How Much Do Under-Eye Fillers Cost?

• Under-eye fillers are gel-like substances that can restore a more youthful appearance, plump skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize circles
• Costs are based on several factors including type of filler and number of syringes used
• Results last from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the material used

Under-eye filler injections are noninvasive cosmetic procedures that reduce the look of hollow areas, dark circles and bags, and fine lines and wrinkles beneath the eyes. As this type of procedure is elective, it isn’t covered by insurance and must be paid for out of pocket. Under-eye filler cost is determined by the type of filler, number of syringes used, location and provider fees. 

What Are Under-Eye Fillers? 

Under-eye fillers are injectable dermal fillers that are used off-label to treat the skin beneath the eyes for a more youthful appearance. Off-label means the materials have been FDA-approved for other dermal filling purposes, but not specifically for use beneath the eyes. However, they are still considered to be safe for this purpose.

These fillers are placed just below the eyes to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, add volume to sunken areas, and reduce the appearance of puffiness or dark circles. 

Types of under-eye fillers

Under-eye fillers can be classified as temporary or semipermanent materials. Temporary fillers last from 6–9 months; semipermanent up to 1 year. 

Temporary dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers such as Belotero, Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane. HA-based dermal fillers are the most commonly used under-eye filler materials; HA is a substance that is found naturally within the body and is valued for its ability to bind to water, allowing the skin to become more hydrated. 

Other temporary fillers are formulated with calcium hydroxylapatite, collagen and poly-L-lactic acid. Over time, temporary fillers reabsorb into the surrounding skin, so treatments must be repeated periodically to maintain results.

Some semipermanent fillers include Bellafill, a collagen and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) treatment, calcium hydroxylapatite-based Radiesse and Sculptra, made with poly-L-lactic acid. 

PMMA is the only semipermanent dermal filler approved by the FDA in the United States. Semipermanent fillers also reabsorb into the skin, but they take much longer compared to HA-based fillers. 

Another alternative is fat transfer or fat transposition. In this procedure, fat is removed via liposuction from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks or thighs, then reinjected beneath the eyes. 

Fat transfer lasts longer, and for many, it is a permanent solution. Because it uses live cells from your own body, most of the fat remains as is and is not reabsorbed. This option also allows you to avoid introducing foreign filler materials into your body and reduces the risk of a reaction.

How Much Do Under-Eye Fillers Cost

Costs are based on the price per syringe and the number of syringes used. Other factors impacting the cost include location and your provider’s fees. 

• Hyaluronic acid treatments (Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane) $550–$900
• Radiesse treatments $650–$800 
• PMMA treatments $650–$1000
• Poly-L-lactic acid treatments  $600–$900 (per vial)
• Fat grafting treatments $2,000–$4,000

You will need to pay out of pocket as these treatments are considered cosmetic procedures and not covered by insurance. 

However, your provider may be open to a monthly payment plan; be sure to ask what your payment options are. 

How Long Do Under-Eye Fillers Last?

Depending on the material used, most fillers last from 6 months to 1 year, such as HA-based fillers. However, these can sometimes last slightly longer, depending on the person and how rapidly the filler is reabsorbed into the tissue. 

Length of time required between treatments depends both on how quickly a particular filler reabsorbs into your body and the type of filler used. Your provider will be able to help you estimate how often you may need to return for follow-up treatments.

Fat grafting can last at least three years, but it is commonly advised to have a follow-up treatment within 6 months to 1 year to maintain results. 

Are There Other Cost-Effective Treatments?

As under-eye fillers may not be appropriate for everyone, you may want to consider an alternative cost-effective treatment.

Over-the-counter treatments

Some over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are designed to plump, tighten or lighten the skin beneath the eyes. 

• Anti-aging creams that contain high amounts of hyaluronic acid, peptides (including collagen peptides) antioxidants and retinoids to plump skin and reduce dark circles
• Face masks such as clay, charcoal or hyaluronic acid masks that tighten the skin 

Costs for OTC treatments vary widely; depending on the brand and ingredients, some can cost as little as $10 or well over $500. 

Keep in mind that these topicals will not provide the same results as fillers: daily application of specialized under-eye creams can support skin health and maintain results of other treatments but will not be an effective replacement for them.

Skin tightening procedures

Skin tightening procedures may be a more effective and budget-friendly option for addressing the under-eye area. Noninvasive and minimally invasive skin-tightening procedures may be ideal for those who don’t want to undergo under-eye filler injections. These procedures include:

• Ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing, which ranges from $750–$7,500 and lasts up to 3 months
• Microneedling, which costs from $200–$700; typically 3 treatments are needed to achieve desired results
• Ultrasound skin tightening, which ranges from $750–$1,000 and lasts up to 1 year
• Radio frequency skin tightening, which costs $1,000–$4,000 and lasts 6–12 months

Eye lift surgery

While it won’t stop the aging process, eye lift surgery (lower eyelid blepharoplasty) can last at least 5 years or a lifetime. This is an invasive procedure with 3 weeks recovery time; the average cost is $4,000. 

Takeaway 

Under-eye fillers can effectively plump skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize circles.

Eye fillers run a wide range of costs and total cost will depend on a number of factors including your specific situation. Your provider will be able to help you navigate your options.

When determining and evaluating the cost of under-eye fillers, consider the type of filler your provider will use, how many syringes they will require, and any provider or location fees associated with your procedure. 

To help determine if under-eye fillers are right for you, compare the costs and risks of alternative treatments with the frequency of follow-ups you’ll need to maintain results.