TL;DR:
- Valley of tears: A depression under the eyes caused by loss of skin firmness, fat, and collagen, leading to a tired, aged look.
- Causes: Aging (collagen/hyaluronic acid loss), thin/sensitive skin, smoking, weight loss, facial bone structure, and fat distribution.
- Treatment: Hyaluronic acid injection under the eyes to restore volume and firmness. The minimally painful procedure involves skin disinfection, optional local anesthesia, and injections followed by massage. Severe cases may require multiple sessions.
- Effects: Smoother, youthful appearance noticeable in weeks; results last 1–1.5 years.
- Post-care: Avoid pressure, physical activity, makeup (12 hours), and cool the area. Non-compliance could lead to minor side effects (hematoma, discoloration, flu-like symptoms). Follow-up visits recommended.
With the passage of time, the skin on ours changes – it loses its firmness, so the appearance changes significantly. This also applies to the eye area. Sensitive eye skin becomes susceptible to external factors as we age. As a result, the so-called growth of tears can form, which is the bane of many people. However, modern aesthetic medicine can effectively improve the appearance of the skin under the eyes, thereby refreshing the overall facial expression.
What is a valley of tears?
The valley of tears appears on the skin under the eye area. As a result of the loss of skin firmness, narrow collapses are formed that run from the inner corner of the eye toward the center of the cheek, exactly as tears flow. In addition, the lack of skin firmness leads to the disappearance of fatty tissue, which is the natural filling under the skin of the eyes. This leads to sunken orbits and the formation of a tear valley. As a result, the face looks tired and, moreover, takes on a sad expression. In addition, numerous wrinkles appear in the eye area, further enhancing the serious appearance and aging.
Causes of tear valley formation
The most common cause of the formation of the valley of tears is the passage of time. As we age, the facial skin loses firmness, which mainly affects the formation of the valley of tears. The older we get, the process of collagen and hyaluronic acid production slows down significantly. And it is these substances that are responsible for the firmness of the skin. The eye area, compared to other parts of the face, undergoes the fastest aging process. All because the skin in this area is very thin and sensitive to numerous external factors, plus there are fewer sebaceous glands and fatty tissue in the eye area. The valley of tears is formed not only as a result of skin aging. Its formation, especially in young people, can be influenced by an inappropriate lifestyle. Excessive and regular cigarette smoking and sudden weight loss are among the main causes of tear valley formation at a young age. In addition, there are also factors beyond our control, such as the shape of the facial bones or the thickness of facial fat, which contribute to the formation of a tear valley.
Tear valley – how to fight it?
Modern medicine offers effective methods to reduce the valley of tears. For this purpose, numerous eye treatments are used, aimed primarily at improving the firmness of the skin. Among the most effective is hyaluronic acid under the eyes, which is inserted under the skin. This is done with thin needles and punctures of 2 to 10. Of course, everything depends on the patient’s skin, so before the hyaluronic acid treatment, a patient interview is conducted and the condition of the skin is determined. Tear Valley Filling is a rather painless procedure, so it is usually done without anesthesia. However, in cases where the patient is very sensitive to pain, local anesthesia is used using special creams, among other things.
How does the procedure of filling the valley of tears with hyaluronic acid proceed?
The procedure is not a complicated one, and usually lasts an hour. Before starting the injection of hyaluronic acid under the eyes, makeup must be thoroughly removed. The doctor performing the procedure then disinfects the area around the eyes, nose and upper cheek area. This gets rid of bacteria from the area of the procedure being performed. If necessary, anesthesia is performed and proceeds to fill the valley of tears.
Filling the valley of tears with hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is inserted under the skin using very thin needles. Typically, the upper, middle and lower parts of the cheek are punctured, as the tear valley line runs. Once the hyaluronic acid is inserted, the doctor performs a gentle massage to distribute the substance evenly. It is worth bearing in mind that in the case of advanced tear valley, the procedure should be carried out gradually, with several stages hyaluronic acid tear valley removal
Effects of the procedure for filling the valley of tears
The first strongly noticeable effects in the form of smoothing of the valley of tears can be noticed after a few weeks. This is all because the hyaluronic acid gradually increases its volume due to water absorption. On the other hand, the filling of the subcutaneous tissue lasts as long as 1 to 1.5 years. As a result, the face looks rested and more radiant, and above all, younger. In order for the effects of the procedure to last as long as possible, several rules should be followed immediately after the procedure, namely avoiding pressure in the area where the hyaluronic acid was injected and refraining from excessive physical activity (especially swimming).
In addition, it is recommended to cool down the area around the lower eyelids, cheeks and nose. You should also refrain from applying makeup for at least 12 hours after the procedure. Failure to follow the doctor’s instructions can result in complications such as hematoma, itching, or skin discoloration and sensory disturbances. In some cases, typical flu-like symptoms, such as headache and muscle pain and malaise, may also occur. However, such situations are rare if the patient follows the doctor’s instructions. For follow-up after the procedure, it is advisable to visit the doctor to see if anything worrisome is going on.
Conclusion
Addressing the tear valley can rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence. We’ve explored its causes, effects, and how modern treatments, like hyaluronic acid, deliver lasting improvements. The procedure is straightforward and offers noticeable results without drastic measures. Following post-care instructions ensures the best outcome and minimizes risks. If tired, sunken eyes impact your self-esteem, consider this safe, effective option. Always consult a qualified specialist to decide if it’s right for you. Reclaim a youthful, refreshed look and let your eyes reflect vitality, not exhaustion.
