If hollows, a tired look or thin, crêpey skin under your eyes bother you, a consultation with Dr. Nil Yazıcı in Istanbul starts by identifying what is causing it, then agreeing the option that suits you. If you are travelling from abroad, under-eye photos sent for an online consultation help clarify the likely options in advance.
Under-eye treatments include hyaluronic acid filler for under-eye hollows (the tear trough) and treatments aimed at the quality of thin under-eye skin, such as polynucleotides (PN, “salmon DNA”) or eye-area mesotherapy. Tear trough filler is not suitable for everyone; it is avoided with prominent eye bags, a tendency to puffiness, or dark circles caused mainly by pigmentation. In Istanbul, Dr. Nil Yazıcı decides which option is suitable after assessing the structure of the under-eye area.
The most important decision under the eyes is whether to use filler at all. Filling an under-eye area prone to bags or puffiness can make it look heavier rather than better. Dr. Nil Yazıcı assesses the structure and skin quality of the area and does not recommend filler where it is unsuitable, discussing skin-quality options or any other assessment needed instead. For suitable patients, she prefers to work with small amounts and a cannula.
About Dr. Nil YazıcıA tired look under the eyes can have several causes: volume loss, thin skin, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, fat pads or fluid retention. The choice of treatment depends on the cause.
A small amount of soft hyaluronic acid is placed in the hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Planned only for patients found suitable at examination, using a measured amount.
Polynucleotide injections aim to support the quality of thin under-eye skin; they do not add volume. Details on our salmon DNA (polynucleotide) page.
Micro-injections with ingredients selected for the eye area, focused on hydration and fine lines. For other mesotherapy options see our mesotherapy page.
In suitable patients, skin quality can be supported first and a measured amount of filler added afterwards, or treatment can continue with skin-quality options only.
The under-eye area is assessed under different lighting and from different angles; hollowing, skin thickness, pigmentation, bags and any morning puffiness are discussed, along with previous treatments and allergies.
You will be told clearly whether you are a candidate for filler. If not, skin-quality options or, where needed, another type of assessment are suggested.
Filler is mostly placed with a blunt-tipped cannula, slowly and in small amounts. PN and mesotherapy involve superficial micro-injections with a fine needle.
After filler, the result is assessed once swelling settles, at around two weeks. For skin-quality treatments, session intervals and follow-up are agreed together.
Tear trough filler is usually done in a single session, with a small top-up after the review if needed. PN and eye-area mesotherapy generally require several sessions a few weeks apart; the number depends on the condition of your skin. Expression lines at the outer corners of the eyes are a separate matter and can be addressed with Botox for crow's feet.
First 48 hours
Swelling, tenderness and bruising around the eyes are possible; because the under-eye tissue is loose, bruising can be more visible than in other areas.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising largely subside.
Week 2
The filler settles and the result is assessed at your review; for skin-quality treatments, the next session is planned.
As sessions progress
With PN and mesotherapy, changes in skin quality appear gradually and to a different degree in each person.
The eye area is delicate and prone to swelling; care in the first days helps recovery go more smoothly.
The under-eye area is one of the places on the face where filler calls for the greatest selectivity. It is not suitable for everyone.
Because suitability for under-eye filler is selective, sending clear photos for an online consultation before you travel helps set realistic expectations. Bruising can be more visible here than elsewhere, so allow around a week in Istanbul if you want swelling and bruising to settle before flying home. Skin-quality treatments need several sessions a few weeks apart, which is worth discussing in advance if you visit Istanbul regularly. Interpreter support, airport transfer, accommodation help and remote follow-up are described on our international patients page.
See how the international patient process worksNo. The best candidates have a clear hollow in the tear trough, adequate skin quality and no eye bags. With bags, a tendency to puffiness or circles caused mainly by pigmentation, filler is generally not recommended. See our eye-area guide for other options.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent. Because only small amounts are used and the area moves relatively little, results last around 9–12 months for most people, sometimes longer, depending on the product and individual.
The under-eye area is thin and rich in blood vessels, so bruising can occur. Using a cannula can reduce the risk but does not eliminate it. Bruises usually fade considerably within a week.
If the circles are caused by shadowing, filler can help. If pigmentation or visible blood vessels are the main cause, filler alone is not enough; skin-quality treatments and daily care become more important.
If your under-eye skin is thin and crêpey, PN (salmon DNA) or eye-area mesotherapy may be considered. These do not add volume; they aim to support skin quality and usually need several sessions.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. If you already have filler from elsewhere that is causing swelling or irregularities, this is assessed at your consultation too.
Most people return to work the next day; if there is bruising, wait at least 24 hours before covering it with make-up. For an important event, plan under-eye filler at least two weeks ahead.
Salmon DNA is the popular name for skin-quality treatments using injectables made from purified DNA fragments (polynucleotides and PDRN). Here we explain the idea behind it, where it is used and where its limits lie.
6 min read
Tell us what you would like to achieve and share your medical history, and we will assess together whether this treatment is right for you. Travelling from abroad? We can start with an online consultation.
