By Emily Johnston, NP
Let’s talk about something I hear often from my patients: “I look tired, even when I’m not.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The under-eye area is one of the first places on the face to show signs of fatigue and aging. It’s where the skin is thinnest and the changes most quietly unforgiving. But the good news is, there’s a gentle way to restore volume and brightness.
One of my favorite treatments for this area is the RHA Collection of dermal fillers. These are soft, natural-looking fillers that are ideal for delicate areas like the under eyes. They don’t announce themselves. They blend in. And for this part of the face, that’s exactly what we want.
Why the Under-Eye Area Needs Special Attention
As we age, we start to lose volume in our faces, specifically in the midface and under-eye areas. This volume loss can create a hollow or shadowed look under the eyes that makes us appear tired, even when we’re rested.
Dermal fillers are a beautiful solution for restoring volume and smoothing out the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. I will say that not all fillers are created equal. The skin under the eyes is incredibly thin, which means it requires a dermal filler that is soft, smooth, and precise. This is where RHA really shines.
What Makes RHA Dermal Fillers Different
“RHA” stands for Resilient Hyaluronic Acid. These dermal fillers were designed to move with the face, adapting to expression rather than fighting against it. This flexibility makes RHA ideal for dynamic areas, including the tear troughs.
Traditional dermal fillers can sometimes look puffy or visible under the eyes, especially when the skin is thin. RHA 2 and RHA 3, however, are soft enough to respect the delicacy of this area while still providing the support needed to reduce hollowness and shadowing.
When I use RHA dermal fillers under the eyes, the result is subtle and natural. Patients look refreshed, not “filled.” Most people won’t know you’ve had anything done, they’ll just think you look rested.
Why I Start With Midface Dermal Filler First
This surprises a lot of people, but I often start with dermal filler in the midface before treating the under-eye area directly.
As we lose volume in the cheeks, the support beneath the eyes weakens. This creates the appearance of a deeper tear trough. By restoring volume in the midface first, we’re essentially rebuilding the structure that supports the under-eye area.
Treating the midface with dermal fillers like RHA 3 or RHA 4 can lift and soften the under-eye area naturally. Sometimes this alone improves the tear troughs so much that no additional filler is needed beneath the eyes.
It’s like fluffing a pillow. You want the center to be full and supportive before smoothing out the top.
What the Dermal Filler Treatment Feels Like
This treatment is done in the office and usually takes less than an hour. I use a cannula, a blunt-tipped tool, to place the dermal fillers gently and precisely. This helps reduce the risk of bruising and keeps swelling to a minimum.
You’ll see immediate results, although I always recommend giving the filler a couple of weeks to fully integrate into the tissue. What I love about RHA dermal fillers is that they soften the area in a way that looks completely natural.
Conclusions
As a mom of three and a busy provider, I understand how it feels to want your reflection to match how you feel on the inside. It’s not about chasing youth. You just want to look like yourself- rested, bright, and confident.
If you’ve been wondering whether dermal fillers are the right solution for your tired under-eyes, I’d love to help you explore it. We’ll assess your facial structure, talk through your goals, and create a plan that feels natural to you.
The right dermal filler doesn’t change your face. It enhances what’s already there. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to feel more like yourself again.
Let’s bring light back to your eyes—with a little help from RHA dermal fillers.
