Tear Trough Filler vs. Eye Creams: Which is More Effective?
Dark circles are a common feature and aren’t simply caused by a lack of sleep. While fatigue is one of the reasons for dark circles appearing, it can also appear as you age, your individual genetics and skin conditions contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
There are two popular solutions to consider when it comes to tackling dark circles, under-eye hollows and tired-looking eyes. These are tear trough fillers and eye creams. But which one works better? Which one is more effective?
In this guide, we’ll look at how tear trough filler works and whether it’s a more effective treatment to get over-purchasing an eye cream.
1. Understanding tear troughs
Tear troughs are the area between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. They will usually appear as a deep crease or a dark circle under the eyes. These often become more noticeable with age but the appearance can be determined by more than just fatigue and ageing.
Tear troughs can bring up a few issues for a person, whether that’s dark circles that make you look as if you’ve not slept in years, to hollows that make your face look gaunt, even though you are likely in good health otherwise.
To go into more detail, the causes of hollow tear troughs are expansive. Here are just a few causes:
Genetics - Tear troughs can be a feature present from adolescence and may be influenced by your own genetics.
Weight loss - Weight loss can result in a loss of volume in the area around the eyes, which contributes to that hollow appearance.
Ageing - As people age, the skin and soft tissues around the eyes will naturally lose volume from lack of collagen production and that can cause the fat pads beneath the eyes to bulge forward.
Stress - This can be a key cause of many skin-related problems including the formation of tear troughs.
The quality of sleep you get, as well as your lifestyle, can all impact the appearance of tear troughs, so no one contribution is going to be the sole cause of it.
2. What are tear trough fillers?
Tear trough fillers are an under-eye filler or dermal filler that is used as a cosmetic solution for deep hollows and tired-looking eyes.
As a non-surgical procedure, it’s more popular due to the fact that you don’t have to go under the knife to get the results you want. The procedure involves a gel-like substance that’s injected into the specific areas around the eyes to help replace the lost volume.
The outcome is a smoother and younger-looking appearance, as well as helping to reduce deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Typically, the results present themselves around two weeks post-treatment. A lot of younger people are getting this treatment now but it’s an option that’s available for all ages.
Pros of tear trough fillers
In order to figure out whether this is the right solution for you or not, here are some pros and cons to tear trough fillers.
You’ll get immediate results within two weeks of the treatment. You may also notice a difference straight after the procedure.
The results are long-lasting and you’ll be able to see the difference for at least six to twelve months before needing another injection.
It’s a minimally invasive treatment that’s handy for those not wanting a surgical alternative.
There’s very little downtime involved so you can get up and about without needing to take time off work.
Cons of tear trough fillers
What are the disadvantages of getting tear trough fillers? Like all treatments, there can be some cons to getting tear trough fillers.
It’s a costly treatment compared to topical alternatives. It might not be the best budget-friendly option for some.
There are potential side effects that occur such as bruising and swelling which can be painful. You may also end up with uneven results when comparing each side.
The treatment requires a skilled practitioner so it’s important to find the right person before putting your face in the hands of others.
What do tear trough fillers feel like?
Tear trough filler injections are not considered to be painful but they do feel a little uncomfortable. The area is numbed with a topical anaesthetic cream before the hyaluronic acid gel is injected. The gel also usually has an anaesthetic contained in it too.
Ideal candidates for tear trough fillers
The ideal candidate when it comes to tear trough fillers would be those who are in their mid to late 20s and 30s. If you have specific concerns such as dark circles or hollowing under the eyes, then this would be worthwhile to spend your money on.
However, it’s not the best for anyone who gets puffy under the eyes or has a lot of fluid retention. The same goes for anyone who has excess or loose skin under the eyes.
3. What are eye creams?
Eye cream is a moisturiser that is applied to the delicate skin around the eyes. It’s formulated to help with dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines. There are a number of different eye creams you can get beyond just moisturising too. If you want a brightened under-eye then you can get eye creams that promise to brighten this area.
You can also get anti-aging eye creams to help tackle fine lines and deep wrinkles more specifically.
There are some common ingredients used in eye creams that can help improve the appearance of dark circles and tired eyes. These include hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, retinol, and good old caffeine.
Pros of eye creams
For those looking into the benefits of eye creams, here are some of the pros to consider.
Non-invasive and easy to apply yourself. No need for anyone to help.
More affordable than fillers which makes it a budget-friendly option.
Can address multiple concerns such as anti-aging, hydration of the skin and dark circles.
Can be used by almost anyone.
Cons of eye creams
What about the disadvantages of eye creams? Here are a few reasons why eye creams might not be the best choice.
Results are gradual and subtle. In comparison to fillers, you might not get the results you wanted.
Won’t be effective for deep tear troughs or significant volume loss. There’s only so much a topical cream can do!
Consistent use is required for there to be any noticeable difference. That’s a commitment for those who might not have a lot of time.
Ideal candidates for eye creams
The ideal candidate for eye creams is usually someone who has early signs of ageing. Those who are younger will likely benefit from regular use of eye creams and will likely notice the difference over time.
For those who aren’t suitable for tear trough filler, eye creams can be a good alternative to try and improve the appearance of this area.
How much should you spend on an eye cream?
The price of eye creams vary depending on which brands you go for. For some it could be as little as £6 up to £65 and over. It’s always best to look at the ingredients and ensure the ones mentioned above are in any eye cream you end up buying.
4. Tear trough fillers vs. eye creams: A comparative analysis
So how do the two compare against each other? Which one is most suitable for those who would be a good match for both? Let’s take a comparative look and see which one comes out on top.
Effectiveness
When it comes to getting immediate results, tear trough fillers will provide an instant change. Compared to eye creams, it’s more of a gradual change, so perhaps not so effective. It also depends on your main concern, if you struggle with volume loss filler will be more effective, whereas if hydration was your main concern a good eye cream would be more effective.
Cost
Tear trough fillers are more expensive so in the short-term they may be costly but they end up having a financial benefit in that you don’t need to worry about getting them done again until a year or so down the line.
Eye creams can be costly, especially when you’re looking for high-quality ingredients and you’re probably going to spend more money over time.
Convenience
There’s a convenience that tear trough fillers offer over using eye creams on a daily basis. Not everyone has the time to spend on their skincare and so the fillers can be a quick solution. However, having a skincare routine can be therapeutic and a preferred choice.
Risks and side effects
There are potential complications and side effects with non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as tear trough filler, which might not appeal to everyone, such as bruising. Eye creams are less likely to cause any side effects, some people prefer the less invasive option for their beauty routine.
Suitability
Tear trough fillers may only be suitable for some people, while eye creams are relatively inclusive to everyone who wants to use them.
Longevity
Finally, it’s important to note that the duration of results from fillers is around six to twelve months. It’s only after that point that you might need to consider going back for more. This may be better than having to use an eye cream every day.
5. How to choose the right option for you
Choosing the right option for you will look different to others who are also considering fillers vs eye creams.
It’s important to assess your needs. Consider the severity of the under-eye concerns and whether these can be resolved with eye creams. The budget you have available should also be factored in because fillers can be expensive. At the same time, you might save money in the long-term by not spending as much on eye creams.
It’s beneficial to consult with professionals to see what a dermatologist or aesthetician would suggest. Finding the right one is important. Of course, your personal preferences should weigh into your decision too.
6. Conclusion
Tear trough fillers can be a great option for those looking for immediate results, while eye creams can benefit those on a budget. You may prefer tear trough fillers due to their effectiveness and longevity or you may look to use eye creams because there are fewer risks and side effects.
Consider your individual needs when it comes to choosing between the two and be sure to consult a professional for personalised advice. If you’re looking to book a consultation on tear trough treatments, then get in touch so we can answer all your questions and more.
Share this post
