Injectable Fillers

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in having my under eye hollows treated with injectible fillers. I was wondering if you have ever done this procedure? If so, what product does you use, and what type of needle (blunt) or other? I live 3 hrs away so wanted to ask a couple questions before I booked a treatment. Thanks in advance for your reply!

A:I have placed injectable fillers and fat in the under eye area many times. I consider it the most tricky and precarious place on the face into which any type of filler material can be placed. It is very hard to get a smooth even layer of filler or fat over the lower eyelids and infraorbital rim area. The thin tissue of the lower eyelids are very unforgiving of any material irregularities and every injectable filler procure has some degree of material imperfections. Thus there is a relatively high incidence of contour issues (creating puffiness and irregularities) in my experience of the injected undereye area. Blunt-tipped injection cannulas and hyaluronic-based fillers are always used as these techniques have the best chance of lowering these risks and avoiding bruising. Not everyone is a good candidate for injectable fillers in the undereye area. Thin eyelids and tissue covering over the infraorbital rims have the highest incidence of post injection issues. I would need to see some pictures of your undereyes to determine if you are a good candidate for injection treatments.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana