Fillers under the Eyes - A Treatment Guide by Dr Willie Storm
Dr Willie Storm’s private practice in Cape Town offers professional treatments for fillers under the eyes.
Do your eyes make you look older than you are or tired all the time? Are your eyes showing signs of ageing? Perhaps you have dark circles around your eyes? As we grow older we often develop fine lines around our eyes or our eyes can appear a little sunken in. This is as we lose the fat layer under our skin, due to the natural process of ageing.
Are you considering enhancements for under your eyes? Then let Dr Storm, a professional family doctor and general practitioner(GP) who also offers cosmetic procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers treatments, consult you on fillers under the eyes to reverse the signs of ageing.
The Purpose of Fillers under the Eyes and Similar Treatments
Placing small amounts of fillers under the eyes is a cosmetic injection procedure used to lighten the tear trough or under-eye area. This filler treatment results in a brighter and plumper area under the eyes, while the reduction of under-eye shadows provides a well-rested appearance.
Fillers under the eye treatments are most effective for people who have dark under-eye hollows, often caused by the ageing process or even genetics. Some people have naturally sunken looks that cast shadows underneath the eyelid.
Although darkening in the tear trough area is often genetic or brought upon by ageing, several issues can also cause it, including poor sleeping patterns, dehydration, visible blood vessels and skin pigmentation disorders. Fillers provide relief from this issue for most people, although others may find that surgery is a more effective, albeit costly, solution. Some people don’t want the permanent nature of the surgery and prefer the naturally fading options of botox and fillers.
If you vape or smoke, your doctor may caution you about undergoing eye filler treatments, as smoking may hinder healing and reduce how long fillers under the eyes last.
The Different Options That are used In Your Fillers Under The Eyes Treatments
Several different fillers get used when considering treatments for fillers under the eyes, depending on the procedure. The available filler options include hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite and autologous fat transfer. Depending on the specific needs of your treatment, Dr Storm and his capable team will determine which type of filler will best suit your particular needs.
Hyaluronic Acid
The first is Hyaluronic acid, which gets naturally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid filler is constructed from a synthetic gel designed to mimic the body’s natural substance and supports collagen production in the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers offer the shortest lasting result of all the fillers but provide the most natural look; hence they are the commonly used fillers for under the eyes. Popular brand names for hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm, Belotero and Restylane.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Poly-l-lactic acid is a biocompatible, synthetic material injected as a filler under the eyes through linear threading. Poly-l-lactic acid significantly stimulates collagen production in the body and is marketed under the brand name Sculptra Aesthetic.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite
Calcium hydroxylapatite is a biocompatible dermal filler constructed from calcium and phosphate. Calcium hydroxylapatite invigorates collagen production in the skin while supporting and sustaining connective tissue, adding volume to the injected area. Calcium hydroxylapatite is thicker than hyaluronic acid and typically diluted with an anaesthetic before injection. Calcium hydroxylapatite is available and marketed under the brand name Radiesse.
Autologous Fat Transfer
Also known as fat transfer, fat grafting or microlipoinjection, autologous fat transfer uses the patient’s body fat as a filler under the eyes to build up the target area. Autologous fat transfer is especially effective if you have a deep tear trough where your lower eyelid and cheek connect. When undergoing an autologous fat transfer procedure, body fat usually gets taken from the patient’s abdomen, hip, thigh or buttocks.
While they are effective, fillers of any kind do not provide permanent results. Fillers are absorbed back into the body over time. The amount of time will vary depending on the chosen type of filler. Here’s how long each filler will last:
| Type of Filler | Duration of Filler |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 9 Months - 12 Months |
| Calcium Hydroxylapatite | 12 Months - 18 Months |
| Poly-L-Lactic Acid | Up to 24 months (2 Years) |
| Autologous Fat Transfer | Up to 36 Months (3 Years) |
Fillers under the Eyes: The Procedure
Your first step towards getting fillers under the eyes will be a pre-treatment consultation. You and your doctor will discuss your situation and decide on the best cosmetic solution suited to you. Your doctor will also walk you through the procedure and recovery process. If you require a fat transfer, you will first undergo a liposuction treatment under general anaesthesia.
Before you begin the fillers under the eyes procedure, your doctor will mark the injection area and sterilise it with cleansing fluid. After scouring the area, numbing cream will be applied and left to absorb into the skin for several minutes. When primed and ready, your doctor will use a small needle to pierce the skin at the injection site. Depending on the circumstance, the filler usually gets injected into the area through the needle; otherwise, a blunt-edged cannula containing the filler will be inserted directly into the hole made by the tiny needlepoint. If you are undergoing linear threading, one or more filler injections under each eye are necessary.
Your doctor will then inject a tunnel of filler into the injection sites while slowly withdrawing the needle. Your doctor will then smooth the filler into place, bringing the procedure to a close. The entire treatment lasts from 5 to 20 minutes.
The Recovery Process After Your Fillers Under The Eyes Treatment
Most people report feeling little to no pain during an eye filler procedure, while a small percentage of others report feeling a slight prick of the needle. There is a familiar feeling of inflation or pressure when injected with the filler.
The recovery process is similar in that there is little to no pain or discomfort post-procedure. Here is what you can expect during the recovery process:
After your fillers under the eyes procedure, your doctor will give you an ice pack to apply to the area. You may experience some minor bruising, swelling, or redness of the area afterwards; however, these side effects will be short-lived or even completely absent in most instances.
Your doctor will recommend a follow-up appointment in a few days to examine the area and determine whether an additional filler injection is needed.
Several additional injections over weeks or months may be necessary.
Unlike the injection of synthetic fillers, you can expect a downtime period of two weeks if injected with autologous fat.
With over 25 years of experience as a general practitioner in South Africa, as well as a Masters degree in Sports Medicine and 10 years as a practising cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Storm is committed to providing his patients with comprehensive holistic care.
With a practice in Table View, Cape Town, Dr. Storm and his dedicated, friendly team are close at hand to provide support and care to you and your family.
If you are looking for a qualified and caring general practitioner, contact Dr. Storm today.
If you are looking for a qualified and caring general practitioner, contact Dr. Storm today.
Dr. Willie Storm has been practicing medicine for 25 years in South Africa and has a well-equipped procedure room for minor procedures, as well as PC-based lung functions and stress-ECG tests.
Contact Details
Telephone: 021 557 8341
Fax: 021 557 2998
Email: accounts@wjstorm.com
13 Pentz Drive
Table View, Cape Town, 7441