What are tear trough fillers?

Tear trough fillers are an injectable cosmetic treatment involving dermal fillers injected in the lower eyelid area at the junction where the lower eyelids and cheeks meet, adding and restoring volume and replenishing soft tissue. This facial area can commonly age poorly amongst patients, as the facial area hollows and deepens, creating the appearance of dark circles and sagging skin. Dark undereye shadows are often exacerbated by lack of exercise, prolonged illness, lack of sleep, stress, and lifestyle choices. The filler is injected deep onto the bone to correct hollowing around the outside (lateral) eye area. Tear trough fillers not only add volume but tighten and firm the skin for an instantly rejuvenated, fresh appearance.

Do tear trough injections hurt?

Of course, the experience of having needles near your eyes can make most patients nervous, which we work to mitigate by providing a comfortable space. The injections feel similar to a slight pinch, and a bit of pressure as the gel is injected. We also work to minimise any discomfort by numbing the area beforehand and using anaesthesia if required.

Am I a suitable candidate for tear trough fillers?

You may be a suitable candidate for tear trough injections if you meet the following: Have mild to moderate skin sagging around and under the eyes. Have thick, healthy skin. Have realistic expectations for the outcome. Understand that the treatment is not permanent. Are physically healthy. However, you may not be eligible for the treatment if: You have thin skin or excess skin and fat beneath the eyes. You have deep tear troughs. You have an active skin infection in the area. You have a medical condition that could potentially raise complications. You have dark, pigmented circles under your eyes. You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tear Trough Fillers – Shellharbour Skin

The area beneath the eyes, where the lower eyelid meets the upper cheek, is known as the infraorbital or “tear trough” region.

An Under-Eye Volume Consultation at Shellharbour Skin provides an opportunity to discuss concerns relating to this delicate area, including changes in contour, volume, or skin texture that may develop over time.

This consultation focuses on education, anatomical understanding, and safety planning.

It is not designed to promote a particular aesthetic service but to help you understand the factors contributing to visible changes and explore appropriate management pathways in a safe, evidence-based manner.

Understanding Why the Under-Eye Area Changes

The under-eye area is one of the thinnest and most dynamic regions of the face.
Changes here occur gradually due to a combination of structural, biological, and environmental factors.

Contributing influences may include:

Genetic anatomy: The natural depth and shape of the tear trough vary between individuals.

Soft-tissue changes: Loss of fat pads or redistribution of facial volume can alter contour.

Collagen and elastin decline: Reduced support in the skin contributes to fine lines and thinning.

Bone structure and ageing: Gradual resorption of the orbital rim can deepen the under-eye appearance.

Lifestyle and environment: Sleep quality, stress, sun exposure, and smoking can influence skin tone and texture.

Understanding these natural processes allows your clinician to assess the area accurately and discuss safe, appropriate management options.

Your Consultation at Shellharbour Skin

Your consultation is a comprehensive, discussion-based appointment focused on your individual anatomy, health history, and goals.

During your appointment, your clinician will:

Review your medical history, including medications, allergies, and previous procedures
Assess the skin quality, thickness, and structure of the under-eye and mid-face region
Discuss your specific areas of concern and observations
Explain the biological and anatomical factors
Provide information on safe management pathways and associated safety considerations
Outline potential risks, limitations, and side effects that may apply to any approach
Offer the opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns throughout the process

All consultations are conducted under medical supervision by qualified clinicians experienced in the assessment of high-risk facial areas. No intervention is undertaken without a complete medical assessment, confirmed suitability, and an informed-consent process.

Clinical Discussion and Management Planning

Following your assessment, your clinician may discuss management pathways or non-surgical clinical options appropriate for your circumstances.

These discussions are educational in nature, aimed at helping you understand safety, suitability, and timing, not at suggesting or promoting a particular intervention or aesthetic result.

Topics that may be discussed include:

Observation or monitoring, where no intervention is required
Clinical considerations relating to soft-tissue balance in the under-eye and mid-face
Discussion of skin quality, hydration, or texture-supportive measures
Consideration of contributing areas such as the cheeks or temples to support overall proportion

No intervention is performed without a complete assessment, confirmed suitability, and informed consent. Your clinician will clearly explain relevant information, including possible risks and aftercare requirements, before any next steps.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

If a management pathway is undertaken, temporary effects such as mild redness, swelling, or tenderness may occur.

The under-eye area is highly vascular and may bruise more readily than other regions. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve within several days.

Your clinician will provide tailored aftercare advice, which may include:

Avoiding makeup and active skincare products for 24–48 hours
Limiting strenuous activity and heat exposure
Avoiding pressure or massage to the treated area
Sleeping with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling
Attending follow-up appointments if recommended

Written aftercare instructions and contact details will be provided following your consultation.

Risks and Considerations

All aesthetic and medical interventions carry potential risks.

The under-eye region is considered high-risk due to its proximity to delicate blood vessels and ocular structures.

Common temporary effects may include:

Redness, swelling, or mild bruising
Localised tenderness or sensitivity
Temporary uneven texture or firmness

Less common or serious risks may include:

Prolonged swelling or inflammation
Skin discolouration or pigmentation changes
Infection or delayed healing
Rare allergic or inflammatory reactions
Vascular compromise (reduced blood flow), which can lead to skin injury or, in extremely rare cases, vision changes or loss

If you experience pain, discolouration, or any change in vision following a procedure, contact the clinic or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Your clinician will discuss these risks in full during your consultation, ensuring you understand them before deciding whether to proceed with any intervention.

Cost and Planning

Consultation fees for under-eye assessments depend on the complexity of the appointment.

Your clinician will confirm all fees prior to your consultation. If a management pathway is discussed, it will be outlined and cost separately after your clinical assessment.

No intervention is undertaken without informed consent.

Important Information

Shellharbour Skin provides consultations for aesthetic assessment and management planning.
We do not advertise or promote prescription-only medicines in accordance with AHPRA and TGA requirements.
All services are provided only after a complete medical assessment and informed-consent process.
Suitability, recovery, and experience vary between individuals.
Consultations are available to adults aged 18 years and over.
This information is provided for educational and transparency purposes and does not replace medical advice.

Practitioner Transparency

Consultations and skin treatments at Shellharbour Skin are provided by a multidisciplinary clinical team:

Dermal Clinicians – qualified skin professionals who are not registered under AHPRA but hold tertiary qualifications in dermal science or dermal therapies. They provide skin treatments and consultations within their professional scope and under clinical supervision.

Registered Nurses – AHPRA-registered health practitioners who perform skin and aesthetic treatments within their clinical training and scope of practice.

Medical Practitioners – AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine who oversee and support all clinical services.

All treatments are undertaken within a medically supervised environment, ensuring that each patient pathway is reviewed for clinical suitability, safety, and evidence-based care.

You can verify registration for medical practitioners and nurses at ahpra.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I look tired even when I’ve had enough sleep?

Feeling or appearing “tired” is a common concern and can be influenced by more than just rest.

Under-eye shadows or hollows often relate to natural facial structure, volume distribution, and skin thickness in the lower eyelid and cheek junction. Factors such as genetics, dehydration, UV exposure, and ageing can make this area appear more hollow or shadowed over time.

A professional consultation can help you understand the anatomical and lifestyle influences unique to you.

What causes hollow or sunken under eyes?

Hollowing beneath the eyes occurs when the natural fat pads and support structures shift or thin with time. Bone remodelling and collagen decline can accentuate this, creating a deeper contour known as the “tear trough.” Your clinician will assess whether these changes are related to volume, skin quality, or lifestyle, as each requires a different approach.

Can skincare or lifestyle habits help with under-eye concerns?

Yes, while topical products cannot replace medical care, maintaining healthy skin can improve resilience. Hydration, adequate sleep, sun protection, and balanced nutrition all support the under-eye area.

Avoiding smoking and managing stress also help preserve skin elasticity and circulation.

Your clinician can guide you on realistic, evidence-based ways to maintain or improve this delicate region.

Are dark circles and volume loss the same thing?

No. “Dark circles” may be caused by pigmentation, visible blood vessels, thin skin, or shadows from natural facial structure.
“Volume loss” refers to a change in the underlying soft tissue or bone that makes the area appear hollow. A clinical assessment can help distinguish between these causes and determine whether your concerns relate to skin tone, texture, or contour.

Are “tear trough fillers” or injectables used at Shellharbour Skin?

Under Australian law and AHPRA 2025 advertising regulations, prescription-only injectable products cannot be named or promoted publicly.

Such options are discussed only after an in-person medical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified prescriber. If clinically appropriate, your clinician will provide factual, balanced information about their mechanism, safety, and suitability, not brand names or results claims.

Who performs under-eye consultations at Shellharbour Skin?

Your consultation may be conducted by one of the following:

Dermal Clinicians — tertiary-qualified professionals (not AHPRA-registered) practising skin treatments within their scope and under clinical supervision

Registered Nurses — AHPRA-registered health practitioners performing skin and aesthetic treatments within scope

Medical Practitioners — AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine who oversee all clinical services

All services occur in a medically supervised environment. You can verify AHPRA registration for nurses and doctors at ahpra.gov.au

Have a Question?

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