Under-Eye Hollows
Shadows and hollows under your eyes that make you look tired even after a good night’s sleep. Here’s what causes them, what gentle options can help, and when another route makes more sense.
Medically reviewed by the AMW Med Spa licensed clinical team
- Best options
- PRP Matrix Glow, cheek support, PRP microneedling
- Typical plan
- Often a short series, spaced several weeks apart
- Downtime
- Mild swelling, redness or bruising for a few days
- Results
- Usually subtle, building gradually over weeks to months
What causes under-eye hollows?
Under-eye hollows are the dips or grooves between the lower eyelid and the cheek. They happen as the skin there thins and the fat and bone underneath slowly lose volume, which creates a shadow.
Hollows are often mixed up with other issues, like dark pigment, visible blood vessels or puffy bags. These have different causes and don’t all respond to the same treatments, so a careful look at your eyes comes first.
Common signs
- HollowsA groove or dip under the eye
- ShadowsA darker look caused by the hollow
- Thin, crepey skinFine lines on the lower eyelid
- Flatter cheeksLess support below the eye
- Tired lookLooking worn out even when rested
Areas we treat
Under-eye area
- PRP Matrix Glow
Lower eyelid skin
- PRP Microneedling Facial
- Microneedling
Upper cheek
- Restylane® Lyft
What causes it?
Genetics
Some people are born with deeper tear troughs or thinner under-eye skin.
Natural aging
Skin thins and the fat and bone around the eyes slowly lose volume.
Volume loss
Less fullness in the cheeks can make the under-eye area look deeper.
Sleep & stress
Poor sleep and stress can make shadows look darker for a while.
Sun exposure
UV light breaks down collagen in the thin skin around the eyes.
Three ways we can help
Use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood to support thin under-eye skin, with no synthetic filler.
Restore cheek volume so the under-eye area has more support below it.
Strengthen thin, crepey skin with microneedling.
Improve skin quality
PRP Microneedling Facial
Best for: Crepey under-eye skin with overall dullness
- Sessions
- Often 3, about 4 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Redness for 1–3 days
- Results
- Gradual over a few months
Microneedling
Best for: Fine lines and texture around the eyes
- Sessions
- Often 3, about 4 weeks apart
- Downtime
- Redness for 1–2 days
- Results
- Gradual over a few months
Compare all options side by side
| Treatment | How it works | Sessions | Downtime | Results | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced PRP Matrix Glow (Under-Eyes & Lips) | Concentrated PRP placed with micro-injections; no synthetic filler | Often a short series; your provider will advise | Mild swelling or bruising | Subtle, building gradually over weeks to months | $950 |
| Restylane® Lyft | Hyaluronic-acid filler placed in the cheek, not under the eye | Usually 1 | Possible swelling or bruising for a few days | Right away, settling over about 2 weeks | 1 syringe · $800 |
| PRP Microneedling Facial | Microneedling paired with PRP from your own blood | Often 3, about 4 weeks apart | Redness for 1–3 days | Gradual over a few months | From $699 |
| Microneedling | Tiny controlled micro-channels that support skin renewal | Often 3, about 4 weeks apart | Redness for 1–2 days | Gradual over a few months | From $349 |
Your typical plan
- ConsultationYour provider checks whether your concern is a hollow, pigment, blood vessels or puffiness, and gives you a written plan with the total price.
- Treatment seriesPRP and microneedling are often done as a short series, several weeks apart. Cheek support is usually one visit.
- Results buildPRP and microneedling results are gradual and usually subtle. Cheek filler shows right away.
- MaintainMany people plan a touch-up about once a year. Good sleep and daily sunscreen help too.
An honest note: These options work best for mild hollows and thin skin. They won’t remove puffy bags, and they often do little for dark circles caused by pigment or blood vessels. Large bags or heavy hooding may be better treated by an eyelid (oculoplastic) surgeon. If you have new or sudden swelling, puffiness in one eye, or changes in your vision, please see your doctor first.
Frequently asked
Still unsure? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Are hollows the same as dark circles?
Not always. Hollows are a dip that casts a shadow. Dark circles can also come from pigment or visible blood vessels, which respond to different care. Your provider will look closely to tell which you have.
What is PRP Matrix Glow?
It uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from a small sample of your own blood. It’s placed under the eyes with tiny injections, and no synthetic filler is used. Results are usually subtle and vary from person to person.
Why would you treat my cheeks for under-eye hollows?
As the cheeks lose volume, the area under the eye can look deeper. Restoring some cheek support can soften that shadow. The filler is placed in the cheek, not directly under the eye.
How many sessions will I need?
PRP and microneedling are often done as a short series spaced several weeks apart. Cheek filler is usually a single visit. Your provider confirms the plan and total price before you start.
Is there downtime?
Mild swelling or bruising for a few days is common after under-eye PRP or filler. Microneedling causes redness for 1–3 days. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.
Will this fix puffy under-eye bags?
Usually not. Bags are often caused by fat pushing forward or fluid, and the treatments here can’t remove them. Some people with bags do better seeing an eyelid surgeon, and we’ll tell you that at your consultation.
When will I see results?
Cheek filler shows right away. PRP and microneedling results build gradually over weeks to months. Results vary, and changes are usually subtle rather than dramatic.
Who shouldn’t have these treatments?
Some treatments aren’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infections, certain blood or medical conditions or some medications. Your provider reviews your health history before recommending anything.
Start with a consultation.
Your provider assesses your skin and goals and gives you a written plan with the total price before anything is booked.