Tear Troughs and Dark Circles
Brighten the under-eye area with EZ Gel, PRP, and precision filler. We treat the actual cause (volume loss, pigment, or skin quality) rather than camouflaging.
Causes and Treatment
Dark circles and tear troughs come from three different sources, and the wrong treatment can make things worse. Identifying which is driving your under-eye darkness is the first job of a real consultation.
- Volume loss (true tear troughs): the fat pad beneath the eye has thinned, creating a hollow that casts a shadow. Treated with regenerative injectables or precision HA filler.
- Pigmentation: brown or violet pigment in the skin itself. Treated with brightening protocols and gentle resurfacing.
- Skin transparency: thin under-eye skin shows the blue tint of veins underneath. Treated with skin-thickening regenerative work.
The under-eye area is unforgiving. The skin is the thinnest on the face and shows correction (or overcorrection) immediately. Better's approach is conservative and layered: small interventions, observed for a few weeks, with adjustments rather than overcorrection in a single visit.
Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments
Better treats the under-eye with four tools, matched to the cause. Most patients combine two over time.
EZ Eye (EZ Gel)
Autologous gel made from your own blood that thickens under-eye skin and softens hollows. Regenerative, low risk of overcorrection or Tyndall effect, gradual results.
PRP Under Eye
Platelet-rich plasma injected into the under-eye to stimulate collagen, thicken skin, and improve quality over a series of treatments. Subtle, regenerative, fully natural.
Bye Bye Under Eye
Better's signature combination protocol designed for the under-eye area. Layers regenerative injectables with brightening and skin-quality treatments for comprehensive results.
RHA Filler (Tear Trough)
Precision hyaluronic acid filler placed deep at the bone level to fill true tear troughs. Used selectively when the hollow is structural and EZ Gel or PRP alone won't reach. Requires injector skill to avoid Tyndall effect.
The under-eye is unforgiving territory. Most patients should start with regenerative options (EZ Eye or PRP) before considering HA filler. Better's protocol is conservative: small first-pass, see how it settles in 4 to 6 weeks, layer in more if needed. We will never overfill on a first visit.
How to Choose Between Them
Match the treatment to the cause.
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Mild hollows, regenerative approach | EZ Eye or PRP series |
| Skin transparency, thin under-eye | PRP Under Eye series |
| True structural hollow | RHA Filler placed deep |
| Comprehensive package | Bye Bye Under Eye protocol |
| Pigmentation only (brown/violet) | Glass Skin + brightening protocol |
| First time, nervous about under-eye | Start with EZ Eye or PRP |
Two important warnings about under-eye filler. First, HA filler placed too superficially or too aggressively under the eye can cause Tyndall effect, where the filler casts a blue tint visible through thin skin. This is why Better leans on regenerative options first and uses HA filler only when warranted, placed deep at the bone level. Second, HA filler in the under-eye can attract water and create chronic puffiness in some patients. We screen for this risk at consultation.
If your dark circles are mostly pigmentation rather than hollows, the right plan is brightening through Glass Skin Facials and gentle resurfacing, not filler. We will tell you honestly which category you're in.
What to Expect at Better Med Spa
Under-eye consultations at Better start with a 5-minute hands-on assessment of volume versus pigment versus skin quality. We palpate the orbital rim, evaluate skin thickness, and check vein visibility. Based on the assessment, we recommend a starting protocol matched to your specific cause.
EZ Eye and PRP visits take 30 to 45 minutes total, including blood draw and processing. Expect some bruising and mild swelling for 3 to 7 days. RHA filler under the eye takes 20 to 30 minutes; bruising is more common given the delicate vasculature in this area. Allow a week before any major event.
Dr. Brechner supervises all under-eye protocols. Our injectors are trained in conservative, layered approaches that prioritize natural results over maximum correction.
Ready to talk to one of our providers?
A 30-minute consultation evaluates your volume-versus-pigment balance and recommends the right starting plan.
Before and After
See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will under-eye filler look natural?
When placed correctly, yes. The risks are Tyndall effect (blue tint from filler too superficial) and chronic puffiness (HA attracting water). Better's approach uses HA filler conservatively and only when regenerative options aren't sufficient. We place deep, layer small amounts, and adjust over visits.
What's the difference between EZ Gel, PRP, and HA filler under the eye?
EZ Gel and PRP are regenerative (made from your own blood, stimulate collagen, thicken skin gradually). HA filler is volumizing (immediate effect, fills hollows directly). Regenerative options are the safer first choice for most patients. HA filler is reserved for true structural hollows that won't resolve with regenerative work.
How long does under-eye treatment last?
HA filler under the eye: 12 to 18 months. EZ Eye and PRP: results build over 4 to 6 weeks per session and last 6 to 12 months. Most patients do a series of 3 PRP or EZ sessions, then maintenance once or twice a year.
Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.
Will treatment fix dark pigmentation?
Volume-based hollows respond well to filler and regenerative treatment. Brown or violet pigmentation in the skin itself doesn't change with filler. For pigmentation, we use brightening Glass Skin Facials and topical regimens, sometimes with gentle laser. Many patients have both causes.
How much does under-eye treatment cost in Chicago?
EZ Eye, PRP Under Eye, and Bye Bye Under Eye are priced per session. RHA Filler is priced per syringe. Series pricing reduces per-visit cost. See our Specials and Memberships for current rates.
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Where We Serve
Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.
Ready to brighten the under-eye area without filler regret?
Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.