"Dr Nina is an artist! Do not hesitate to book an appointment, you will have an amazing experience. I have been going to Nina for the past 4 years. I have had Botox, fillers, under eye bags removed, most recently had a V Soft Line Thread Lower Face Lift (non surgical procedure). I have never felt any pain with any of my treatments or procedures. Nina is so gentle you don’t feel a thing, always caring, always advises the best solution for your face type and your problem area. Every visit I feel so welcomed, like a real VIP"
Treatments · Facial Sculpting
Tear Trough Rejuvenation
A minimally invasive hyaluronic-acid dermal filler treatment for hollowing and dark shadowing under the eyes — performed at Facial Sculpting, Dr Nina Bal’s doctor-led South Kensington clinic, for a refreshed, less tired look. The tear trough is a delicate, advanced area where careful patient selection matters most.
- Treatment
- Hyaluronic-acid dermal filler · under-eye
- Best for
- Under-eye hollows & shadowing
- Downtime
- Minimal — avoid exercise for ~24 hours
- Results
- Immediate · settle over ~2 weeks
- Longevity
- Typically up to ~12 months
- From
- £780 per session — consultation first
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
Save Face Platinum accredited
As seen in
Treatment summary
Tear Trough Rejuvenation at a glance
Tear trough rejuvenation uses a soft cross-linked hyaluronic-acid (HA) filler to gently restore volume to the hollow under the eye, softening shadows and the tired look they create. It is one of the most technically demanding filler treatments and is not suitable for everyone — careful assessment is essential, and it is reversible with hyalase. Results vary from person to person.
- What it treats
- Under-eye hollows, the tear-trough shadow, a tired or sunken look
- How it works
- A small amount of soft HA filler restores volume in the under-eye hollow
- Areas
- The tear trough (under-eye hollow) and the upper cheek transition
- Anaesthetic
- Topical numbing if needed; most fillers contain local anaesthetic
- Sessions
- Often one careful session; conservative top-up only if needed
- Downtime
- Minimal; this area can bruise and swell — avoid exercise for ~24 hours
- Results & longevity
- Immediate; settle by ~2 weeks; can last up to ~12 months
- Reversible
- Yes — HA filler can be dissolved with hyalase
- Performed by
- Dr Nina Bal — careful patient selection is essential
- Price
- From £780 per session — confirmed at consultation
The treatment
What is Tear Trough Rejuvenation?
The tear troughs — the dark, hollow grooves that can appear under the eyes — develop as the orbital septum weakens and the plump soft tissue and fat pads of the under-eye and cheek thin, descend or shift with age. This creates a deepening separation between the under-eye and the cheek, casting a shadow that reads as tiredness even when you are well rested. Tear trough rejuvenation uses a small amount of soft hyaluronic-acid (HA) filler to restore volume in this hollow, softening the shadow for a fresher, more rested appearance.
HA fillers are made from a clear gel that mimics a substance the body produces naturally; in the tear trough they are placed conservatively and deep, smoothing the transition between eye and cheek rather than adding obvious volume. The aim is a subtle, natural result that does not change how you look — just makes the eyes and face appear more relaxed and refreshed. Because the under-eye skin moves very little, results here often last well, and the effect tends to be subtle rather than dramatic.
The tear trough is one of the most technically demanding areas to treat, and not everyone is a candidate — much depends on your anatomy, skin and the true cause of your shadows. Where filler is not ideal, regenerative options such as Jalupro Young Eyes or polynucleotides, or restoring cheek support, may suit you better. See the honest limitations below.
Concerns it can help
What does Tear Trough Rejuvenation address?
Tear trough rejuvenation is designed for under-eye hollowing and the shadows it casts.
Honest suitability
Is Tear Trough Rejuvenation right for you?
Tear trough filler is not suitable for everyone — and we will tell you honestly if it is not right for you. This is a delicate area, and final suitability is always confirmed at consultation.
Often well suited
- A genuine hollow (tear-trough deficit) with good-quality skin
- Shadows caused by volume loss rather than pigment or fat bulging
- Good skin tone with little puffiness or fluid retention
- Wanting a subtle, natural refresh rather than a dramatic change
- Realistic expectations and good general health
- Comfortable with a conservative, staged approach
May not be suitable
- Prominent under-eye fat bags or significant puffiness (often better surgically)
- Dark circles caused mainly by pigmentation, not hollowing
- A tendency to fluid retention or under-eye swelling
- Very thin, lax or crepey skin prone to a bluish or lumpy result
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (subject to clinic policy)
- Active infection, certain medical conditions or unrealistic expectations
The process
How Tear Trough Rejuvenation works, step by step
- Consultation & assessmentDr Nina assesses the true cause of your under-eye shadows, your skin, the fat pads and cheek support, your medical history and goals, and confirms honestly whether filler is suitable.
- Plan conservativelyIf you are a candidate, a careful, conservative plan is made — often treating the cheek support as well as, or instead of, the trough itself.
- ComfortThe skin is cleansed and topical numbing can be applied; soft HA fillers used here also contain local anaesthetic for comfort.
- Precise, deep placementA small amount of soft HA filler is placed deep and precisely, frequently with a cannula to reduce bruising, and gently moulded.
- Review & aftercareYou receive detailed aftercare, and the result is reviewed once it settles at around two weeks; any top-up is added cautiously and only if needed.
“A less-is-more philosophy: the tear trough is treated only when it is genuinely right for you — conservatively, for a rested look, never overfilled.”
The Facial Sculpting approach · Dr Nina BalBefore treatment
What happens at your consultation
A consultation is required before tear trough rejuvenation, because this delicate area is not suitable for everyone. During your consultation with Dr Nina you will have a detailed under-eye and midface assessment, your medical history reviewed and the true cause of your shadows discussed. You will be talked through the procedure in detail — what it can and cannot achieve — and given the opportunity to ask questions.
The consultation covers your goals, an honest assessment of suitability, realistic expected outcomes, alternatives if filler is not ideal (such as regenerative under-eye treatments or cheek support), the possibility of dissolving with hyalase, aftercare, and confirmation of your individual plan and price. Dr Nina will only proceed where she believes the treatment is appropriate for you.
Results & recovery
What to expect afterwards
Tear trough rejuvenation involves minimal downtime, but the under-eye is a delicate, vascular area that can bruise and swell more than others. We advise avoiding strenuous exercise for around 24 hours to minimise swelling, and no makeup over the area for 48 hours. Mild swelling or bruising may last a few days; using a cannula and careful technique helps reduce this. Your team provides detailed aftercare advice.
Results & longevity: you notice a difference straight away, and the result continues to improve and settle over about two weeks. Because the under-eye skin barely moves, tear trough filler tends to last well — often up to around 12 months, and repeat treatments can last longer. It is not permanent and is fully reversible with hyalase. Duration varies with the product used, your anatomy and lifestyle.
Typical results timeline
Same day
An immediate, subtle refresh; mild swelling or bruising is possible.
First few days
Any swelling or bruising settles; avoid exercise for ~24 hours and makeup for 48.
~2 weeks
Filler has fully settled; this is the point to judge the final, natural result.
Up to ~12 months
The effect gradually fades; a conservative top-up maintains it if wanted.
Safety
Possible risks & side effects
The tear trough is one of the highest-skill filler areas, and choosing the right patient and product is as important as technique. Possible effects include swelling, bruising, tenderness and, specifically in this area, a risk of puffiness, fluid retention, a bluish tinge (the Tyndall effect) or visible lumps if filler is placed too superficially or in the wrong candidate. These are minimised by conservative, deep placement and careful patient selection, and discussed in full at consultation.
A rare but serious risk of any facial filler is accidental injection into a blood vessel (vascular occlusion); the area around the eye demands particular caution, an experienced medical injector and a clinic stocked with hyalase. HA tear trough filler is reversible and can be dissolved if you are unhappy or in the event of a complication. If anything is unexpected after treatment, contact the clinic promptly for advice.
Honest limitations
What Tear Trough Rejuvenation cannot do
- It treats hollowing — it cannot remove prominent under-eye fat bags (often surgical).
- It does not lighten dark circles caused mainly by pigmentation.
- It is not suitable for very puffy eyes or those prone to fluid retention.
- It is temporary, and not every patient is a candidate.
Compare your options
Tear Trough Rejuvenation vs other approaches
A simple, honest comparison to help you and Dr Nina choose the right route for the under-eye area.
| Approach | Best for | Invasiveness | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear trough filler (HA) | A true under-eye hollow with good skin | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Jalupro Young Eyes | Under-eye skin quality, fine lines & crepiness | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Polynucleotides | Regenerating thin, crepey under-eye skin | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Cheek filler (HA) | Restoring cheek support beneath the under-eye | Minimally invasive injectable | Minimal |
| Lower-eyelid surgery | Prominent fat bags / significant excess skin | Surgical, specialist referral | Several weeks |
Where filler is not ideal, regenerative under-eye treatments like Jalupro Young Eyes or polynucleotides may suit you better, and prominent fat bags are referred for a surgical opinion. The honest right route is agreed at consultation.
Transparent pricing
How much does Tear Trough Rejuvenation cost?
From £780 per session — your suitability and exact plan are confirmed at consultation first.
Tear Trough Rejuvenation
From£780
Per session — soft hyaluronic-acid filler to restore the under-eye hollow, performed only where suitable; assessed at consultation.
Book this planThe exact price depends on your individual plan, which is confirmed after your consultation. View the full price list.
Why Facial Sculpting
Tear Trough Rejuvenation at the Facial Sculpting Clinic
Doctor-led & selective
The tear trough is not for everyone. Dr Nina assesses you honestly and treats only when it is genuinely right.
Conservative & natural
A small amount of soft filler, placed precisely, for a rested look — never an overfilled or puffy one.
Reversible & safe
HA filler can be dissolved with hyalase, and treatment is carried out by an experienced medical injector.
Dr Nina Bal
Cosmetic Doctor & Founder · South Kensington, London
Patients choose Facial Sculpting for tear trough rejuvenation because Dr Nina is openly selective about this delicate, high-skill area — she would rather decline treatment, or recommend a regenerative option such as Jalupro Young Eyes or polynucleotides, or restore cheek support, than place filler in an unsuitable candidate. Where it is right for you, the result is subtle, natural and fully reversible.
GDC registeredBCAM memberSave Face PlatinumJCCP
GHP Best Facial Transformation Clinic London 2025Endolift UK Achievement Award 2025Safety in Beauty Best Aesthetic DoctorSafety in Beauty Best Non-Surgical TransformationGHP Best Non-Surgical Aesthetics Studio 2024Aesthetics Awards Finalist 2024Save Face Platinum
Accreditations & recognition
Save Face Platinum accredited
Registered with the General Dental Council
British College of Aesthetic Medicine member
Save Face COVID-19 Operational Protocol Certified
ICO — Information Commissioner's Office
JCCP — Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners
Featured in the Tatler Address Book
Hello! Aesthetics Guide
Safety in Beauty memberTrusted by patients
What our patients say about Facial Sculpting Clinic
Real reviews from patients who chose Dr Nina Bal and the Facial Sculpting team.
5.0
★★★★★
Rated 5.0 by patients on Google
via Google
L
Lou L.Patient review
★★★★★
I had my tear trough filler done with Dr Nina and the results were simply incredible. She is so lovely and caring and really puts you at ease. I will be going back time and time again! She is the best!!
Verified patient
C
Christa T.Patient review
★★★★★
I visited Dr Nina Bal to understand my changing skin. She gave a thorough review of how best to approach, not only from in clinic treatments, but also a bespoke selection of products. My skin is much healthier and visibly improved since starting treatment
Verified patient
H
Henad A.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr Nina, Grace and Olivia are all lovely, trust their work and knowledge
Verified patient
R
Rebecca B.Patient review
★★★★★
Dr Nina’s expertise speaks for itself and I’m thrilled with the results from botox- it’s very subtle and natural, whilst achieving the lift and smoothness I was after. Dr Nina takes the time to listen to your goals and concerns, and is also helping with my skin care. Highly recommend!
Verified patient
L
Lucianna G.Patient review
★★★★★
I’ve seen Dr. Nina twice now for lip augmentation, and honestly I couldn’t recommend her enough! The care she took in ensuring she knew what I wanted, as well as keeping me safe was more than any other practitioner I have been with. I have superficial blood vessels, so I am more prone to having complications, and she explained this to me and took all the necessary measures to ensure I got fabulous results while still being safe. I know that I can always contact her if anything worries me and for me that is paramount. Coming from a medical background it’s difficult to find someone I can trust, and after meeting lots of facial aesthetics doctors/dentists I know that I’ll be sticking with her! Also, she gives very helpful information on her instagram and TikTok!
Verified patient
Your questions
Tear Trough Rejuvenation FAQs
What is tear trough rejuvenation?
Tear trough rejuvenation is a non-surgical treatment that uses a small amount of soft hyaluronic-acid dermal filler to restore volume to the hollow under the eye, softening the shadows and tired look caused by under-eye hollowing. It aims for a subtle, refreshed result rather than an obvious change.
How much does tear trough filler cost in London?
Tear trough rejuvenation at Facial Sculpting is from £780 per session. Because this area is delicate and not suitable for everyone, your suitability is assessed first at consultation, where your individual plan and price are confirmed.
Is tear trough filler suitable for everyone?
No — and this is important. The tear trough is one of the most technically demanding areas, and suitability depends on your anatomy, skin quality and the true cause of your shadows. Prominent fat bags, puffiness, fluid retention, very thin skin or pigment-based dark circles can all make filler unsuitable. Dr Nina will tell you honestly if it is not right for you.
Who is a good candidate for tear trough rejuvenation?
Good candidates usually have a genuine under-eye hollow caused by volume loss, good-quality skin and little puffiness or fluid retention. If your dark circles are mainly pigmentation, or you have prominent fat bags, a different treatment or a surgical opinion may suit you better. A consultation with Dr Nina confirms this.
Does tear trough filler hurt?
Most patients find it tolerable. The skin can be numbed with a topical anaesthetic and the soft fillers used here contain local anaesthetic. Dr Nina often uses a cannula rather than a needle in this area, which can reduce both discomfort and bruising.
How long do tear trough fillers last?
Because the under-eye skin moves very little, results often last well — typically up to around 12 months, and repeat treatments can last longer. It is not permanent, and longevity varies with the product used, your anatomy and lifestyle.
Will tear trough filler look natural?
When you are a suitable candidate and the filler is placed conservatively and deep, the result should look natural — your eyes and face simply appear more rested. The aim is never to add obvious volume; over-filling this area looks puffy and unnatural, which is why Dr Nina treats it cautiously.
Can tear trough filler be dissolved?
Yes. Because we use hyaluronic-acid filler, it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase (hyalase). Reversibility is especially reassuring in the under-eye area — if you are unhappy with the result, or in the rare event of a complication, the filler can be removed. See our hyalase page for more.
Will I bruise or swell after tear trough filler?
The under-eye is a delicate, vascular area, so some swelling or bruising is possible and more likely here than elsewhere. We advise avoiding exercise for around 24 hours and makeup for 48 hours. Careful technique and using a cannula help reduce this, and any bruising usually settles within a few days.
Can tear trough filler remove dark circles?
It can help when dark circles are caused by hollowing and the shadow it casts. If your dark circles are mainly due to pigmentation or thin, visible skin, filler will not lighten them, and skin-quality or regenerative treatments may be more appropriate. Dr Nina identifies the cause at consultation.
Can tear trough filler get rid of eye bags?
No — prominent under-eye fat bags are a different concern and are usually best assessed surgically. Adding filler around true fat bags can make them look worse. Dr Nina will examine your under-eye carefully and refer for a surgical opinion where that is the more appropriate route.
What is the alternative if I am not suitable for tear trough filler?
Where filler is not ideal, regenerative under-eye treatments such as Jalupro Young Eyes or polynucleotides can improve skin quality and crepiness, and restoring cheek support with cheek filler can indirectly soften the under-eye transition. Dr Nina will recommend the most suitable option for your concern.
Is tear trough filler safe?
In the right hands and the right candidate, hyaluronic-acid tear trough filler is well established, but it is a high-skill area near the eye, so an experienced medical injector and a clinic that stocks hyalase are essential. Risks specific to the area — puffiness, a bluish tinge or lumps — are minimised by conservative, deep placement and careful selection, and discussed in full at consultation.
Is a consultation required before tear trough rejuvenation?
Yes — a consultation is required, because this delicate area is not suitable for everyone. Dr Nina assesses the cause of your shadows, your skin and anatomy, discusses what filler can and cannot achieve, considers alternatives, and confirms your suitability, plan and price before any treatment.
Take the next step
Book your Tear Trough Rejuvenation consultation
If you are considering Tear Trough Rejuvenation, a consultation is the safest way to confirm whether it is right for your skin, anatomy and goals — and to receive an honest recommendation and exact pricing.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information about a non-surgical aesthetic treatment and is not medical advice. Suitability, benefits, risks and results vary from patient to patient. Dr Nina Bal and her team will assess whether Tear Trough Rejuvenation is appropriate for you during a consultation. Before-and-after photographs are of individual patients for illustration only and are not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
