Also known as tear throughs, under eye hollows refer to those sunken, shadowy areas that can show up beneath the eyes. And believe us when we say, they are one of the most common cosmetic concerns out there. Whether you are young or older, well-rested or running on little sleep, pretty much anyone can develop them. This is because this hollowed look can be caused by a mix of different factors, which is why they are so common in people of all ages.
In one survey of cosmetic practitioners, 91% said that “under eye hollows” was a concern frequently raised by patients. So the question remains, why do we get them and how to bring back a refreshed appearance?
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Why Your Eyes Look Tired
In short, under eye hollows form when the area between the lower eyelid and upper cheek appears recessed. Factors such as genetics, ageing, and changes in facial volume (a common effect of ageing or weight loss) can contribute to their development. Some people have hollows from a very young age due to bone structure or thinner skin, while others develop them over time as collagen and fat diminish.
- Genetics And Facial Structure
The reality is, some people just have naturally deep-set eyes or a pronounced tear trough groove due to inherited bone structure. In these cases, hollows may appear early in life.
- Ageing And Volume Loss
Ageing is the most common culprit when it comes to changes in our overall skin volume. This is due to the fact that as we age, the skin becomes thinner, collagen decreases, and the fat pads beneath the eyes shift.
- Thinning Skin
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the body. As collagen and elastin break down, the underlying structures, like blood vessels, for example, become more visible, accentuating the hollowed area.
- Lifestyle Factors
Naturally, not getting an adequate amount of rest can lead to a tired appearance. Similarly, dehydration, high-salt diets, and stress can also worsen the appearance of hollows, even though they may not be the root cause. Not to mention, weight loss can also contribute to reducing facial fat volume.
- Allergies And Rubbing
Chronic eye rubbing or inflammation from allergies may lead to skin changes and fatigue-related vascular visibility that deepen the appearance of hollows.
Let’s Talk Treatments
The best treatment really depends on the advice of a qualified practitioner. During a consultation, they will listen to your concerns, take a close look at your skin, and then recommend the approach that is right for you.
However, to give you an idea of what treatments are available:
Tear Trough Fillers: Probably one of the most popular and effective solutions for combating under eye hollows is dermal fillers. These fillers are designed to restore volume to the tear trough area and soften the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek. A 2021 review that combined 28 studies with a total of 1,956 patients found that about 84% of people were happy with their tear‑trough filler results in the short term. The same review showed that even after six months or more, satisfaction remained high at around 77%.
Fat Transfer: If you are looking for a more permanent solution, fat grafting results can last for years. This procedure involves harvesting fat from the patient and injecting it under the eyes to add volume. Because the fat cells integrate with surrounding tissues, the treatment involves more downtime and carries different risks than fillers. A recent study from 2020‑2024 on autologous fat grafting found that about 52% of patients were “very satisfied” with the results, and another 22% were “satisfied,” meaning nearly 74% of patients were happy overall.
Skin-Focused Treatments: When thin or crepey skin contributes to hollows, your aesthetician may focus on a treatment that stimulates collagen to help. These include microneedling, laser resurfacing (e.g., fractional lasers), radiofrequency microneedling (also known as RF microneedling), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Bear in mind, these approaches improve skin texture and thickness but do not directly add volume. In one small study focusing on the under-eye area, 8 out of 10 patients (80%) noticed some improvement within 3 months, and 9 out of 10 (90%) rated their results as good or excellent with PRP. Another study looked at PRP combined with microneedling around the eyes. About 73% of participants felt their skin looked more even, and roughly 82% said their skin texture improved.
Topicals: Creams containing retinoids, peptides, niacinamide, caffeine, or even snail mucin may improve skin quality and reduce vascular visibility. While topicals cannot replace lost volume, they can subtly enhance overall brightness and texture by reducing puffiness and pigmentation, helping the area look more contoured and less tired. Other popular products often include multi-step serums, ampoules, and sleeping eye masks specifically formulated for hydration and elasticity.
Bright Eyes, Refreshed You
Under eye hollows might be a natural part of life, and yes, they can make anyone look tired or older than they feel, but the good news is that you are not stuck with them.
From smart lifestyle tweaks and powerful topicals to advanced collagen-boosting treatments and volume-restoring procedures, there is a solution for nearly every type of hollow.
The key? Understanding why they appear and choosing the approach that works best for you. With the right plan, those shadowed, sunken areas can be softened, leaving your eyes looking brighter, refreshed, and full of life.