CONCERNS
Sunken Tear Troughs
Sunken tear troughs refer to hollows or depressions that develop between the lower eyelid and upper cheek. This area may appear darker, tired or shadowed even when a person is well-rested. Tear trough hollowing can occur naturally due to genetics or become more noticeable with age as facial volume gradually decreases and supporting tissues weaken. While often mistaken for dark eye circles, sunken tear troughs are primarily a structural concern involving volume loss and contour changes beneath the eyes.
Understanding Sunken Tear Troughs
What Are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is the natural groove that extends from the inner corner of the eye towards the upper cheek. In some individuals, this groove becomes deeper and more visible, creating a hollow appearance beneath the eyes.
As the hollow deepens, it can cast shadows that make the under-eye area appear darker and more tired, even when there is no actual pigmentation present.
Common Causes
Age-Related Volume Loss
As we age, facial fat compartments gradually diminish and shift, reducing support beneath the eyes and contributing to tear trough hollowing.
Genetics
Some individuals naturally have deeper tear troughs due to inherited facial anatomy.
Mid-Face Volume Loss
Loss of volume in the cheeks can worsen the appearance of under-eye hollows by reducing structural support.
Bone Remodelling
Natural age-related changes in facial bone structure can contribute to the development of deeper tear troughs.
Skin Thinning
The delicate skin beneath the eyes becomes thinner over time, making volume loss more noticeable.
Common Signs
Hollow Appearance Beneath The Eyes
A visible depression between the lower eyelid and cheek.
Shadowing
Darkness caused by shadows rather than pigmentation.
Tired Appearance
The eyes may appear fatigued despite adequate rest.
More Prominent Eyebags
Existing eyebags may appear more noticeable when tear troughs are present.
Loss Of Under-Eye Smoothness
The transition between the lower eyelid and cheek becomes less seamless.
At-a-Glance
Treatment Approach
Sunken tear troughs are primarily a structural concern rather than a pigmentation issue. Treatment focuses on restoring support beneath the eyes while maintaining a natural and refreshed appearance.
Assess
We assess the degree of under-eye hollowness, facial volume loss and surrounding eye anatomy to understand the cause of your tear trough concerns.
Personalise
A personalised treatment plan is developed to restore under-eye support while maintaining natural facial balance and a refreshed appearance.
Restore
Carefully placed dermal fillers restore lost volume beneath the eyes, softening hollowing and reducing shadowing while preserving a natural look.
Refresh
As under-eye contours are restored, the eye area appears smoother, brighter and more rested, creating a naturally youthful and refreshed appearance.
Recommended Treatments
Tear Trough Fillers
Tear Trough Fillers use carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler to restore volume beneath the eyes and reduce shadowing caused by hollows. This treatment is often suitable for individuals whose dark circles are primarily caused by structural volume loss rather than pigmentation.
Suitable For
Tear trough hollows
Shadow-related dark circles
Mild to moderate volume loss
Tired-looking eyes
Precision Regenerative Micro-Infusion
Precision Regenerative Micro-Infusion delivers collagen-supporting and hydrating ingredients directly into the skin to improve skin quality, resilience and overall under-eye rejuvenation.
Suitable For
Under-eye ageing
Dehydrated skin
Thin skin
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting uses the body's own fat to restore volume beneath the eyes and improve the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. It may be considered for individuals seeking longer-term volume restoration.
Suitable For
Significant volume loss
Deeper tear troughs
Structural facial ageing
Long-term volume restoration
Skin Boosters
Skin Boosters help improve hydration, elasticity and skin quality around the eyes. While they do not directly replace lost volume, they can complement volume restoration by improving the appearance of thin or crepey under-eye skin.
Suitable For
Thin under-eye skin
Fine lines
Early under-eye ageing
Skin quality concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical Perspective
Every patient presents with unique concerns, anatomy, skin quality and treatment goals. At Rexults, every recommendation begins with a comprehensive medical assessment, allowing us to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of the concern rather than simply treating its visible signs. Depending on your individual needs, treatment may involve a single procedure or a carefully tailored combination approach to achieve safe, natural and long-lasting results.
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Not always. Tear troughs are structural hollows beneath the eyes, while dark circles may be caused by pigmentation, blood vessels, shadowing or a combination of factors.
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The hollow creates shadows beneath the eyes, which can mimic the appearance of fatigue even when you are well-rested.
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No. Skincare may improve hydration and skin quality, but it cannot replace lost volume beneath the eyes.
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Eyebags involve protruding fat or puffiness beneath the eyes, while tear troughs are hollows or depressions beneath the lower eyelid. Many individuals experience both concerns simultaneously.
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Yes. Volume loss, skin thinning and changes in facial support structures can make tear troughs more noticeable over time.
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The most appropriate treatment depends on the degree of volume loss, skin quality and overall facial anatomy. Volume restoration treatments are often the primary approach, while regenerative treatments may help improve skin quality around the eyes.