Are You a Candidate for Under-Eye Filler?

Clemens Face + Body | Brookline, Boston

Dark circles. Hollowness. A tired look even after 8 hours of sleep. If any of this sounds familiar, you may have wondered whether under-eye filler is the solution. It’s one of the most requested aesthetic treatments at Clemens Face + Body, our Brookline-based injectable and skincare studio. But not everyone is a good candidate—and that’s okay.

In this post, we’ll explore how under-eye filler works, what it can (and can’t) do, and most importantly, the traits that might rule someone out as a candidate.

What Is Under-Eye Filler?

Under-eye filler, also called tear trough filler, is a nonsurgical treatment that uses hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to reduce the appearance of:

• Hollowing or volume loss beneath the eyes

• A shadowed or sunken appearance

• Subtle dark circles caused by anatomical depth

When performed by a skilled injector, it can offer a more refreshed, well-rested appearance with minimal downtime. But results depend heavily on patient anatomy, skin quality, and the presence of other contributing factors.

You May Not Be a Good Candidate If…

While under-eye filler can provide beautiful, natural-looking results in the right person, certain characteristics may make it less effective—or even counterproductive. Here are six signs that you may not be a good candidate for this treatment:

1. You Have Prominent Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags are typically caused by protruding fat pads, which create puffiness and distortion in the lower eyelid area. In this case, adding filler can make the area look even puffier, rather than correcting the issue.

📌 Surgical options or energy-based tightening may be more appropriate.

2. You Suffer from Severe Seasonal or Non-Seasonal Allergies

Allergies can cause chronic inflammation and swelling around the eyes, which can be mistaken for volume loss. However, adding filler to a frequently puffy area can exacerbate fluid retention and result in an unnatural or swollen look.

📌 We recommend managing allergies first before considering any under-eye filler.

3. You Experience Morning Puffiness or Water Retention

If your eyes are often swollen after sleep or upon waking, it’s a sign of lymphatic congestion in the under-eye area. This makes filler a tricky choice, as it may impair fluid drainage even further.

📌 Persistent puffiness after filler is difficult to treat and may require dissolving the product.

4. You Have Unrealistic Expectations

Under-eye filler can soften hollowness, but it won’t erase pigmented dark circles, loose skin, or genetic eye structure. Patients hoping for a “flawless” outcome or using filler as a fix for every concern may walk away disappointed.

📌 An honest consultation is key to aligning goals with realistic outcomes.

5. You Have Orbicularis Oculi Hypertrophy

The orbicularis oculi is the muscle that encircles your eye. In some people, this muscle becomes overdeveloped or bulky, leading to an appearance of under-eye fullness that’s often misdiagnosed as volume loss.

📌 Filler won’t address muscular hypertrophy and may result in a lumpy or distorted look.

6. You Have Severe Skin Laxity

Loose, crepey skin under the eyes may benefit more from collagen-stimulating treatments such as microneedling, PRF (platelet-rich fibrin), or polynucleotide injections like salmon DNA, rather than filler.

📌 In patients with poor skin tone, filler can draw attention to texture rather than improve it.

7. You Have Dark Hyperpigmentation Under the Eyes

Darkness under the eyes can stem from multiple causes, and hyperpigmentation—caused by excess melanin—is one of the most common. This form of darkness appears brownish or bluish, and is often genetic or related to sun exposure, inflammation, or skin tone.

📌 Filler cannot lighten pigment. In fact, placing filler under pigmented skin can create a gray or shadowy effect, making discoloration more noticeable.

📌 Topical lightening agents, microneedling, chemical peels, and pigment-focused treatments are often more effective for this concern.

What If You’re Not a Candidate?

Good news: under-eye filler is just one of many tools available to address aging, fatigue, and under-eye concerns. At Clemens Face + Body in Brookline, Boston, we offer:

• Collagen-stimulating microneedling

• Polynucleotide treatments (salmon DNA) to improve texture and inflammation

• Topical and medical-grade skincare for pigment and elasticity

• Custom under-eye treatment plans that go beyond filler

Final Thoughts

The truth is, not everyone is a candidate for under-eye filler—and that’s okay. A skilled and ethical injector will always assess your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals before recommending treatment. At Clemens Face + Body, our philosophy is to prioritize natural-looking results, patient safety, and long-term skin health.

If you’re unsure whether under-eye filler is right for you, schedule a consultation with us in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. Together, we can create a treatment plan that restores brightness and confidence—whether that includes filler or not.