for the mid-face

While not directly an under-eye treatment, I want to mention the role of mid-face volumisation with biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra or Radiesse) in improving tear trough appearance. In many clients, the tear trough hollow is not just a local volume deficiency — it is part of a broader pattern of mid-face volume loss where the cheek fat pads have descended, creating a visible lid-cheek junction that makes the tear trough appear deeper than it actually is.

Restoring volume to the medial and lateral cheek with a biostimulatory filler — which stimulates your own collagen production over three to six months — can lift the entire mid-face, soften the lid-cheek junction and reduce the apparent depth of the tear trough. In some cases, this approach reduces or eliminates the need for direct tear trough filler. We often recommend a combined protocol: Sculptra or Radiesse in the cheek for structural support, followed four to six weeks later by a small amount of HA filler in the tear trough for final refinement.

Building your under-eye treatment plan: a phased approach

At SkinSpirit, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to under-eye rejuvenation. Every client's anatomy, skin type, concerns and budget are different, and the best outcomes come from a carefully phased treatment plan that addresses each contributing factor systematically.

Phase 1: Foundation (weeks 1–8)

Medical-grade skincare. We start every under-eye treatment journey with the right homecare: a retinaldehyde or retinol eye cream, a vitamin C serum, SPF 50 daily (including the eyelids and under-eye area), and a targeted eye treatment containing caffeine, vitamin K and peptides. This phase alone produces a visible improvement in skin quality over six to eight weeks and establishes the foundation for more intensive treatments.

HydraFacial with Perk eye. Fortnightly treatments to improve lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and begin the skin-quality improvement process.

Phase 2: Clinical treatments (weeks 8–16)

Microneedling or RF microneedling. A course of three to four sessions at four-week intervals to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thicken the dermis and improve skin texture.

PRP or polynucleotide injections. Concurrent with or alternating with microneedling sessions, a course of three PRP or polynucleotide treatments to provide regenerative growth factors and improve microcirculation.

Chemical peels (if pigmentary component). A series of gentle lactic acid peels for clients with brown pigmentary dark circles.

Phase 3: Injectable correction (week 16+)

Tear trough filler (if indicated). Once the skin quality has been optimised through Phases 1 and 2, clients who still have significant volumetric hollowing proceed to tear trough filler. By this point, the improved skin quality means better filler integration, reduced risk of the Tyndall effect and a more natural result.

Mid-face volumisation (if indicated). Sculptra or Radiesse to the cheek for clients with broader mid-face volume loss contributing to the tear trough appearance.

Phase 4: Maintenance (ongoing)

Annual or biannual filler top-up. Small-volume maintenance treatments to preserve the correction.

Ongoing skincare and SPF. Non-negotiable.

Quarterly or biannual skin-boosting treatments. PRP, polynucleotides or HydraFacial to maintain skin quality.

LED therapy. Weekly or fortnightly as a gentle maintenance modality.

Autumn and winter: the ideal treatment window

We are publishing this guide in late April 2026 for a reason. Autumn and winter in Sydney — May through September — represent the optimal window for under-eye rejuvenation treatments, particularly those involving microneedling, chemical peels, RF microneedling or any procedure that increases the skin's photosensitivity.

Lower ambient UV, shorter days and the natural tendency to spend more time indoors all reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and allow treated skin to heal in optimal conditions. Starting a phased treatment plan now means that by the time spring and summer arrive, the cumulative improvements in skin quality and volume correction are fully established, and the maintenance phase can carry through the higher-UV months.

If you have been considering treatment for under-eye dark circles, there is no better time to begin than now.

What to look for in a practitioner

This is perhaps the most important section of this entire article. The under-eye area is not a beginner's zone. When choosing a practitioner for tear trough treatment — or any injectable treatment around the eyes — look for:

1. Qualification and registration. In Australia, only registered medical practitioners (doctors), registered nurses with appropriate training (working under medical supervision) and dentists can legally perform injectable treatments. Any practitioner offering tear trough filler should be registered with AHPRA and working within their scope of practice.

2. Specific tear trough experience. Ask how many tear trough treatments they perform per month. This is a procedure where volume of experience directly correlates with safety and results. We recommend practitioners who perform at least ten to twenty tear trough treatments per month.

3. Emergency protocols. Ask whether they keep hyaluronidase in the clinic and whether they have a vascular occlusion management protocol. The answer should be an unhesitating yes.

4. Conservative approach. Be wary of any practitioner who promises dramatic results in a single session or who does not offer a two-week review. The best tear trough results come from conservative, layered correction.

5. Before-and-after photographs. Ask to see their own work — not stock images from a product manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does tear trough filler cost in Sydney? In Sydney in 2026, tear trough filler typically costs between $600 and $1,200 per treatment, depending on the product used and the volume required. At SkinSpirit, we offer transparent pricing and will quote you precisely after your initial consultation.

Does tear trough filler hurt? Most clients describe the sensation as mild pressure with occasional brief stinging. We apply a topical numbing cream for twenty minutes before treatment, and the filler products themselves contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) which numbs the area as the product is injected. Most clients rate the discomfort as 2–3 out of 10.

Can I dissolve tear trough filler if I don't like it? Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down HA rapidly. If you are unhappy with your result, or if a complication occurs, the product can be removed. This is one of the key safety advantages of HA filler over permanent fillers (which we do not use or recommend for the tear trough).

What age should I start treating my under-eye area? There is no specific age. We see clients in their early twenties with genetic tear trough hollowing, and clients in their fifties who are addressing age-related volume loss for the first time. The right time to start is when the concern bothers you enough to seek treatment.

Can I wear makeup after tear trough filler? We recommend avoiding makeup for twenty-four hours after injection to reduce the risk of infection at the needle entry point. After that, normal makeup application can resume.

Are there people who should NOT get tear trough filler? Yes. Clients with significant orbital fat prolapse (true "bags"), severe skin laxity requiring surgical intervention (blepharoplasty), active skin infections, autoimmune conditions affecting the skin, or a history of severe allergic reactions to HA fillers should not proceed with tear trough filler. A thorough consultation will identify any contraindications.

The SkinSpirit approach

At SkinSpirit, our philosophy for under-eye rejuvenation is simple: treat the cause, not just the appearance. That means accurate diagnosis of the contributing factors (volumetric, vascular, pigmentary, structural), a phased treatment plan that addresses each factor in the right sequence, conservative injectable technique that prioritises safety and natural results, and honest communication about what each treatment can and cannot achieve.

Crystal, our injection nurse, has over eight years of experience in cosmetic injectables with specific expertise in periorbital rejuvenation. Rita, our beauty therapist, provides the complementary skin treatments — HydraFacial, microneedling, chemical peels and LED therapy — that optimise skin quality before and after injectable correction.

If you are ready to address your under-eye concerns, we invite you to book a consultation. We will assess your individual anatomy, identify the contributing factors, and design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Book your under-eye consultation at SkinSpirit Sydney — because looking well-rested should not require eight hours of extra sleep.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All cosmetic treatments carry risks and should be discussed with a qualified practitioner. Results vary between individuals. SkinSpirit operates under appropriate medical supervision in accordance with Australian regulations.