
Tear troughs and hyaluronic acid: when filler helps and when it doesn’t
Written by the Dermapure specialist team. Last updated: 4 October 2026.
A shadow under the eye that doesn’t go away even after a good night’s sleep is a common reason for a visit to our clinic. Hyaluronic acid can give a natural-looking result in this area, but not for everyone. Many people come to us convinced that tear trough filler is right for them, and after the consultation it turns out that a different treatment would work better, or that the treatment would not be worthwhile for them. We explain what this depends on, what the treatment looks like at Dermapure and what to expect afterwards.

What the tear trough is and what causes it
The tear trough is a hollow that starts at the inner corner of the eye, runs along the lower edge of the eye socket and slopes down towards the cheek. The skin here is very thin, so even a small loss of volume creates a shadow and a tired look.
In some people the tear trough is visible from a young age, because it comes from the structure of the facial bones and the thickness of the skin. In others it deepens with age, as the skin loses firmness and the body produces less collagen and hyaluronic acid. Stress and lack of sleep can make it even more noticeable, because they encourage puffiness under the eyes.
Who is suitable for tear trough filler
Shadows under the eyes have different causes, and hyaluronic acid addresses only one of them: lack of volume. If the shadow comes from something else, filler will not remove it, and sometimes it can even make it more visible.
There is no simple rule that lets you assess this yourself in the mirror or from a photo. Two people with similar shadows may be given completely different recommendations. That is why we always start with a face-to-face consultation with a specialist. The specialist takes a medical history, assesses the skin and the structure of the eye area, and then tells you plainly whether the treatment makes sense.
For example, we do not perform the treatment on people who:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- have active cold sores or skin inflammation in the treatment area,
- have cancer,
- have a blood clotting disorder,
- are prone to swelling and puffiness under the eyes,
- are allergic to any ingredient of the product.
We go through the full list of contraindications at the consultation.
Why filling the tear trough with hyaluronic acid is not always a good idea
Hyaluronic acid binds water. In people who tend to have morning puffiness or have pronounced bags under their eyes, this can make swelling in this area worse. With very thin skin, a poorly chosen product, or one injected too superficially, may show through. If we see a risk like this, we advise against the treatment or suggest another solution.
What the treatment looks like at Dermapure
Before the treatment, it is a good idea to stop taking supplements and products that thin the blood (for example those containing ginkgo biloba or vitamin E), and not to drink alcohol the day before. This lowers the risk of bruising. We discuss any medicines you take regularly at the consultation. Do not stop taking them on your own.
We apply a special numbing cream to the skin. Whether the product is injected with a needle or a cannula is decided by the specialist during the consultation, after examining the patient’s face. The visit takes about 60 minutes. One treatment is usually enough, and after about two weeks you can come in for an optional follow-up visit.
Does it hurt, and what are the first few days after the treatment like?
Thanks to the numbing cream, the treatment is comfortable and any discomfort is minimal. The result is visible straight away. The treatment requires no recovery time, so you can go back to your usual activities the same day.
Redness, swelling or a bruise may appear at the injection site. These usually go away within 48 hours, sometimes after a few days.
In the first few days after the treatment, we recommend:
- not massaging the eye area, as this may shift the product,
- avoiding saunas, hot baths and strenuous exercise,
- keeping the skin clean: changing your pillowcase and towel, and not holding pets close to your face.
If anything worries you, you can message or call us any day of the week.
How long the result lasts
The result of tear trough filler usually lasts 12 to 18 months. Hyaluronic acid is gradually absorbed by the body, and how quickly this happens depends on individual factors and lifestyle. Results vary from person to person. When the result starts to fade, the treatment can be repeated.


More before and after photos can be found in our results gallery, in the Tear trough filler section.
Possible side effects, and what if you don’t like the result
Tear trough filler is a medical treatment and, like any other, carries some risk. Most often this means the temporary symptoms described above. Rarer complications, their symptoms and how they are managed are discussed in detail at the consultation.
If necessary, a hyaluronic acid-based product can be dissolved, and we do this at Dermapure as well. We also help patients with complications after treatments done at other clinics. We write more about this on our page about treatment of complications. Dermapure is a healthcare provider entered in the Polish Register of Healthcare Providers (RPWDL).
Other options for dark circles under the eyes
When hyaluronic acid is not a good choice, the specialist may suggest something else. Our treatments include, for example, facial mesotherapy covering the tear trough, and eye area mesotherapy. If the tear trough is part of a wider loss of volume in the middle of the face, a better result may come from facial volume restoration, which restores volume to the cheeks. When the shadow is caused by fatty bags under the eyes, a surgical consultation is usually needed.
How much does tear trough filler cost in Warsaw?
At Dermapure, tear trough filler costs 1300 zł. Facial mesotherapy including the tear trough costs 700 zł, and eye area mesotherapy 550 zł. Current prices for all treatments are in our price list.
We see patients at our clinic at Grzybowska 3/U7 in Warsaw (Śródmieście). We have been operating for more than 10 years and in that time have performed more than 50,000 treatments for nearly 12,000 patients. Details of the treatment are on our page about tear trough filler in Warsaw.
You can book a free, no-obligation consultation through Booksy or by phone: +48 576 079 976. We describe what the first visit looks like in our article Consultation at an aesthetic medicine clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Does tear trough filler hurt?
We apply a numbing cream before the treatment. It makes the treatment comfortable, and any discomfort is minimal.
When is the result visible?
Straight after the treatment. Any swelling usually goes down within 48 hours, and the result can be properly assessed at the optional follow-up visit after about two weeks.
How long does hyaluronic acid last in the tear trough?
Usually 12 to 18 months. Results vary from person to person.
Can hyaluronic acid in the tear trough be dissolved?
Yes. If necessary, we can dissolve the product at Dermapure.
Can I go to work after the treatment?
Yes, the treatment requires no recovery time. Slight swelling or a bruise may appear.
How can I find out whether I am suitable for the treatment?
Only at a face-to-face consultation with a specialist. This cannot be reliably assessed from a photo. The consultation is free and without obligation.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist.









































