Mabrie Facial Institute 166 Geary Street Floor 1300 San Francisco, CA 94108 Phone: (415) 445-9513 Text/SMS: (866) 618-9459 Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Dark circles, under eye bags, shadowing, or hollow tear troughs are common concerns we see at Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco. While under eye filler can be helpful here, it’s rarely enough on its own. Instead, we find that the most natural-looking improvements come from choosing the right level of treatment for the under eyes and the structures that support it.
MFI approaches under eye rejuvenation with a range of treatment options, from comprehensive full-face balancing to more focused regional and refresh treatments. Your plan is guided by our Illumination 360°® Facial Analysis, which helps us determine whether you need broader structural support, a targeted contour approach, or a lighter first step.
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This vibrant patient in her late 30s came to us feeling like her under eye bags and dark circles were making her look constantly tired — no matter how rested or energized she felt. Her goal was to look as awake and refreshed as she felt inside, without relying on heavy concealer or makeup.MFI TREATMENT PLAN As p... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This lovely patient in her 60s came to MFI hoping to look more rested and refreshed. Her main concern was the appearance of under eye bags and dark circles that made her look more tired than she felt. She wasn’t looking for a major change—just subtle enhancements to help her feel more like herself again.MFI TREATME... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENTThis gentleman traveled from Texas to Mabrie Facial Institute looking for a comprehensive, nonsurgical approach to facial rejuvenation. Following significant weight loss and a previous mini facelift, he noticed changes in facial volume and support that left him looking more tired and aged than he felt. His primary conc... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This patient in her mid-40s came to us seeking correction after filler placed under the eyes at another office left her with an unnatural blue tint — a common side effect known as the Tyndall effect. Her primary goal was to restore a refreshed, well-rested appearance and regain confidence in her results.MFI TREATME... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This vibrant woman in her early 50s came to Mabrie Facial Institute hoping to refresh her appearance and move beyond the “tired” look others kept mentioning. Her primary concern was under-eye shadowing that made her look fatigued, even when she felt energized. She wanted to brighten her features while keeping everything n... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This vibrant woman in her 40s from the East Bay came to MFI after years of feeling like her under-eye bags and dark circles didn’t reflect how energized or youthful she actually felt. She described always looking tired, even after a good night’s sleep, and wanted to address this without changing the essence of her appeara... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This young woman in her 20s originally came to us with concerns about her chin. She was even considering a surgical chin implant — but during her consultation, she experienced our signature i360˚ Full Face (Illumination 360˚) assessment, which changed everything. By viewing her facial features as a whole, she saw that the... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT Developing bags under your eyes is a common sign of aging that can be easily remedied with the use of facial Dermal Fillers. This particular patient of mine, from Northern California, approached me about the bags she started seeing beneath her eyes. She visited my office located in the San Francisco Ba... Read More
Every under eye treatment at MFI starts with our Illumination 360° Facial Analysis, a precise photographic and anatomical evaluation that guides your personalized plan. From there, your treatment is customized using our architectural filler approach, focusing on structure, balance, and light reflection rather than just filling lines.
i360 Signature Treatments
For clients seeking the ultimate in non surgical facial rejuvenation, our i360 Signature Treatments are designed to optimize facial harmony, light reflection, and balance from every angle.
Our i360 Non Surgical Facelift targets the mid and lower face — addressing dark circles, midface collapse, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowling to restore a rested, lifted, and naturally youthful appearance.
For those ready for complete facial transformation, our i360 Full Face expands the canvas entirely. Every zone is considered — temples, brows, nose, lips, cheeks, jawline, and beyond — with both filler and neuromodulator integrated into a single, cohesive treatment plan. The result isn’t a collection of corrections. It’s fully realized facial architecture that is balanced and illuminated from every angle.
Dr. Mabrie delivered a natural, masculine refresh to match our patient’s energy and active lifestyle. He added lift and structure across the entire face, creating brighter eyes, smoother contours, and a more rested appearance.
Dr. Mabrie restored full facial harmony by smoothing the under eyes, refining the nose and lips, and creating support and definition in the midface, chin, and jawline. She looks effortlessly rejuvenated and more youthful.
i360 Under Eyes & Midface Contour
We correct under eye bags and dark circles by first rebuilding cheek and midface support, which is the root cause for about 90% of patients. Adding volume to these areas creates support for under eye fillers. By restoring this foundation, we can use less tear-trough filler, avoid migration, and create a smooth, light-reflective transition under the eyes. This treatment takes place over two appointments, spaced about 6 weeks apart.
Tear trough filler helped ease the shadowing beneath the eyes, but it was midface and cheek filler that brought the youthful vibrancy back. Her nasolabial folds and under eye circles are gone, and her face looks brighter and better rested.
When topical products fell short, this former athlete decided to give under eye fillers a chance. What he didn’t realize was that the best results would come from treating the area beneath it. By building support in the midface, we smoothed the transition between the lower lid and cheek.
We injected fillers at varying densities to camouflage this patient’s under eye bags and dark circles. To complement the newfound lift in his cheeks and midface, we used UPNEEQ (a prescription eye drop) to brighten the eye area.
i360 Lite
Best suited for focused concerns or as the first step in a staged treatment plan, i360 Lite offers limited correction. This treatment is appropriate for mild hollowing, early signs of aging, or patients exploring filler for the first time. More comprehensive correction typically requires a regional contour approach, such as i360 Under Eyes & Midface Contour, or one of our signature full-face services.
i360 Natural Refresh (With PRF EZ Gel)
For patients seeking a more natural alternative to fillers, i360 Natural Refresh uses PRF EZ gel to subtly brighten and refresh the under eye area using your body’s own regenerative platelets and fibrin.
Ideal for patients whose concerns center more on skin quality than structural hollowing, i360 Natural Refresh incorporates PRF EZ Gel to smooth the texture of crepey skin and brighten the overall eye area. This regenerative treatment uses platelet-rich fibrin from your own blood and is best suited for those seeking subtle brightening and a more rested appearance rather than broader structural correction.
How Much Does Under Eye Tear Trough Filler Cost?
We’ve created a dedicated pricing page for the most up-to-date cost information. Here are some important things to keep in mind regarding the cost of under eye filler:
Comprehensive treatment plans: Our Bright Eye & Midface Contour, i360 Non Surgical Facelift, and i360 Full Face treatments include multiple syringes and visits for balanced, lasting results.
Long-lasting results: Fillers can last for years, gradually softening by 10-20% per year. Annual check-ins help maintain your results at a fraction of the initial cost.
Flexible financing: 0% interest plans available for 6-12 months through CareCredit and Alphaeon medical financing.
The MFI Advantage
MFI focuses exclusively on injectables and has set the bar in the art and science of fillers for more than 15 years. Dr. Mabrie, trained as a facial plastic surgeon, has dedicated thousands of hours to refining the most innovative, effective, and safe techniques for injectables. There is no other practice in the Bay Area with the level of experience, education, and passion for injectables you’ll find at MFI.
Understanding what’s going on beneath your eyes is key to understanding how to treat your dark circles and under eye bags. At MFI, we get consistently better results with under eye fillers by addressing the problem at its source.
Volume Loss in the Midface
Fat and bone create the structure in the middle of your face—between your nose and your cheekbone—that supports the under eye area. As these break down over time, the lack of support causes the area beneath the eyes to sink and droop. The result is hollowing of the tear trough area and sometimes “bags” of displaced fat, both of which cast shadows. This is the main reason for most of our clients’ dark circles and bags.
Volume Loss in the Midface
Before
After
Before
After
Your Genes
Some people are genetically predisposed to hollows or bags under their eyes and may have them at a very young age.
Other Causes
It’s important to understand that some people have dark circles that aren’t caused by shadows or contour irregularities. These include hyperpigmentation—or excess melanin around the eyes—and visible blood vessels.
In cases of hyperpigmentation, tear trough fillers may not be able to completely correct the darkness, but they can improve shadows if there is volume loss in the area in addition to pigment. By replacing the shadow with a smooth, flat surface, the skin reflects light, brightening the under eye area. While this doesn’t erase hyperpigmentation, it can significantly improve the appearance of this area.
Your Injector will help you determine whether your dark circles can be corrected with filler.
Under Eye Bags & Dark Circles
Consultation and Planning for Your Under Eye Rejuvenation
Your First Visit
Your successful tear trough filler experience starts with a thorough consultation with one of our Injectors at our chic, friendly San Francisco office. First, we have an in-depth conversation to get clear on your aesthetic goals and expectations. Next, we take professional-level photographs of your under eyes from all angles. We utilize these photos at every visit to identify your concerns and monitor your progress. Using both the photos and the in-person examination, we map out a customized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Please plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours in the office for your first visit, which includes consultation, prep, treatment, pre- and post-treatment photography, aftercare education, and scheduling your next appointment.
Your Under Eye Filler Procedure Takes Two Treatments
Your under eye filler procedure requires a minimum of two appointments. This staged approach allows us to create structure, support, and superior, natural-looking results. Too much filler all at once can create obvious results, and it’s better to build and layer until we get it just right.
For the best filler experience, follow these tips in advance of your appointment:
A few days before your appointment, restrict blood thinners such as anti-inflammatories, fish oil, and alcohol. Limiting these will reduce your risk of bruising from under eye filler.
DO NOT discontinue prescribed, medically necessary, medications.
Eat and drink a normal breakfast or lunch prior to your appointment; low blood sugar can make patients lightheaded during treatment.
Recovery & Aftercare
Immediately after tear trough filler, you may experience swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness. These are normal side effects and are most apparent 24 to 48 hours after treatment. They can last several weeks, but typically subside within 2 to 5 days. Most patients return to their routine activities the same day.
Swelling
Initial swelling may appear full or puffy with maximum swelling the day after treatment
This may cause temporary asymmetry, lumps, or bumps
Will gradually resolve to reveal your final results over 4 to 6 weeks
Bruising
While bruising is possible, it is usually minimal
It is less common (<5%) to have more severe under eye bruising
Redness & Discomfort
Often minimal and lasting just a few days
Downtime
No downtime required
May return to work immediately after treatment
May resume normal exercise the next day
Because we know you have questions about your recovery process, we created an entire page dedicated to BOTOX and dermal filler aftercare.
Example of Recovery After Under Eye Filler
1 Day After Under Eye Treatment
3 Days After Under Eye Treatment
3 Weeks After Under Eye Treatment
Aftercare Pro Tips
Aftercare Pro Tips
Under Eye Filler FAQs
How long does under eye tear trough filler last?
Depending on which fillers are used and which areas are treated, your results can last from 12 to 24 months or longer. Dermal fillers are temporary products that require touch-ups to maintain results. We recommend maintenance appointments at 12-month intervals to keep your results looking fresh. For more in-depth information about the longevity of fillers, visit our page on How to Make Your Results Last.
What is the best filler for under the eyes?
Generally, for under eye rejuvenation, we use Restylane® as our go-to tear trough filler, and JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® is our favorite of the cheek fillers. Both are hyaluronic acid fillers, which means they are reversible, and there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction. Learn all about the fillers we use by visiting Dermal Fillers 101.
Does under eye filler hurt?
A lot of patients ask Is tear trough filler painful? We have numerous techniques to help alleviate discomfort. We use a combination of topical lidocaine and injectable lidocaine to numb the area. For those who may be a little extra anxious we also offer nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas), to help calm some of your nerves. As a bonus, all our fillers have lidocaine in them, so the treatment area continues to become increasingly numb as the filler treatment continues.
What if I have very minimal dark circles?
Sometimes a person can benefit from a single-area treatment, but rarely. For certain individuals, we offer a limited under eye procedure. If you have minimal circles and/or bags, we offer this scaled-down procedure which uses less filler and comes at a lower price point.
We’d Love To See You
If you are interested in learning more about under eye fillers for dark circles and bags, request a consultation online and ask for Under Eye Filler/Midface Rejuvenation. Or you can call us at
(415) 445-9513 to schedule your first two appointments with one of our highly trained specialists. If you’ll be visiting us from outside the area, our Fly in for Your Procedure page was created just for you to help make planning your trip as smooth as possible.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. David Mabrie on October 1st, 2026.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Mabrie is the best. Crystal was pretty amazing too!
I’ve recently done an under-eye treatment and the results are amazing. Dr. Mabrie is a true artist and...
Sensational experience. I trust no other professional other than Dr Mabrie and his team. They deliver...
Dr mabrie is an amazing magician and so kind. If you want to look younger, and beautiful and not over...
