ProMD Health - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

19.12.2025

From Hollow to Hallowed: Your Complete Guide to Tear Trough Filler Costs

Tear Trough Treatment Cost: Ultimate Guide 2025

Why Understanding Tear Trough Treatment Cost Matters

Tear trough treatment cost typically ranges from $600 to $1,500 per syringe. Most patients need 1-2 syringes, making the total investment for a complete treatment $1,000 to $2,000. The final price depends on your location, the injector’s expertise, and the type of filler used.

Quick Cost Overview:

  • Per Syringe: $600-$1,500
  • Total Treatment (Both Eyes): $1,000-$2,000
  • Duration of Results: 6-18 months
  • Maintenance: Annual touch-ups recommended

If dark shadows and hollows under your eyes make you look tired regardless of how much you sleep, you’re not alone. These grooves, known as tear troughs, deepen as we age due to volume loss, creating a sunken appearance.

The good news is that non-surgical options exist. Dermal fillers, injectable treatments using hyaluronic acid, have become the go-to solution. They restore lost volume, creating a smoother transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek and reducing the look of tiredness.

But what will this actually cost? The price varies based on location, injector experience, and the specific filler used. Beyond the initial numbers, it’s important to consider how long results last (6-18 months), the need for maintenance, and what’s included in the quoted price.

I’m Scott Melamed, President and CEO of ProMD Health. With a background in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins and years of healthcare leadership, I’ve helped thousands of patients steer their aesthetic treatment decisions, including tear trough treatment cost and outcomes.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about tear trough filler costs, helping you determine if this investment is right for you.

Infographic showing the anatomy of a tear trough, with labels indicating the hollow area under the eye, the natural aging process that causes volume loss, and how dermal filler restores volume to smooth the under-eye area and reduce dark circles - tear trough treatment cost infographic infographic-line-3-steps-elegant_beige

What Are Tear Troughs and How Are They Treated?

The tear trough is the groove running from the inner corner of your eye toward your cheek. When it deepens, it creates a hollow that casts shadows, making you look tired. This isn’t a true dark circle but rather a result of volume loss.

Several factors contribute to prominent tear troughs:

  • Aging: As skin loses elasticity and fat pads diminish or shift, the area can appear sunken.
  • Genetics: Some people naturally have a facial structure with more pronounced tear troughs from a young age.
  • Weight Loss: A reduction in overall facial fat can make under-eye hollows more noticeable.

Dermal fillers are the leading non-surgical solution for this issue. These injectable treatments restore lost volume without surgery. You can learn more in our guide on What are Dermal Fillers?.

Understanding the Role of Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers smooth the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek by restoring volume. This reduces the hollowed appearance and minimizes shadows, resulting in a more refreshed look.

Most tear trough fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance your body produces naturally to keep skin hydrated and firm. When injected, HA fillers provide immediate volume and can stimulate your body’s own collagen production over time.

For the delicate under-eye area, specific HA fillers like Restylane and Juvederm products are chosen for their soft, smooth consistency, ensuring natural-looking results. Learn more about Restylane Injections and Juvederm Volbella.

Using fillers for tear troughs is considered “off-label” use. This common and accepted practice in aesthetic medicine means the FDA approved the product for facial use, but not specifically for the tear trough area in its original trials. It does not mean the treatment is unsafe.

The injection process is quick, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes. After applying a numbing cream, the injector uses a fine needle or a blunt-tip cannula to place the filler. Cannulas are often preferred to minimize risk and ensure smooth distribution. You can find more details in this tear trough injection overview.

Understanding the tear trough treatment cost is the next step in deciding if this is right for you.

The Ultimate Breakdown of Tear Trough Treatment Cost

Knowing the financial investment for under-eye fillers is a key part of the decision-making process. The tear trough treatment cost varies, but understanding the components will help you plan.

Dermal filler syringe next to a price tag icon - tear trough treatment cost

Most providers charge per syringe, and your total cost depends on how much product is needed to achieve your goals.

Average Cost Per Syringe

Hyaluronic acid fillers typically cost between $600 and $1,500 per syringe. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a national average of around $684 per syringe, but this figure fluctuates based on several factors.

Each 1cc (1mL) syringe contains enough product to make a significant difference in the delicate under-eye area when placed by a skilled injector. For a broader look at filler pricing, see How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?.

Factors That Influence Your Total Tear Trough Treatment Cost

Several key elements determine your final tear trough treatment cost:

  • Geographic Location: Operating costs are higher in metropolitan areas like our practices in Washington DC and Annapolis, which affects pricing. These locations also offer access to highly experienced practitioners.
  • Injector Expertise: This is not an area to cut corners. An experienced injector with advanced anatomical knowledge will charge more, but their skill is crucial for safety and achieving natural results in the unforgiving under-eye area.
  • Type of Filler: Different HA filler brands and formulations have different costs. At ProMD Health, our filler pricing ranges from $700 to $1,100 per syringe, depending on the product and provider.
  • Number of Syringes: Your unique anatomy and the depth of your hollows will determine the amount of filler needed. Most patients require one to two syringes for both eyes.

Estimating the Total Cost for Both Eyes

For a complete treatment of both under-eye areas, most patients need one to two syringes of filler. This allows for adequate volume restoration and a smooth, natural-looking result.

Based on per-syringe costs, you can expect your total tear trough treatment cost to range between $1,000 and $2,000. Your unique facial structure and goals will influence the final amount.

A personalized consultation is essential. We will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and provide a precise quote for your specific treatment plan.

The Filler Experience: From Procedure to Lasting Results

Tear trough filler treatment is appealing because it offers immediate, visible results with no surgery and minimal recovery. You can walk out of your appointment looking instantly more refreshed.

Person smiling with minimal downtime post-treatment - tear trough treatment cost

The shadows and hollows soften, making your eyes look brighter and more awake. It’s a powerful form of non-surgical facial rejuvenation that delivers meaningful results.

During your appointment, we first cleanse the area and apply a topical numbing cream for comfort. The injection process itself takes only 10 to 20 minutes. We use a fine needle or a blunt-tip cannula to carefully place the filler, with the cannula often being preferred to reduce bruising and swelling. Afterward, we gently massage the area to ensure a smooth, natural distribution.

Recovery and Aftercare

Downtime is minimal, and most people return to their daily activities immediately. You may experience some mild swelling, redness, or bruising, which typically resolves within a week.

To ensure the best results, follow these aftercare tips:

  • Apply ice packs intermittently for 48 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Gently massage any small lumps as instructed by your provider.
  • Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort; avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, which can worsen bruising.
  • Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for at least two days.
  • Sleep with your head slightly liftd for the first couple of nights.

How Long Do Under-Eye Fillers Last?

Understanding longevity is key when considering the tear trough treatment cost. Hyaluronic acid fillers in the under-eye area typically last between 6 to 18 months.

This range depends on your body’s metabolism and the specific type of filler used. Products from brands like Juvederm and Restylane have different properties affecting their duration. Because the under-eye area has less movement, filler tends to last longer here than in other parts of the face.

We recommend maintenance treatments every 9 to 12 months to keep your results looking fresh. These touch-ups often require less product, which can help manage the ongoing tear trough treatment cost. A typical annual maintenance budget might be $1,000 to $2,400, though this varies per individual.

Is Tear Trough Filler Safe? Risks and Candidacy

Safety is a primary concern for any procedure near the eyes. When performed by a qualified professional, under-eye fillers are considered safe and effective. A 2020 study found that HA fillers delivered satisfying results with a low complication rate, as detailed in this scientific research confirming the safety of tear-trough procedures.

Medical professional consulting with a patient - tear trough treatment cost

However, safety is directly linked to your injector’s skill. The complex anatomy of the under-eye area demands an expert.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Tear Trough Treatment?

A consultation is essential to determine if you are a good candidate. Ideal candidates typically have:

  • Mild to moderate hollowness under the eyes.
  • Good skin elasticity and thickness.
  • Realistic expectations (fillers address volume loss, not all types of dark circles).
  • Good overall health.
    Learn more about general qualifications here: Who Qualifies for Facial Fillers?.

Who Should Avoid Treatment?

This treatment may not be suitable if you have:

  • Significant under-eye bags or puffiness from protruding fat.
  • Excessively thin or loose skin.
  • Severe skin laxity, for which surgery might be a better option.
  • Active skin infections near the treatment area.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary, including swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness. Less common issues include the Tyndall effect (a bluish tint under the skin) or lumps, both of which are correctable.

A rare but serious risk is vascular occlusion, where filler enters a blood vessel. This is why choosing an expert injector is critical. Our team is trained in advanced techniques to minimize this risk and always has hyaluronidase (an enzyme to dissolve HA filler) on hand for safety.

Choosing a Qualified and Experienced Injector

Your injector’s expertise is more important than the tear trough treatment cost. Look for:

  • A board-certified medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN) with specific training in aesthetic injectables.
  • Specialized experience with tear trough fillers.
  • Deep anatomical knowledge of the eye area.
  • A provider who performs a thorough consultation and can show you before-and-after photos of their work.

At ProMD Health, our certified medical professionals prioritize your safety and natural-looking results. We take a conservative, artistic approach to every treatment.

Comparing Costs: Fillers and Maintenance Over Time

To understand the value of the tear trough treatment cost, it’s helpful to compare it to the main surgical alternative, lower blepharoplasty.

  • Initial Cost: Fillers are $1,000 to $2,000, while surgery is $4,000 to $7,000.
  • Longevity: Fillers last 6 to 18 months; surgery can last 5-7 years or longer.
  • Downtime: Fillers require 0-2 days of recovery, versus 1-2 weeks for surgery.

These treatments also address different concerns. Fillers are ideal for hollowness and shadows, while surgery is better for significant bags and excess skin. Many patients start with fillers and may consider surgery later if their needs change.

Are Fillers a Cost-Effective Choice?

For most patients, the answer is yes. The value of fillers extends beyond the initial price tag.

Key benefits include:

  • Non-Surgical: Avoids incisions, anesthesia, and lengthy recovery.
  • Immediate Results: You see a refreshed appearance right after treatment.
  • Flexibility: Fillers offer a temporary, reversible solution, allowing you to see if you like the results without a permanent commitment. Learn more here: Can Fillers Work For Me?.

While fillers require annual maintenance (budgeting roughly $1,000 to $2,400), the total cost over five years may be comparable to a single surgery. During that time, you benefit from a non-invasive procedure with the flexibility to adapt to your changing face.

For many, the combination of immediate results, minimal downtime, and a significant confidence boost makes the tear trough treatment cost an excellent investment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tear Trough Fillers

Being informed is key when considering any aesthetic treatment. Here are answers to the most common questions about tear trough fillers.

What types of fillers are commonly used for tear troughs?

We exclusively use hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers for the delicate under-eye area. These are the ideal choice because they are:

  • Biocompatible: HA is a natural substance in your body, minimizing the risk of reaction.
  • Soft and Flexible: They have a smooth consistency that blends seamlessly with the thin under-eye skin.
  • Low Water Attraction: We choose specific formulations that won’t cause puffiness by drawing in excess water.
  • Reversible: HA fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, providing an important safety net.

Popular brands include products from the Restylane and Juvederm families. Our injectors select the best product for your anatomy. You can explore What are the best fillers for the face?, More info about Restylane Refyne, or More info about Juvederm Vollure.

Are under-eye fillers worth the cost?

For most patients, yes. The tear trough treatment cost is an investment in more than just appearance. The value comes from:

  • Immediate Results: You leave the office looking visibly more refreshed.
  • Confidence Boost: Looking as good as you feel has a powerful positive impact on daily life.
  • Reduced Makeup Use: Many patients find they need less concealer, saving time and creating a more natural look.
  • Non-Surgical Convenience: You get significant improvement without the risks and downtime of surgery.

High patient satisfaction rates, backed by scientific research, confirm that under-eye fillers are a worthwhile and effective treatment. You can read more from the FDA here: Scientific research on dermal-filler do’s & don’ts.

How many syringes will I need for my treatment?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as the amount of filler depends on your unique anatomy and the depth of your tear troughs. However, a general guideline is 1 to 2 syringes total to treat both eyes. Often, we use 0.5 mL (half a syringe) or less per side.

Our philosophy is to start conservatively to ensure a natural result, as it’s easier to add more filler later than to remove it. During your personalized consultation, we will assess your needs and provide a precise treatment plan, including the number of syringes and the exact tear trough treatment cost.

Conclusion: Investing in a Refreshed You

Investing in tear trough fillers is an investment in your confidence. While the tear trough treatment cost is a factor, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for a complete treatment, the true value lies in the results.

This guide has covered the key cost factors, from injector expertise to the number of syringes needed at our locations in Annapolis, Washington DC, and beyond. But the benefits—immediate results, minimal downtime, and a natural, refreshed appearance—are what truly matter.

Tear trough fillers offer a safe, accessible, and non-surgical way to look as vibrant as you feel. You can say goodbye to tired-looking hollows and heavy concealer, and hello to brighter, more youthful eyes.

At ProMD Health, our mission is to help you “Look Younger and Feel Younger” with personalized, expert care. Our certified medical professionals prioritize your safety and satisfaction, ensuring natural results through a transparent and collaborative process.

Ready to see what’s possible? Your journey to a more refreshed you starts with a conversation.

Schedule your Dermal Fillers consultation with ProMD Health today to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals and budget.

19.12.2025
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