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.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dark circles, under eye bags, shadowing, or hollow tear troughs, you’re not alone. These are common concerns that bring people of all ages to Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco. While about 10% of patients benefit from under eye filler alone, we find the best, most natural-looking results come from treating the cheekbones, midface, and tear troughs as one aesthetic unit. Whether you choose our complete under eye rejuvenation package or our signature Illumination 360° Full Face approach, we design your filler treatment to give you lasting, balanced results—so you look refreshed, not filled.
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 Our patient, a lovely woman in her 60s, came to us looking for a refresh. She recently started noticing new signs of aging especially under her eyes and through the midface. She wasn’t looking for a major change, just something to help her feel more like herself. With our Illumination 360° (i360) approach, we knew exactly... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This physician in his late 50s flew from Texas for MFI's magic. He wanted a non-surgical solution to midface volume loss and sagging following significant weight loss. His goals were clear: to shed the tired and aged appearance caused by under eye bags and hollows.MFI TREATMENT PLAN Over 3 sessions, Dr.&... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This mid 40’s patient came to our office because she was unhappy about her under eye results from another office. She noticed a blue tint, also known as Tyndall-effect, where her filler was placed. Her goals were to have a more rejuvenated and well-rested appearance; however, her previous fil... Read More
ABOUT THIS PATIENT This vibrant woman in her early 50s visited Mabrie Facial Institute hoping to brighten her appearance and ditch the tired look she kept hearing about. Her main concern was the under-eye shadows that made her look constantly fatigued, even when she felt great. She was ready for a refreshed, natural glow—and open to expert... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENT This fun-loving woman from the East Bay came to our office because she was “tired of looking tired”. She felt the bags under her eyes gave her the appearance of being perpetually tired. MFI TREATMENT PLAN After examination, injector Kimberly PA-C decided that she would be a great candidate f... Read More
ABOUT OUR PATIENTThis young woman felt like her chin was missing something. Even if she wasn't sure what is was, she knew she'd feel a lot more comfortable with a little extra emphasis.Her first idea was to get a chin implant. Then she read about the results we're getting with Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation in San Fr... 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
How To Treat Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags: Your Treatment Options 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.
The Package: Complete Under Eye Rejuvenation With Filler
For about 90% of our patients seeking under eye rejuvenation, our approach to correcting under eye bags and dark circles involves starting with the cheeks and midface, which provide support to the under eye area. This method produces superior, lasting results when compared to simply injecting dermal fillers under the eyes.
Often, volume loss in the cheeks and midface is the main culprit of dark circles and under eye bags. When we lose volume in these areas, we leave the tear trough unsupported and sunken. Adding volume to the cheek and midface using fillers like JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® and RADIESSE® creates support for under eye fillers. With that structure in place, we can smooth tear troughs using less filler and eliminate the risk of filler migration or pooling.
We layer Restylane® to the tear trough area to create an even, shadow-free surface that reflects light. We carefully fill in hollows and smooth bags, creating a seamless transition between the under eye area, the cheekbone, and the midface.
In our many years of dedicated experience and treating thousands of patients, we’ve learned that treating a single area on its own is usually ineffective and could make the area look worse. Without addressing the midface, you can get a drooping/puddle effect that creates heavier under eye bags and nasolabial folds—the exact opposite of what you want. When we add structural support in the midface, it allows the filler to remain precisely where we want it.
This is a perfect illustration of how important the cheeks are in framing and treating the eye area. Midface and cheek filler gave her eyes the noticeable support that she was lacking. We applied Restylane Lyft and Restylane to her tear troughs, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. The shadows under her eyes and around her nose have disappeared.
This former athlete in his 40s struggled with how to fix his under eye bags for many years. After unsuccessfully trying out every eye cream out there to refresh his appearance, he decided to give fillers a chance. Our Midface Rejuvenation package addressed his under eye bags and dark circles. Volume was added to his midface using JUVÉDERM VOLUMA. Restylane was then added to camouflage the junction of the under eye and cheek, creating a smooth transition.
Our Injector used various densities of filler to create a smooth and lifted midface and camouflage the under eye bags and dark circles. To complement his refreshed look, UPNEEQ (a prescription eye drop) opens up the eyes for that extra sparkle!
The Ultimate: Illumination 360° Full Face
For clients seeking the next level in non surgical facial rejuvenation, the Illumination 360° Full Face treatment integrates under eye treatment into a comprehensive enhancement strategy. This approach optimizes facial harmony and light reflection across all zones—not just the tear trough—and is ideal for those desiring full face architectural contouring and balance from every angle.
We restored under‑eye brightness and midface structure using Restylane® and Restylane® Lyft to erase shadows and smooth hollows and bags. Cheek contouring supported the under eye area, while subtle enhancements to the jawline, chin, and masseter refined facial balance. The result is an effortlessly vibrant appearance that reflects her energy.
For this 50-something gentleman, Dr. Mabrie rebuilt structure in the midface to support the under eye zone after major weight loss. He then placed filler under the eyes to fill hollows, smooth bags, and soften dark shadows. Complementary enhancements refined the jawline, chin, and temples, creating a balanced, naturally energized appearance.
To support under eye filler, Dr. Mabrie used fillers to enhance this man’s chin and cheeks, adding volume to areas that were flat or underprojected, and creating more structure and balance. He also applied fillers to the jawline and the nose to contribute to his chiseled, refreshed, athletic vibe.
We used under eye and cheek fillers to soften creasing, correct asymmetry, and illuminate shadowed areas. Cheek contouring and subtle enhancements brought balance while avoiding an overdone look. The result: naturally brighter eyes, evened facial contours, and a calm, radiant expression that reflects her energy.
The Entry Point: Targeted Under Eye Filler Procedure
Approximately 10% of patients may be ideal candidates for a scaled down, one appointment under eye procedure using less filler:
This approach may be ideal for patients who:
Patients with minimal midface volume loss
Patients with existing filler in place
Patients who prefer not to address their cheeks
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:
Our under eye treatment package and Illumination360° Full Face include multiple syringes.
Because fillers last 12 to 24 months, your typical annual maintenance fee is usually a fraction of your initial treatment cost!
Qualified borrowers may be eligible for 0% financing for 6 to 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.
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.
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.
A Reputation Built on Results
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