How do you know if it has gone wrong?
Mild swelling or bruising after under-eye injections is expected and usually fades within a few days. But if things do not settle, or your results look off weeks later, there may be an issue with the treatment.
Some signs of a botched tear trough filler include:
Lumps or uneven texture
This often means the filler was not placed evenly or has migrated. You may feel or see small bumps under the skin.
Puffiness or swelling
Using too much product or the wrong type of filler can cause persistent puffiness or Malar oedema, especially in patients with slower lymphatic drainage.
Blue tint (Tyndall effect)
If filler is injected too close to the surface, light reflects off the product, creating a blue hue in the under-eye area. This tends to happen more in patients with thinner skin or poor filler choice.
Persistent bruising or swelling
Ongoing inflammation may indicate improper filler placement, poor post-procedure instructions, or, in rare cases, a vascular complication affecting blood flow.
Vision problems or allergic reactions
Though extremely rare, changes in vision or signs of an allergic response should always be treated as a medical concern and reviewed immediately.
Why does tear trough filler go wrong?
Most cases of botched tear trough filler are caused by one of the following:
Lack of experience
The under-eye region is complex. A skilled dermal filler injector needs to understand muscle structure, vascular anatomy, and the effect of midface volume loss on under-eye hollowing.
Wrong filler type
Not all cosmetic fillers are designed for this area. Using a product that is too dense or intended for nasolabial folds or lips can lead to poor outcomes.
Overfilling
Too much filler can result in puffiness, distortion, or an unnatural look. This is especially true for those with fluid retention, under eye hollowing or thin skin.
Poor candidate selection
This cosmetic procedure is not suitable for everyone. If you have significant skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, or certain anatomical features, other non-surgical treatments may be better suited to your goals.
What can you do if your filler looks off?
Do not panic. Most under-eye filler issues can be sorted out. One of the most effective corrective steps is using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that safely dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers. This is often used to treat puffiness, uneven texture, or Tyndall discolouration.
Other solutions include:
- Adding a small amount of filler in the right plane to balance volume
- Waiting for the product to naturally break down
- Switching to an alternative cosmetic treatment such as skin boosters, Botulinum Toxin or under-eye laser therapy for issues related to pigmentation or skin texture
Most importantly, always seek advice from a medically trained practitioner with experience in under-eye treatments and tear trough correction.
How to avoid under-eye filler issues
When it comes to filler safety, prevention is always best. Here are a few essential steps to reduce the risk of complications:
Choose an experienced injector
At Oracle Clinics, all dermal filler treatments are carried out by medical professionals who understand advanced anatomy, filler rheology, and patient safety.
Have a detailed consultation
Not all tear trough concerns are caused by volume loss. Sometimes the issue lies in skin texture, midface sagging or hyperpigmentation. Your consultation should always include a full assessment of the under-eye and midface area.
Use the right product
We only use medical-grade hyaluronic acid fillers suitable for the under-eye area. Products designed for other parts of the face may not integrate properly in this delicate region.
Follow post-treatment guidelines
After your cosmetic procedure, it’s important to follow your post-treatment care instructions carefully. That includes avoiding pressure on the area, skipping exercise for 24 hours, staying upright for a few hours post-treatment, and applying cold compression if advised.
Are there any risks to know about?
While tear trough filler is considered a safe non-surgical cosmetic treatment, there are some rare risks. These include:
- Vascular occlusion if the filler blocks a blood vessel
- Persistent swelling or bruising beyond normal recovery time
- Discolouration such as the Tyndall effect in thinner skin
- Allergic reactions to the product or post-treatment complications
Working with a trusted dermal filler injector and following clear post-treatment guidelines helps keep your recovery smooth and results looking natural.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here
If your tear trough filler hasn’t turned out how you hoped, or if something about your under-eye area just doesn’t feel right anymore, you are not imagining it. And you are definitely not alone.
At Oracle Clinics in Carlisle, Nurse Ness Griffiths offers advanced correction treatments and honest advice that puts your wellbeing first. Whether you are looking to fix a past filler or find a better approach for your skin, we are here when you are ready.
Because your face deserves expertise. Your concerns deserve proper care. And your confidence deserves to feel like you again.
