Many factors such as excessive stress cause premature aging and increase fine lines around the eyes and other areas of the face. The good news is that with advancements in technology and access to modern knowledge, it is now possible to prevent the progression of this condition.
Gel injection is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments nowadays, and many people use it to eliminate facial wrinkles that make them look older. Dermal fillers are highly effective in facial rejuvenation, and one of their main advantages is being non-invasive.
What is under-eye gel injection and how is it done?
When it comes to the nature of dermal fillers, it should be noted that the gels used for under-eye injections to remove lines are derived from either synthetic or natural substances. Gel injections are applied to facial areas that patients want to rejuvenate or increase in volume. Removing lines helps reduce the appearance of aging, which has made filler injections one of the most popular anti-aging methods worldwide.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2.7 million filler injections were performed in 2017, and by the following year, dermal filler use increased by 3%. While many fillers on the market deliver immediate results, some require multiple sessions to achieve optimal outcomes.
The most commonly used fillers include:
Hyaluronic acid (HA):
This gel-like substance naturally occurs in the human body and is useful for smoothing wrinkles, reducing fine lines, and adding volume to specific facial areas. Brands such as Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used for gel injections. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, since HA is gradually absorbed by the body, results usually last only 6 to 12 months, although advancements in filler technology have extended durability to beyond 12 months.
Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA):
Made from microspheres suspended in a gel, this filler is thicker than HA, making it suitable for deeper wrinkles. The well-known brand is Radiesse, and its results last up to 1 year.
Poly-L-lactic acid:
This biodegradable synthetic acid doesn’t just fill wrinkles but stimulates the skin to produce collagen, which helps reduce facial lines over time. The brand Sculptra produces this filler, and results can last up to 2 years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA):
This long-lasting filler is chosen when patients want results that last up to 5 years. However, it is not widely recommended by doctors because fillers with long-lasting effects tend to carry higher risks of infection and side effects. PMMA is composed of small microspheres combined with collagen, helping reduce deep wrinkles.
Side Effects and Risks of Under-Eye Gel Injection
Side effects are one of the main concerns of patients seeking cosmetic treatments such as under-eye gel injections. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), common side effects include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Rash
These reactions are common and not a cause for concern, usually disappearing within 7 to 14 days.
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Infection
- Extrusion of the filler at the injection site
- Small bumps that may require removal
- Granulomas (inflammatory reactions to fillers)
- Migration of the filler from one area to another
- Blood vessel damage
- Blindness (if filler accidentally enters an artery and blocks blood flow)
- Tissue necrosis due to blocked circulation
- If you experience any of these severe side effects, contact your physician immediately.
- Recovery and Aftercare Following Gel Injections
There are several ways to minimize the risks of gel injections, such as:
- Follow your doctor’s pre- and post-care instructions carefully.
- Avoid sleeping right before treatment; stay awake 3–4 hours prior.
- Do not rub or massage the injection area for at least 3–4 hours after treatment.
- Natural supplements may help reduce swelling.
- Sleep on your back after gel injections.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or bending over for several hours post-treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure and heat after filler use.
- Apply an ice pack on the treated area for 5–10 minutes every hour.
- Acetaminophen may be taken to relieve injection-related pain.
- Avoid undergoing other cosmetic procedures within 24 hours.
Some patients may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results, and a gap of 1–2 weeks is usually required between treatments.
Costs of Under-Eye Gel Injection
Every patient considering cosmetic treatments also takes costs into account.The cost of under-eye gel injections depends on the number of syringes required. More syringes and larger amounts of filler naturally increase the price.
It is important to note that insurance does not cover gel injections, as they are considered cosmetic procedures. Therefore, patients must pay out-of-pocket. However, some doctors offer installment payment plans to make the treatment more affordable.
Are Under-Eye Fillers Permanent?
Unlike surgical cosmetic procedures with permanent results, gel injections are temporary. Over time, the injected filler is absorbed by the body and its effects fade away. The temporary nature of fillers can be beneficial for patients dissatisfied with results, as they can simply wait for the effects to diminish. On the other hand, satisfied patients may prefer longer-lasting fillers to avoid additional costs.
Generally, under-eye fillers last 4 months to over a year, depending on the type used. However, doctors often recommend fillers with moderate durability because long-lasting fillers carry a higher risk of complications such as infection.
