UNDER-EYE REJUVENATION: FILLER VS. PDGF
- Ainsley Wharton
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 19
Under-eye hollows, crepey skin, and lingering shadows have different causes - so the best treatment depends on what you’re trying to fix. At Contour Collection in Denver, we specialize in two advanced solutions: hyaluronic acid (HA) under-eye filler and PDGF+ injections. They work very differently, and each shines for specific concerns.

HOW THEY WORK
Dermal Filler
What it does: Filler replaces lost volume in the tear trough to soften hollowing and reduce shadowing.
How it works: A smooth HA gel is placed to restore contour and light-reflectivity. Results are immediate.
Why Denver patients love it: Instant refresh with little downtime - perfect before events or photos.
PDGF
What it does: Improves skin quality—think collagen support, elasticity, and dermal thickness - without adding bulk.
PDGF works as a potent signaling protein, activating the skin’s natural repair mechanisms to gradually enhance texture and resilience. Since it’s lab-derived, there’s no blood draw involved, and each treatment delivers a consistent, precise dose. When injected under the eyes, this highly concentrated PDGF stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration.
Why Denver patients love it: Strengthens delicate under-eye skin for a naturally smooth, bright look over time.
Key difference: Filler adds structure/volume right away; PDGF stimulates your skin to regenerate over time.
FILLER VS PDGF - WHAT EACH OPTION IS BEST FOR
Concern | Dermal Filler (H.A.) | PDGF |
Immediate correction for hollowing/shadows | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Crepey, thin, or delicate under-eye skin | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Risk of a “puffy” look if overdone | Possible if overfilled | Unlikely (no volumizing gel) |
Downtime | Minimal, however, you may have slight bruising or swelling that can last up to 2 weeks | Moderate, however, you may have bruising and fluctuating swelling that can last up to 2 weeks |
Reversal option | Yes (hyaluronidase) | Not applicable (biostimulatory skin support) |
ONSET, SERIES & LONGEVITY
Filler: Visible right away; typical durability 12-24+ months depending on age, treatment goals, and other individual factors. As always, results vary person-to-person.
PDGF: Changes are gradual — most practices, including us here at Contour Collection, recommend a series (commonly 3 sessions), spaced 6–8 weeks apart, with improvements unfolding over ~4–12 weeks after each session.
PROS & CONSIDERATIONS
Dermal Filler
Pros:
Instant, predictable correction for volume-related hollows
Customizable and reversible
Considerations:
Rare risks (e.g., vascular occlusion), mitigated by experienced injectors and proper technique
Doesn’t directly strengthen crepey skin
Under-eye filler isn’t the right fit for everyone—in fact, many people aren’t ideal candidates. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
PDGF
Pros:
Recombinant, sterile ingredient profile with consistent dosing
Targets skin quality: collagen support, elasticity, and resilience for a natural, non-puffy look under the eyes
Can be used topically post-procedure and, in select cases, via microinjection for localized under-eye skin rejuvenation
Considerations:
Not a volumizer; hollows from true bone/fat loss may still need filler
Results take time and usually require a short treatment series
CAN YOU COMBINE THEM?
PDGF to improve the canvas (skin quality) over time. Combination therapy is common in advanced practices because it balances immediacy with long-term skin health.
OUR UNDER-EYE TREATMENTS AT CONTOUR COLLECTION
At Contour Collection, we offer both options—customized to your unique anatomy and goals.
The Rested – Under-Eye Filler: $900
Our signature HA filler treatment for under-eye hollowing and shadowing. Designed to instantly refresh your look, soften the transition from lower eyelid to cheek, and restore light to the eyes. Note: Not everyone is a candidate for under-eye filler—our providers will assess your anatomy and skin quality during consultation to ensure it’s the safest, most effective choice for you.
PDGF Injections: $700 per session
Improves skin quality, elasticity, and thickness under the eyes without adding bulk. For optimal results, we recommend a series of 3 treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Package of 3: $1,800
Whether you choose instant correction with The Rested, gradual skin regeneration with PDGF, or a combination of both, our expert injectors in Denver customize every plan to deliver results that look refreshed—not “done.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Choose filler for instant hollow correction and light-reflecting smoothness.
Choose PDGF if your priority is thicker, stronger, less-crepey under-eye skin with no added bulk — and you’re comfortable with gradual results through a short series.
If you're the proper candidate, choose both for the most natural, comprehensive rejuvenation addressing both volume and skin quality.
If you have any questions about Filler vs PDGF, we are here to help! You can reach us at (720) 629-8921, or you can book a New Client Consultation to learn more. We're happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.




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