_edited_edited.jpg)
Treatment options
and downtime.
Dermal Filler
Downtime: 1-3 days (mild swelling or
bruising)
injectable treatments
Under-Eye Hollowing
Temple volume loss is easy to overlook and significant when it's present — the lateral forehead caves inward, the face takes on a skeletal quality in that region, and brow descent often follows as the structural support above the brow depletes. As the temporalis muscle and surrounding fat pad diminish, the smooth oval contour of the upper face gives way to a visible indentation that ages the face more than most patients expect it to.
Dr. Martin restores this volume with dermal filler placed in the temporal fossa, softening the hollow and improving both facial framing and, indirectly, brow position. Temple filling requires careful anatomical planning — the superficial temporal artery runs through the region and must be avoided — and Dr. Martin precedes every treatment with a thorough assessment of the patient's anatomy before placing anything. Because the temples are a low-movement area, filler here tends to last eighteen months or longer. This treatment is frequently incorporated into a broader upper-face rejuvenation plan alongside brow neurotoxin and midface filler.
What causes under-eye hollowing and dark circles?
Under-eye hollowing is primarily driven by volume loss — as the fat pad beneath the eye descends and the bone in the orbital rim becomes more visible, a shadow forms that gives the appearance of darkness and fatigue. True dark circles can also have a pigmentary component — hyperpigmentation in the thin periorbital skin — which is different from the shadow caused by structural hollowing and requires a different approach. At our practice, we evaluate which of these factors is at play before recommending treatment, because filler addresses structural hollowing but won't improve true pigmentation — and understanding the difference is essential to setting accurate expectations.
Is tear trough filler safe?
It can be — but it requires significant anatomical knowledge and technical precision to perform safely, and it's not appropriate for every patient. The periorbital region has thin skin, complex vasculature, and very little room for error. Risks including bruising, prolonged swelling, visible irregularities, and in rare cases vascular complications are all real and worth understanding. At our practice, we take this treatment particularly seriously — we assess lid laxity, orbital anatomy, and skin quality carefully before proceeding, and we use conservative volumes with a technique and product selection designed to minimize risk. We also discuss when we think filler is not appropriate and other options might be better.
What results can I realistically expect?
For patients with structural hollowing as the primary concern, well-placed tear trough filler can produce a meaningful improvement in under-eye shadowing and a more rested, refreshed appearance. The improvement is real, but it's measured — this is not a dramatic transformation, and patients who come in expecting complete elimination of dark circles are likely to be disappointed if pigmentation is also a factor. At our practice, we show you comparable cases and have an honest conversation about what's achievable for your specific anatomy before you decide whether to proceed.
Is there downtime, and how long do results last?
The under-eye area bruises more readily than most other treatment sites, and swelling can be more persistent than patients expect — plan for five to seven days of potential visible bruising, though many patients experience less. Results from tear trough filler typically last twelve to eighteen months or longer, as this is a relatively low-movement area. Because the skin is thin and the filler is placed close to the surface, proper product selection matters enormously — the wrong formulation can cause prolonged swelling or a bluish discoloration under the skin known as the Tyndall effect. At our practice, we select products specifically suited to the periorbital region and discuss these considerations in detail at your consultation.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.
