Clinical Reflections · Clinical aesthetics
Under-eye concerns: sometimes the correct treatment is not filler
Presentation
A patient sought tear-trough filler because she felt that she always looked tired, regardless of sleep.
Clinical approach
Under-eye concerns can have several causes, including volume loss, pigmentation, skin quality, facial anatomy and changes elsewhere in the mid-face.
After assessment, we discussed whether filler was likely to address the feature she disliked and the particular considerations associated with treating the tear-trough region.
Importantly, we also discussed the possibility that filler might not be the most appropriate treatment.
Reflective practice
Being able to perform a procedure does not mean that the procedure should be performed.
In aesthetics, declining or postponing treatment can be as important a clinical decision as proceeding with it. Patients deserve a realistic discussion of expected benefit, limitations and alternatives before making a decision.
This case is illustrative. It draws on Dr Godara's clinical experience, with identifying details removed or changed, and does not describe any identifiable patient. It is not a guide to what is right for you: treatment suitability is assessed individually and results vary from person to person.