Home » Infographic » How long do the results of the Valley of Tears treatment last?
The tear trough is an area located between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. Over time, or due to genetic factors, this area may become hollow. This causes the appearance of shadows and gives the face a constantly tired look.
To correct this hollow and restore a bright gaze, the treatment of the tear trough with hyaluronic acid injections is today the reference solution. It is a non-surgical, quick, and well-tolerated method that restores volume and smooths the transition between the eyelid and the cheek.
The duration of the effects of the treatment is a common question. On average, results are visible immediately after the injection and stabilize within a few days. They can last between 12 and 18 months, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and the type of hyaluronic acid used.
An experienced doctor must provide natural, long-lasting, and safe results, adapting each treatment to the facial morphology and the specific expectations of the patients.
On average, the results of a hyaluronic acid injection in the tear trough last between 12 and 18 months. This longevity varies depending on several factors: the type of product used, the depth of the hollow to be corrected, the patient’s metabolism, as well as lifestyle habits (sun exposure, smoking, stress, hydration, etc.).
In Geneva, where the demand for medical aesthetic procedures combines high standards with natural results, patients seek visible but subtle outcomes, without excessive volume. The goal is to refresh the eyes while preserving the harmony of the face. This is why the choice of hyaluronic acid, its precise placement, and the injection technique are essential to achieve results that are both long-lasting and natural.
Light touch-ups may be considered after one year to prolong the effect and maintain a rested, radiant look.
Several factors can influence the longevity of results after hyaluronic acid injection :
The effects of a hyaluronic acid injection in the tear trough gradually diminish, usually between 12 and 18 months. This process occurs progressively, with the gradual reappearance of the hollow under the eyes.
The ideal time to repeat the treatment depends above all on the patient’s perception. Some choose to undergo another session as soon as the hollow begins to reappear, in order to maintain a constantly rested look. Others prefer to wait until the correction fades further before reinjecting.
The essential point is to act at the right moment, in line with your aesthetic expectations and the natural evolution of your face. A conulenza makes it possible to determine whether a new injection is indicated and to adjust the treatment protocol accordingly.
Several signs can indicate a gradual decrease in the effect of a hyaluronic acid injection in the tear trough.
The first indicator is often the progressive reappearance of a shadow under the eye, giving the gaze a more tired appearance. Gradually, a hollow at rest becomes noticeable, signaling that the injected volume has been absorbed.
The transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek may also lose its smoothness. Finally, there is sometimes a loss of brightness in the eyes, which appear less radiant than before.
This process occurs slowly, allowing the first signs to be detected and a reinjection to be considered at the most appropriate time — neither too early nor too late.
Yes, a few simple measures can help prolong the effects of a tear trough injection. Proper skin hydration, using suitable care products, helps preserve tissue quality. It is also essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50) daily to protect collagen and slow down the degradation of hyaluronic acid.
In some cases, taking antioxidant dietary supplements under medical supervision can strengthen skin health from within. Finally, regular aesthetic medicine conulenza allows monitoring of results, adapting the treatment if necessary, and preventing the product from disappearing too quickly.
A rapid loss of effect, before six months, is rare but possible. It may be due to an insufficient amount of product during the first session, a fast metabolism that breaks down hyaluronic acid more quickly, or the use of a product unsuitable for the treated area.
In this case, there is no need to worry. A medical reassessment will identify the cause of the issue and propose a tailored solution. Most of the time, a targeted touch-up is sufficient to restore a harmonious and long-lasting result.
The tear trough is an area where the skin is particularly thin and sensitive. This is why injections must be precise and technically flawless. An excess of product can lead to visible side effects, such as puffiness, persistent edema, or the Tyndall effect, which appears as a bluish discoloration under the skin.
To avoid these complications, it is essential that injections are performed by an experienced doctor, with careful product selection, an appropriate technique, and at reasonable intervals. When properly managed, repeated injections do not pose a risk. The quality of the procedure, combined with good follow-up, ensures a natural and harmonious result over time.
The treatment of the tear trough is based on the injection of hyaluronic acid, a resorbable product. This characteristic is not a limitation, but a deliberate medical choice. The face changes over the years — bone structure, volumes, skin tone — and a permanent solution could freeze expressions or become unsuitable for the patient’s morphology.
Conversely, hyaluronic acid adapts to the natural changes of the face. Its gradual resorption ensures a harmonious and natural result, without a frozen effect, while allowing subtle adjustments as needed. It is a flexible, reversible, and safe approach that respects the evolution of the eyes over the years. It is also important to remember that the use of non-resorbable products is prohibited.
The duration of the result after a tear trough injection largely depends on the patient’s age and skin quality.
In younger patients, the hollow is often slight. The treatment generally aims to correct a minor volume loss or to prevent the appearance of sunken dark circles. In this case, with the skin still firm and dense, hyaluronic acid lasts longer, and the effects tend to be more durable.
In more mature patients, the tear trough is often deeper, with skin that may be thinner, looser, or less elastic. The treatment remains perfectly appropriate, but the results may be slightly less long-lasting due to tissue fragility. Regular touch-ups are sometimes necessary to maintain a natural and harmonious result. The experience of the doctor is then essential to adapt the technique, choose the right amount of product, and adjust the injection depth according to morphology and skin quality.
The rate of hyaluronic acid resorption varies from person to person. Certain metabolic or lifestyle factors can reduce the duration of the result.
A fast metabolism, intense physical activity, or excessive sweating can lead to faster breakdown of the product. Likewise, frequent sun exposure, smoking, pollution, or chronic stress promote skin aging and impair the skin’s ability to maintain results. These factors generate oxidative stress, which is responsible for collagen degradation and loss of dermal density.
To prolong the effects of the treatment, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle: proper hydration, regular sleep, a balanced diet, and daily sun protection. These habits help preserve skin quality and optimize the longevity of the product over time.
It is useful to distinguish the biological duration of the result — that is, the time during which hyaluronic acid remains active in the tissues — from the duration of satisfaction perceived by the patient.
Even after the product begins to resorb, many patients continue to feel an aesthetic benefit. This can be explained by several mechanisms. Hyaluronic acid does not merely fill a hollow: it improves local hydration, skin suppleness, and can stimulate collagen synthesis. The treated area remains visibly smoother and firmer, even after the product has disappeared.
Moreover, the eyes gain softness and balance, which permanently alters self-perception. This positive feeling persists beyond the presence of the product, as it is related to the overall harmony of the face, not solely to the injected volume.
There is no universal schedule for maintaining tear trough filler. On average, a maintenance session is recommended every 12 to 18 months, but this frequency varies depending on metabolism, skin quality, and the expectations of each patient.
The goal is not to repeat injections systematically, but to adapt them to the natural evolution of the face. The right time for a touch-up is often when the hollow begins to reappear or the eyes appear less rested.
Regular follow-up with a doctor allows treatments to be adjusted gently, ensuring a long-lasting, natural result that remains in harmony with facial expression.
To maintain the effects of a tear trough injection, lifestyle habits play a key role. Well-hydrated, sun-protected, and deeply nourished skin is more resilient and better able to retain the benefits of the treatment.
Daily use of suitable care products, such as antioxidant creams or hydrating serums, helps preserve skin radiance and firmness. It is also advisable to avoid smoking and limit prolonged UV exposure, two factors that accelerate skin aging.
Additionally, certain micronutrients can support skin quality from within. Vitamin C strengthens antioxidant defenses, zinc promotes skin regeneration, omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect, and supplements such as marine collagen or oral hyaluronic acid contribute to skin hydration and elasticity.
These dietary supplements, although not essential, can prolong the longevity of results by strengthening the dermal structure. They do not replace injections but can optimize and stabilize the effects over time, especially when integrated into a comprehensive aesthetic care approach.
A successful treatment is not limited to the injection procedure itself. It is part of a comprehensive approach, based on regular and personalized follow-up. This follow-up, provided by an experienced doctor, relies on a detailed understanding of the patient’s face, medical history, and the way their features evolve over time.
It allows interventions at the right moment, prevents excesses or imbalances, and adjusts care according to actual needs. This attentive approach, combined with active listening and solid technical expertise, is the key to a natural, stable result, perfectly adapted to each face.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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