Tear trough filler and PRP work in very different ways for dark circles, and the best choice depends on what is actually causing your under eye shadows. In our Central London facial aesthetics clinic, most patients with hollow tear troughs and volume loss respond best to hyaluronic acid filler, while those with crepey skin, fine lines and pigmentation often benefit more from PRP or a combined approach. At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem on Pall Mall, Mayfair and Westminster patients are carefully assessed so you are not sold a one size fits all treatment, but a precise plan based on anatomy, skin quality and safety.
If your main concern is a visible groove, sunken under eyes and a sharp demarcation between the lower lid and cheek, tear trough filler usually offers the most immediate and noticeable improvement. If your main issue is thin, crepey skin, fine lines and a dark, bruised look rather than an actual hollow, PRP can gradually thicken and brighten the skin using your own growth factors. Many of our patients in Mayfair and Central London get the most natural, long lasting results when we combine low volume tear trough filler with regenerative options such as PRP or Polynucleotides. A detailed, doctor led consultation is essential to decide what is appropriate and safe for you.
Introduction: why dark circles are not all the same
Dark circles make you look tired even on days you feel well rested. They can make concealer a daily necessity and can be especially frustrating when people comment that you look exhausted or unwell.
The challenge is that “dark circles” is actually a cluster of different problems: volume loss, shadows from prominent eye bags, visible blood vessels, thin crepey skin and sometimes pigmentation. This is why internet tips, eye creams and even in clinic treatments can disappoint if they are not matched to the real cause.
At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem on 120 Pall Mall, London, we see women 30 plus from Mayfair, St James’s, Knightsbridge, Belgravia and beyond who want fresher, brighter eyes but are understandably worried about looking “done”. Our priority is subtle, natural looking rejuvenation with doctor led safety.
What it is & how it works: Tear trough filler vs PRP
Tear trough filler
Tear trough filler is a targeted application of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler placed along the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye into the upper cheek. HA is a sugar molecule that naturally occurs in the skin and attracts water, giving structure and gentle lift.
In expert hands, very small amounts of a soft, specially selected HA filler are placed either with a microcannula or fine needle at a precise depth. The goal is not to “fill” the area heavily but to soften the hollow that is catching the light and creating a shadow.
Key mechanisms:
- Replaces lost volume where the fat pads have thinned or dropped with age
- Smooths the transition between lower eyelid and cheek
- Reduces shadowing by flattening the groove that casts the dark line
- Can subtly support the lower eyelid, improving a tired appearance
Results from tear trough filler are visible immediately, then settle over 1 to 2 weeks as any mild swelling resolves. In a doctor led clinic like Alcove Aesthetics, we always allow time to evaluate your unique anatomy, eyelid support and skin thickness before deciding if filler is appropriate.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to stimulate repair and collagen production in the under eye skin.
At your appointment we take a small sample of blood, similar to a routine blood test. This is spun in a centrifuge to separate the red cells from the plasma and platelets. The golden plasma layer is rich in platelets, which contain growth factors that signal your skin to:
- Produce more collagen and elastin
- Improve blood supply and microcirculation
- Enhance cellular repair and turnover
The PRP is then carefully injected or gently placed into the under eye area. Over the following weeks your own biology does the work, gradually thickening and improving the quality of the skin.
PRP is especially helpful when:
- The skin under the eyes is thin, crepey or finely wrinkled
- The darkness looks “bruised” or vascular rather than clearly hollow
- You prefer a more natural, biostimulatory treatment that uses your own cells
Unlike filler, PRP does not directly restore volume. Instead, it improves the canvas of the skin, often used as part of a wider plan that might also include Microneedling or advanced skin treatments.
Benefits & results
Tear trough filler benefits
- Immediate softening of hollows and grooves
- Reduced shadowing and “tired” appearance
- Results typically last 9 to 18 months
- Precise placement allows very natural results in skilled hands
- Can be reversed with hyaluronidase if needed
PRP benefits
- Uses your own blood – low risk of allergy
- Gradual, natural improvement in skin thickness and texture
- Can improve fine lines, crepiness and a bruised look
- Supports long term under eye skin health
- Suitable for many skin types, including darker tones
At a glance comparison
| Aspect | Tear trough filler | PRP for dark circles |
|—————————|—————————————-|———————————————–|
| Best for | Hollows, grooves, loss of volume | Crepey skin, fine lines, vascular darkness |
| Onset of results | Immediate, refine over 1–2 weeks | Gradual over 4–12 weeks |
| Longevity | Around 9–18 months | Course dependent, often 12+ months of benefit |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive injections | Minimally invasive injections |
| Reversibility | Yes, with dissolving enzyme | Not applicable (your own tissue) |
| Typical course | 1 treatment plus review | 3 sessions 4–6 weeks apart |
Often, the most powerful results come from combining a small amount of tear trough filler with regenerative treatments like PRP or Sculptra to support the midface and overall skin quality.
Why choose Alcove Aesthetics for under eye rejuvenation
Under eye treatments sit very close to the eye itself, major blood vessels and delicate ligaments. This is not an area to compromise on experience or training.
At Alcove Aesthetics by Dr Goziem:
- All treatments are doctor administered by Dr Goziem Onuchukwu, BDS, MSc (Aesthetic Medicine), a GDC registered dentist with over 7 years of aesthetic experience and more than 1,000 patients treated
- Dr Goziem has been recognised as Best Anti-Ageing Practitioner (Central London 2024 & 2025) and Skin Aesthetics Specialist of the Year (2025), reflecting safe, natural and consistent outcomes
- You are treated in a discreet, luxury setting at 120 Pall Mall, a convenient location for Mayfair, Westminster, Soho, Marylebone, Fitzrovia and surrounding Central London areas
- We specialise in natural looking, doctor led treatments rather than trends, with a focus on facial proportions, tear trough anatomy and long term skin health
- Follow up is included as standard, so your results can be reviewed and fine-tuned where appropriate
Our priority is that you feel fully informed, never rushed, and confident that any decision is made for your face, not a generic protocol.
Treatment journey: from consultation to results
1. Comprehensive consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with Dr Goziem. This includes:
- Medical history and medication review to ensure safety
- Assessment of your tear troughs, eye bags, midface support and skin quality
- Identification of the true cause of your dark circles: volume loss, pigmentation, vascularity, or a mix
- Discussion of options, including tear trough filler, PRP and complementary approaches such as Skin Boosters, peels or lifestyle adjustments
You will have time to ask questions and consider your options. No treatment is carried out unless you are fully comfortable.
2. Treatment session
On the day:
- Your under eye area is cleansed and numbing cream applied where appropriate
- For tear trough filler, Dr Goziem marks key anatomical landmarks and places very small amounts of filler with a fine needle or cannula to minimise trauma and bruising
- For PRP, a small blood sample is taken, prepared in a sterile system, then injected into the under eye area
- The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes depending on whether you are having filler, PRP or a combination
Most patients describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, and are pleasantly surprised by how quick and tolerable the procedure is.
3. Review and maintenance
A review appointment is usually recommended 2 to 4 weeks later to:
- Assess settling and symmetry
- Decide whether any refinement is needed
- Plan maintenance or additional regenerative sessions if appropriate
Our aftercare support is ongoing; you will always know who to contact and what to expect.
Recovery & aftercare
Both tear trough filler and PRP are minimally invasive with little downtime, but some temporary effects are normal:
- Mild swelling or puffiness for 24–72 hours
- Occasionally, small bruises lasting up to a week
- Slight tenderness or a “full” sensation under the eyes initially
To optimise healing, we advise:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol and saunas for 24 hours
- Sleeping slightly elevated the first night to reduce swelling
- Not applying heavy makeup over the area for the first day
Tear trough filler results are visible straight away and refine over 1–2 weeks. PRP results build gradually, with many patients noticing a brighter, less crepey look after their second or third session.
Cost & transparency
At Alcove Aesthetics, we believe in clear pricing with no surprises.
- Tear trough filler is usually part of our bespoke Dermal Fillers packages, starting from £650 for 2 ml, with exact requirements discussed during consultation
- PRP for dark circles is £350 per session or £950 for a course of 3 treatments
Your personalised plan may combine treatments, which can be staged to suit your budget and diary. A £50 booking fee is required to secure your appointment, redeemable against treatment on the day. We operate a 48 hour reschedule policy.
FAQ: Tear trough filler and PRP for dark circles
Is tear trough filler safe?
When performed by an experienced medical practitioner in a clinical setting, tear trough filler is a safe, effective treatment. However, the under eye is a high risk area with important blood vessels, so choosing a doctor led clinic is essential. At Alcove Aesthetics, all procedures are carried out by Dr Goziem using premium, licenced products and strict safety protocols.
Which lasts longer, tear trough filler or PRP?
Tear trough filler typically provides visible results for 9 to 18 months, depending on your metabolism, lifestyle and product choice. PRP works more gradually and can improve skin quality for 12 months or longer after a course, but it does not add volume in the same way. Many patients opt for filler first to correct the hollow, then use PRP periodically to maintain skin health.
Will I look fake or overfilled?
The goal of treatment at our Mayfair area aesthetic clinic is always “you, on a good day”, not a noticeable change. Under eye filler is placed conservatively in tiny amounts and often combined with midface support or regenerative treatments rather than simply adding more volume. This approach keeps results soft, natural and age appropriate.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe both tear trough filler and PRP as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. We use topical anaesthetic, gentle technique and reassuring pacing. You may feel pressure or a slight sting during injections, but this is brief and well tolerated.
Am I suitable for tear trough filler or PRP?
Suitability depends on your anatomy, skin quality and medical history. Tear trough filler is not ideal for everyone, especially if you have significant eye bags or very loose lower eyelid skin. PRP is suitable for many people, including those preferring more natural options or who are not candidates for filler. A face to face consultation with Dr Goziem is the safest way to determine what is appropriate for you.
To book your personalised consultation with Dr Goziem Onuchukwu at Alcove Aesthetics, Pall Mall, London, call 07856962248 or book online at alcoveaesthetics.com/appointments.
