I Got Rid of my Under Eye Bags!

Okay I'll be honest. Normally, I can move on from a 3 week pimple or come to terms with the fact that my hair will never grow past my shoulders. But for as long as I can remember I have struggled with my under eye circles that created an ever-lasting "tired" appearance. Working in both social media and the acting industry has admittedly pushed me to fixate on certain things about my appearance. So the more I fixated on my under eye bags, the more the obsession with them disappearing grew - leading to other problems. This started affecting my confidence, social interactions and eventually, even my career. (Trust me, auditions can be distracting when it looks like you only get 2 hours of sleep each night.)

BEFORE

* all of these photos are taken with makeup on.

For years I couldn't get over my exhausted appearance, which led me to spend hundreds of dollars on under eye creams, serums, concealers, and try every home remedy under the sun... let's take a look back at the ridiculous internet methods I resorted to:

- Tea bags

- Cold Spoons

- Cucumbers

- Under eye de-puffers

- Ice Cubes

- Egg Whites (umm..)

- Pamper Eyes with Potatoes (like.. what?)

After none of these worked, (big shocker there...) I started to lose hope that my under eye circles would ever disappear. So naturally, I vented to a few friends about my first world problem and was introduced to under eye fillers also known as tear trough fillers.

I have to be honest, my immediate reaction was straight-up judgement. I looked at it as fake, unnatural, plastic, "fixing" your face, "getting work done" and a bunch of other un-true words I'm not proud of. The two hours of editing out my bags in photos eventually won me over, and I finally started doing my own research on these fillers. I had a lot of questions and concerns about the process which guided me to Sim.

Sim is a Cosmetic Nurse Injector based out of Toronto who very patiently answered all of my questions and concerns. She has heard my same complaint multiple times and made me feel so comfortable about the whole process. I was so happy with the results that I wanted to share every part of my experience and everything you need to know regarding the treatment.

Below are some FAQ's that are probably floating around your head right about now:

What exactly are under eye fillers?

These cosmetic fillers have gained popularity as under eye hollowness is one of the most common aesthetic issues among young people. Since hollowness is most frequently hereditary, the issue is arising in more young people who are expressing they look tired and older than they actually are. When your tear trough is shallow, under eye fillers are used to fill in that hollow space above the bags. This helps them not appear as large. So by adding more volume to the puffiness under the eyes, it actually camouflages the half circles.

Will fillers help with all under eye problems?

Not exactly. Most people who are looking for fillers experience the same hollow under eye that makes you look tired no matter how much sleep you get. However, it is important to know when tired looking eyes can be treated with filler, and when they're in fact just dark circles. Because little did I know, there actually is a big difference. Fillers are not appropriate for all under eye bag cases, and I was so thankful for Sim who gave me complete honesty when assessing my face. She let me know the facts - filler won't help with pigmentation, but hollowness can be treated with soft dermal filler to correct your under eyes. To know for sure if this is something that will work for you, a consultation can be booked beforehand to assess your eyes. (Hense why it's so important to go to someone you trust!)

How is the filler injected?

The fillers are injected by needle into your upper cheek. It's a very quick procedure and doesn't hurt nearly as much as you think! Sim has numbing cream on site to put in place beforehand. She also uses the cannula approach and here's why its recommended.

• Cannulas are blunt tipped, which means that they are less likely to pierce through a vein or artery. This results in a decreased chance of swelling/bruising.

• Cannulas are longer, allowing for fewer injections and entry points through the skin

• Minimal discomfort and pain associated with this treatment

What filler is used?

The filler that Sim uses is called Stylage which is an advanced Hyaluronic Acid dermal filler that is completely biocompatible and biodegradable. It offers a natural solution perfect for tear troughs. This filler is temporary meaning it will dissolve naturally into the tissue.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure only takes about 15-20 minutes and results are immediate! That was my favourite part - I was able to look in the mirror afterward and not have to wait for results. See comparison picture below.

How long do under eye fillers last for?

Fillers are not permanent and it is completely normal to need touch ups. They last anywhere between 6 - 24 months and dissolve naturally.

How much is the procedure?

If you book with Sim, the price is $600.00CAD. Considering the lengthy and incredible results - this is a great price!

Where do I go to get this done?

If you're in the Toronto area, I could not rave about Sim enough. HERE'S WHY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU SEE HER:

Sim was COMPLETELY honest with me. It was so refreshing to have an unfiltered consultation with someone who wasn't just trying to sell me on the procedure. She answered all of my questions, informed me on all of the risks, and explained thoroughly how everyone's eyes react differently. Not only this, but I felt so comfortable chatting with her in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment. You know those people you instantly click with? That's her! I put my full trust in Sim and I'm so happy I did.

SO, to sum this up (or should i say Sim this up...) under eye fillers have been an extremely positive thing for me. I no longer wear sunglasses every possible opportunity, (and some inopportune moments) no longer am anxious of looking tired for auditions, and no longer feel the pressure to always be wearing makeup in attempts to cover up my bags. HOWEVER, even though I am extremely happy with the results, fixating on every little thing about your appearance is a slippery slope.

So if you are struggling with the same issues and are considering this procedure, do your research on what products are used, side effects, and if you're eligible for the fillers. (*cough go to Sim cough*) Check out her instagram here to book a consultation!

I hope this post helped dissolve any fears you may have around the topic. If you have any more questions about this, drop a comment below or DM me on instagram - @joellefarrow. :)