The under eye area has a way of telling on us. You can feel entirely well rested and still catch a reflection where the hollows beneath your eyes throw a shadow that reads as tired. The tear trough is one of the most common reasons people come in, and it is also one of the most delicate areas of the face, which is exactly why a careful consultation matters so much here.
What the tear trough actually is
The tear trough is the groove that runs along the inner part of the under eye, at the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Anatomically it sits along the lower orbital rim, where the orbicularis oculi muscle attaches and where a tethering structure, the orbicularis retaining ligament, creates a visible demarcation between the thin eyelid skin above and the thicker cheek skin below. The skin here is among the thinnest on the body, which is part of why shadows form so readily.
The hollow appearance is rarely a single thing. Research describes several contributors that tend to act together: the orbital rim widens as bone gently resorbs with age, the retaining ligaments loosen, the cheek fat descends and the under eye area loses support, while the skin thins and shadows deepen. For some people, pigmentation or puffiness adds to the impression. Because so many factors combine, the appearance can look the same in two people for quite different reasons, which is why assessment comes first.
Why this area calls for particular caution
The under eye is a delicate, high risk area surrounded by important structures, and it is one where a careless approach can cause problems. This is precisely why a thorough assessment, honest discussion of risk, and a willingness to decline or refer where appropriate are so important. A responsible answer is sometimes that this is not the right area or the right time to treat, and that is a sign of good care rather than a disappointment.
What Does Corey Assess?
- What is actually contributing to the hollow, whether bone, ligament laxity, fat descent, skin thinning, pigmentation, puffiness or a combination.
- How the under eye relates to the cheek and midface support.
- Skin quality and the presence of any puffiness or fluid.
- Your medical history, medications, previous treatment and timing.
- Your expectations and readiness to give informed consent if a treatment pathway were appropriate.
What Next Steps Can Follow The Consultation?
- A discussion of treatment options, where clinically appropriate and suitable for you following the assessment.
- Addressing cheek or midface support first, where that is the more relevant factor.
- A referral, for example to a specialist, where that is the more appropriate pathway.
- Waiting and reviewing.
- No treatment, which is a entirely valid and sometimes the safest conclusion.
No outcome is claimed, and any treatment is only discussed where it is clinically appropriate following assessment.
How Does Corey Anderson Approach This Consultation?
Corey Anderson is a Registered Nurse who has been registered with AHPRA since 1996. In a delicate area like the under eye, his caution and honesty are exactly what you want, and he is entirely comfortable advising against treatment or recommending a referral when that is the right call. You see the same practitioner throughout.
How Do Natural Looking Goals Stay Grounded?
The under eye is unforgiving of an overdone result, which can show as puffiness or an unnatural fullness. The aim is a refreshed, natural look, and a careful assessment of what is genuinely driving the shadow is what keeps any discussion grounded and safe.
What a tear trough consultation is not
- It is not a commitment to any treatment.
- It is not a certain result of a particular result.
- It is not a single template approach.
- It is not a sales appointment, and you will not be pressured.
- It is not the right step if something feels physically wrong. If you ever have severe or worsening pain, any change to your vision, skin that turns pale or dusky, spreading redness, swelling or a fever after any treatment, treat it as urgent and contact your treating practitioner, seek urgent medical care, or call 000.
When Might Treatment Not Be Appropriate?
There are circumstances in which treatment would not be recommended. Given how delicate the area is, this is judged especially carefully. Some health conditions, certain medications, significant puffiness or fluid, and situations such as pregnancy or breastfeeding may mean treatment is not appropriate, and this is always assessed individually. Where the concern is mainly pigmentation or eyelid changes, a different or specialist pathway may be more suitable.
How Are Consent, Risk And Time Handled?
If a treatment discussion forms part of your consultation, it will include clear information about relevant risks and limitations, which are taken seriously in this area. You will never be asked to consent to something you do not fully understand or are not ready for, and there is no pressure to decide on the day.
A typical tear trough consultation
To give a realistic sense of how it unfolds, imagine someone who feels they always look tired because of shadows under their eyes. In the consultation, Corey would assess whether the hollow relates to the orbital rim, ligament laxity, cheek descent, skin thinning, pigmentation or puffiness, and consider how the cheek supports the area.
He would explain honestly what could and could not be addressed, discuss the risks candidly, and might suggest addressing the cheek first, a referral, or no treatment. He would make no claims about a specific result.
How Should You Prepare?
- Note when the shadows are most noticeable and any questions you have.
- Jot down your medical history, medications and any previous treatment.
- Bring records from earlier treatment if you have them.
- Come as you are.
Book a tear trough consultation in Oakleigh
Core Aesthetics is a consultation led clinic in Oakleigh, serving people across the south east of Melbourne including Chadstone, Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Glen Waverley. Every consultation is carried out by Corey Anderson, Registered Nurse.
You are welcome to read our under eye hollowing consultation page, see what to expect at your first consultation, or book a consultation when you are ready.
Sources And Further Reading
The anatomy, skin quality or clinical background on this page is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Clinic Details And Verification
Core Aesthetics consults by appointment at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Corey Anderson RN is the accountable practitioner for consultation, treatment planning where appropriate and review. Patients can call 0491 706 705 and verify Ahpra registration NMW0001047575 before booking.
This page was reviewed on 9 June 2026 for consultation-first wording, under eye and cheek assessment context, consent, same day treatment boundaries and advertising compliance.
Regulatory Context
This page is general information for adults. The page language is consultation led and reviewed against Australian guidance for regulated health services and higher risk non surgical cosmetic procedure advertising.
Is this for you?
Consider booking a consultation if
- You are an adult patient considering a tear trough consultation
- You want Corey to assess the under-eye area before treatment is discussed
- You want risk, suitability and alternatives explained clearly
- You are open to waiting, referral or no treatment where appropriate
This may not be for you if
- You want treatment without assessment
- You want a pre-decided under-eye change before consultation
- You have an urgent eye, skin or medical concern that needs medical review first
- You are seeking advice for someone who cannot provide informed consent for elective cosmetic care
Suitability is confirmed at consultation. This list is general guidance, not a substitute for clinical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tear trough?
It is the groove at the inner under eye, along the lower orbital rim, at the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Shadows cast here can make the under eye look dark and tired. The skin in this area is among the thinnest on the body.
Why do under eye hollows form?
Several changes act together: the orbital rim widens as bone resorbs, the retaining ligaments loosen, cheek fat descends, the skin thins, and shadows deepen. Pigmentation or puffiness can add to the impression. It is usually a combination rather than one cause.
Why is this area treated with extra caution?
Because the under eye is delicate and surrounded by important structures. A careful assessment, honest discussion of risk, and a willingness to decline or refer are essential here. Sometimes the safest advice is not to treat.
Will I be told I need treatment?
Not necessarily. A consultation may lead to a treatment discussion where appropriate, to addressing the cheek first, to referral, to waiting, or to no treatment. The aim is the most appropriate next step for you.
Are there times treatment is not appropriate?
Yes, and this is judged especially carefully here. Some health conditions, certain medications, significant puffiness, and circumstances such as pregnancy or breastfeeding may mean treatment is not appropriate. This is always assessed individually. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Do you see people from outside Oakleigh?
Yes. The clinic is based in Oakleigh and sees people from across south east Melbourne, including Chadstone, Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale and Glen Waverley. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
What happens at a tear trough consultation?
Corey assesses your under eye concern, lower eyelid to cheek anatomy, cheek support, skin quality, medical history, previous treatment, timing, expectations, risks and suitability. The consultation may lead to treatment planning, staged review, waiting, referral or no treatment.
Is a tear trough consultation only about the under eye hollow?
No. The visible concern may be influenced by cheek support, skin quality, pigmentation, puffiness, fluid tendency, previous treatment or natural anatomy. Corey assesses the area in context before deciding what is relevant. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Will Corey assess the cheeks as well?
Often, yes. Cheek and midface support can affect how the under eye area appears. Assessing both areas helps avoid treating the tear trough as an isolated hollow when the driver may sit nearby. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Can treatment happen on the day?
Some adults may be suitable for treatment on the same day, but only when assessment, informed consent, timing and clinical judgement support proceeding. Booking the consultation does not mean treatment will happen. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
What should I bring to a tear trough consultation?
Bring details of previous cosmetic treatment, current medicines, allergies, relevant medical history, event timing and older photos if they help show how the under eye area has changed over time. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Can previous treatment affect under eye suitability?
Yes. Previous under eye, cheek, midface or lower face treatment can affect anatomy, swelling tendency, risk, timing and whether more treatment is appropriate. Corey may recommend review, waiting, referral or no treatment. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Is under eye treatment suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on anatomy, skin quality, puffiness, fluid tendency, medical history, expectations, risk, timing, consent and whether the likely plan is proportionate. Some patients are better served by another pathway. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
What risks are discussed before under eye treatment?
Risks may include bruising, swelling, tenderness, asymmetry, visible irregularity, colour change, prolonged puffiness, dissatisfaction, rare serious complications and review needs. The discussion is individual and depends on the concern assessed. The consultation can also cover suitability, risks, timing, alternatives and whether waiting or no treatment is the more appropriate next step.
Clinical references
- TGA: Advertising health services that involve therapeutic goods
- Ahpra: Guidelines for advertising higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Ahpra: Guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures
- Ahpra public register of practitioners
- TGA advertising a health service
- TGA cosmetic injections advertising FAQ
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periorbita
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856387/