Under-Eye (Tear Trough) Filler in Mersin: Which Concerns It Suits, How Long It Lasts and What the Risks Are

Under-eye filler (tear trough filler) aims to fill the hollowing and shadowing under the eye with hyaluronic acid to reduce a tired look, but it may not be the right option for every under-eye concern. For people in Mersin looking into the treatment, we explain here what it corrects, how long it lasts, what the risks are and which signs are urgent, drawing on published reviews. For other concerns around the eyes, see our guide to periocular treatments; here we cover only tear trough filler. For the lines at the outer corner of the eye, see our guide to crow's feet Botox.

Which Under-Eye Concerns Suit Tear Trough Filler, and Which Do Not?

Tear trough filler fills the hollow under the eye and the shadow that hollow creates. Darkness under the eye (dark circles), however, is not always due to volume loss: increased pigmentation, thin skin and vascular shadowing call for different approaches. One review notes that periocular skin is thin, shows pigment and texture irregularities easily, and that its vasculature makes the area challenging (Reddy et al., 2020). The table below gives a general framework:

How Is It Planned and Done?

A facial analysis is done before the treatment, and how much product goes into which area becomes clear after that analysis. Because the under-eye is a thin-skinned, delicate area, experience and the right choice of product are critical. At Dr. Doğan Uysal's clinic, topical anaesthetic cream is used for comfort and the filler is applied carefully with a fine needle; filler treatments generally take 20–45 minutes.

In a systematic review of 23 articles on tear trough fillers, the technique varied between studies, but the filler was generally placed just above the periosteum, the membrane covering the bone (pre-periosteally), deep to the orbicularis oculi muscle that encircles the eye and in front of the lower rim of the eye socket, by serial puncture or retrograde linear threading with a 30-gauge needle; topical anaesthetic was the most commonly used (Trinh et al., 2022a). The same review stresses that a sound understanding of the anatomy and of the injection technique is essential for good outcomes and to prevent serious complications.

How Long Does It Last, and What Should You Expect Afterwards?

A systematic review of tear trough fillers reports a duration of effect of 8–12 months (Trinh et al., 2022a); this is a range from the literature, not a statement about the clinic. The duration of hyaluronic acid fillers varies with the area, the product and the individual's metabolism, and over time the body gradually absorbs the filler. In general you can expect the following:

• Right after: The result is largely visible immediately.
• First days: Mild swelling or bruising may occur and usually resolves within a few days.
• First 24–48 hours: Avoid firm massage of the area, sauna, steam bath and excessive heat; makeup is not recommended for the first 24 hours.
• 1–2 weeks: The final result settles; the look in the first days should not be taken as the result.

Risks and Side Effects

Side effects of under-eye filler have been reported to be generally mild (Trinh et al., 2022a). In a meta-analysis of hyaluronic acid injection in the tear trough (31 reports, 2556 participants) the pooled satisfaction rate was 91.0% (95% CI 84.9–95.7%) and the complication rate was judged low; these are study averages, and results vary from person to person. The pooled rates of the side effects were as follows (Liu et al., 2024):

Another review lists bruising, oedema, a blue-grey hue and contour irregularities as the most common complications, and infection with biofilm formation, skin necrosis and blindness among the uncommon ones (Reddy et al., 2020). A systematic review of case reports also describes swelling and palpable lumps that appeared long after the treatment (Trinh et al., 2022b); if swelling does not settle or appears later, it needs to be examined.

Urgent Signs and Hyaluronidase

A vascular (blood-vessel) complication is rare but urgent. One review describes vascular occlusion and blindness as emergencies that need immediate treatment (Kroumpouzos and Treacy, 2024). If any of the following is present, contact the treating physician immediately and go to an emergency department:

• Pain: Unusually severe or steadily increasing pain.
• Skin colour: Whitening or coolness of the skin, or a net-like purple-blue discolouration.
• Vision: A change in vision, double vision or loss of vision.
• Signs of a stroke: Drooping of the face, difficulty speaking, or sudden dizziness or confusion.

Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Dr. Doğan Uysal's clinic keeps hyaluronidase, and in the event of a vascular complication a rapid response with hyaluronidase is planned. According to a review of hyaluronidase use, non-emergency problems such as a blue-grey discolouration (Tyndall effect) or non-inflamed nodules should be treated with low or moderate doses of hyaluronidase, whereas vascular occlusion and blindness require immediate, high-dose treatment (Kroumpouzos and Treacy, 2024).

Who Should Not Have It, and When Is It Postponed?

Dermal filler is assessed for adults over 18 whose general health is suitable for the treatment. In the following situations the treatment is postponed or not performed:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Active infection, an open wound or inflamed acne in the treatment area
• Known allergy to product ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
• Bleeding disorders or ongoing use of blood-thinning medication (planned with physician assessment)
• Uncontrolled chronic conditions and active-phase autoimmune diseases
• Recent treatments in the same area that have not fully healed

This list is general information; suitability is decided at an in-person consultation after reviewing your medical history and current medications. If your concern is due to pigmentation, thin skin or vascular shadowing rather than volume loss, a different approach may be recommended; treatments you do not need are not recommended.

What to Ask When Choosing a Doctor

It matters that the person performing the treatment is a medical doctor who knows the anatomy of the area. Before booking you can ask:

• Who will perform the treatment? Is the person a medical doctor?
• Training: Does the physician have training and a certificate in hyaluronic acid filler injection, and training in facial anatomy?
• Assessment: Is the darkness due to volume loss, pigmentation, thin skin or vessels; what is the alternative if filler is not suitable?
• Product: Are the name and registration details of the product to be used shared?
• Preparedness for complications: Does the clinic keep hyaluronidase; how is a rapid response planned in a possible vascular complication?
• Follow-up: How is the check-up after the treatment planned; how do I reach the clinic if there is a problem?

Our answers at Dr. Doğan Uysal's clinic: The medical doctor Dr. Doğan Uysal performs the filler himself; he holds a Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injections Certificate and has completed Advanced Facial Anatomy training. All treatments are carried out with Ministry of Health–approved products, in a sterile environment and under physician supervision, and the name of the product to be used is shared at the consultation. An examination is performed before the treatment, and suitability and the plan are determined individually.

The clinic is in Mezitli, in the Ofisium Business Center, about 10 minutes from Mersin city centre. Working hours are Monday–Friday 08:00–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–17:00; closed on Sundays. For an appointment you can call or message on WhatsApp at 0538 279 38 33; if you notice an unexpected symptom, contact the clinic without waiting a few days, and in the event of an urgent sign go to an emergency department first. For the whole filler treatment see our filler page; for planning filler together with treatment of expression lines see our article on combining filler and botulinum toxin; for general aftercare see our aftercare guide; and for appointments our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is under-eye (tear trough) filler?

A hyaluronic acid treatment that fills the hollowing and shadowing under the eye to reduce a tired look. Because the area is delicate and thin-skinned, experience and the right choice of product are critical; at Dr. Doğan Uysal's clinic it is applied carefully with a fine needle.

Can filler be used for dark circles under the eyes?

If the darkness is due to volume loss, that is a hollow and its shadow, filler can be considered. Increased pigmentation, thin skin and vascular shadowing call for different approaches, so tear trough filler may not be suitable for every under-eye concern. The distinction is made at a face-to-face examination.

How long does under-eye filler last?

A systematic review of tear trough fillers reported a duration of effect of 8–12 months; this is a range from the literature, not a statement about the clinic. The duration of hyaluronic acid fillers varies with the area, the product and the individual's metabolism.

What are the risks of under-eye filler?

In a meta-analysis the most common side effects were swelling (19.2%) and bruising (18.4%), and less often redness (7.1%), a palpable lump or contour irregularity (5.3%) and blue discolouration (0.9%). A vascular complication is rare but urgent: with severe pain, whitening of the skin or a net-like discolouration, or a change in vision, contact the treating physician immediately and go to an emergency department.

How long does swelling last after under-eye filler, and when does the result settle?

Mild swelling or bruising after filler usually resolves within a few days; the result is largely visible immediately and the final result settles in 1–2 weeks. If swelling does not settle, increases or appears later, contact the clinic.

Can under-eye filler be reversed?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be partially or fully dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Dr. Doğan Uysal's clinic keeps hyaluronidase, and in the event of a vascular complication a rapid response with hyaluronidase is planned.

Who should not have under-eye filler?

Dermal filler is assessed for adults over 18 whose general health is suitable. The treatment is postponed or not performed in pregnancy and breastfeeding, with active infection, a wound or inflamed acne in the area, known allergy to product ingredients, a bleeding disorder or regular blood thinners (planned with physician assessment), uncontrolled chronic conditions and active autoimmune diseases, and recent treatments in the same area that have not fully healed. Suitability is decided at the examination.

Where can I have under-eye filler in Mersin?

In Mersin you can visit Dr. Doğan Uysal Clinic in Mezitli (Ofisium İş Merkezi, Yeni Mahalle, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv. No:665 6/24); the filler is performed by the medical doctor Dr. Doğan Uysal himself. For an appointment you can call or message on WhatsApp at 0538 279 38 33.