Introduction
The tear trough area, located beneath the lower eyelids and extending towards the cheeks, is a common cosmetic concern. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, subcutaneous fat volume is lost, and facial ligaments become lax, leading to the development of a tear trough deformity. This can make individuals look tired or older than they actually are. In New York City, there are several popular institutions that offer self - fat filling of tear troughs, along with other treatment options for this area. In this article, we will explore the details of tear trough treatments, the institutions that provide them, and important considerations for patients.
Understanding Tear Trough Deformity
Causes of Tear Trough Deformity
The development of a tear trough deformity can be attributed to multiple factors:
- Aging: With age, the skin loses its elasticity, and the subcutaneous fat volume decreases. The facial ligaments also become lax, causing the fat that normally covers the tear trough area to descend, creating a hollow. The area beneath the eyes is particularly prone to these changes as the skin there is thinner and more delicate than other parts of the face.
- Genetics: Some individuals are born with a congenital lack of facial fat volume in the tear trough area, which leads to an under - eye hollow.
- Loss of Facial Fat: Over time, the natural loss of facial fat can contribute to the deepening of the tear trough.
Impact on Appearance
The tear trough deformity can have a significant impact on a person's appearance. It creates a sunken area that casts a shadow, resulting in the appearance of dark circles, under - eye bags, and a tired or aged look. These cosmetic concerns can affect an individual's self - confidence and make them appear less energetic.
Treatment Options for Tear Trough Deformity
Dermal Fillers
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a type of injectable cosmetic treatment used for facial enhancement. They are made from various materials, with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers being commonly used for tear troughs. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body that helps plump the skin and increase collagen production. When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers restore lost volume, smooth out the hollows, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Tear Troughs
| Filler Name | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Restylane | A popular hyaluronic acid - based filler. Restylane Eyelight is a newer dermal filler approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. It uses crosslinking and patented NASH technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume. | Restores lost volume, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the treatment area, and provides natural - looking results. |
| Juvederm Volbella | The first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs. It contains the thinnest formulation of the Juvederm family and uses patented Vycross technology for a smooth and even distribution under the skin. | Enhances the natural appearance, corrects tired - looking eyes and under - eye bags. |
| Belotero Balance | Has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation. It can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, which is a bluish hue that can occur in the injected area due to the reflection of light off of particles suspended in the filler. | Provides a soft and even correction in the skin, making it highly effective for tear troughs. |
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Non - surgical: A non - invasive alternative to surgery, which means less downtime and fewer risks.
- Quick results: Results can be seen immediately after the procedure.
- Long - lasting: The effects can last for several months, typically around 6 - 12 months.
- Restores volume: Replenishes lost volume in the under - eye area, reducing the appearance of hollows and dark circles.
- Little to no downtime: Patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Candidates for Dermal Fillers
Good candidates for tear trough dermal fillers are typically individuals who are bothered by the appearance of under - eye hollows or dark circles and are seeking a non - surgical solution. They should have healthy skin and no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications. Realistic expectations about the results are also important, as the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. It's important to note that fillers are only useful for dark circles caused by the effect of shadowing due to loss of volume in the tear trough area. Dark under - eye circles caused by pigmentation of the skin or blood vessels beneath the skin must be treated with laser.
Preparing for Dermal Filler Treatment
Before the procedure, patients should discuss their medical history, any medications they are taking, and any allergies or sensitivities with their doctor. In the days leading up to the appointment, they should avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil), as this can increase the risk of bruising. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided during this time. On the day of the appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Dermal Filler Procedure
The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. A local anesthetic may be applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. The filler is then injected into the under - eye area using a small cannula or an ultrafine needle. Results can usually be seen immediately, but it may take a few days for the full effects to be visible as any swelling or bruising subsides.
Dermal Filler Recovery
After the treatment, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week and can be managed with ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure to prevent the filler from shifting. Strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements should also be avoided for at least 24 hours.
Fat Transfer
What is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, is a procedure that utilizes the patient's own fat as a filler. Fat is harvested from a donor area, such as the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, or buttocks, through liposuction or syringe aspiration. The harvested fat is then processed to separate the fat cells from other components, and the purified fat is injected into the tear trough area to add volume.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
- Natural filler: Since the fat comes from the patient's own body, there is a low risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
- Permanent results: A significant portion of the transferred fat can remain in place permanently, depending on the location. Unlike commercial fillers that are slowly broken down and absorbed by the body over time, the fat from a donor site can survive and thrive in its new location.
- Versatile: Can be used to address volume loss in other areas of the face as well, such as the cheeks, temples, and lips.
Candidates for Fat Transfer
Individuals who are noticing facial wrinkles and folds, particularly in the tear trough area, may be candidates for fat transfer. A consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if the patient is suitable for the procedure, taking into account factors such as overall health, body fat percentage, and the extent of volume loss.
Preparing for Fat Transfer
Before the fat transfer appointment, patients need to stop taking blood thinners, non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and herbal supplements for at least a week. Avoiding drinking and smoking is also necessary to ensure a smooth recovery.
Fat Transfer Procedure
The fat transfer procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. First, the fat is harvested from the donor area. Then, the fat cells are processed in a centrifuge to purify them. Finally, the purified fat is injected into the tear trough area using a fine needle. The procedure may take a few hours, depending on the amount of fat being transferred and the number of treatment areas.
Fat Transfer Recovery
Most patients will experience some bruising and swelling after the fat transfer procedure. However, the downtime is relatively minimal compared to more invasive surgical procedures. Most patients can resume their daily routine with some restrictions within 24 hours. It may take a few weeks for the swelling and bruising to completely subside, and the final results will become apparent over time.
Popular Institutions in New York City for Tear Trough Treatments
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments. He can recommend the best option for tear trough filler based on the patient's individual needs, goals, and medical history. During the consultation, he will determine the best treatment approach to achieve beautiful and natural results. His New York City office is where tear trough filler appointments take place.
Dr. Michele Green
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. With over 25 years of experience, she treats patients from around the globe for a variety of skin concerns, including dark under - eyes. She offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures, including tear trough fillers, at her private dermatology office in Manhattan's upper east side neighborhood. Dr. Green is an expert injector who can develop a customized treatment plan that caters to the patient's unique skin care concerns and aesthetic goals.
Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Neinstein Plastic Surgery offers tear trough filler injections. Their approach is to inject the hyaluronic acid gel very deep, almost directly on the cheek bone starting about half - way up the nose, and slowly move it up towards the tear trough area. This technique is said to be safe, predictable, and dramatically reduces the risk of bruising. The practice also provides after - care instructions and has led light therapy devices available for patients to speed up healing.
Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Dr. Mesa is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a practice focused on cosmetic procedures of the face, neck, breast, and body. He has extensive training at Harvard University and other top institutions. Dr. Mesa is known for performing tear trough correction with meticulous care to achieve results that appear refreshed, youthful, and natural. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can expect minimal downtime.
Dr. Neal Goldberg
Dr. Neal Goldberg, an extensively trained aesthetic plastic surgeon, offers tear trough filler treatment with Restylane - L®. He can evaluate the patient's tear troughs to determine if the filler can provide the desired results or if a combination with a more long - term treatment, such as lower blepharoplasty, is advised. The cost of tear trough correction is approximately $950 per injection, depending on various factors.
Dr. Gerald Imber
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. He believes that fat transfer is the best of all available fillers for volume restoration in the face. His practice in New York City offers fat transfer procedures, which can be used to address volume loss in the tear trough area, among other areas of the face.
Important Considerations for Patients
Cost
The cost of tear trough treatments can vary depending on several factors, including the type of treatment (dermal fillers or fat transfer), the amount of filler or fat needed, the location of the institution, and the experience of the provider. Dermal filler treatments can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per syringe, while fat transfer procedures may be more expensive due to the additional steps involved in harvesting and processing the fat.
Side Effects and Risks
Both dermal fillers and fat transfer procedures carry some potential risks and side effects. With dermal fillers, common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, itching, and in rare cases, the Tyndall effect or vascular occlusion. Fat transfer procedures may also cause swelling, bruising, and infection, and there is a risk that some of the transferred fat may not survive. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced provider to minimize these risks.
Choosing a Provider
When choosing a provider for tear trough treatments, it is crucial to select a board - certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. These professionals have the necessary training and experience to perform the procedures safely and effectively. Patients should also review the provider's before - and - after photos, read patient reviews, and ask for referrals to ensure they are making an informed decision.
Complementary Treatments
Tear trough treatments can be combined with other cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, Botox can be used to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and microneedling can improve under - eye dark circles and wrinkles. Platelet - rich plasma (PRP) can also be combined with tear trough fillers or used on its own to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several popular institutions that offer effective treatments for tear trough deformity, including dermal fillers and fat transfer. These treatments can help restore lost volume in the under - eye area, reduce the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags, and provide a more youthful and refreshed look. However, it is important for patients to understand the different treatment options, the associated risks and costs, and to choose a qualified provider. By making an informed decision, patients can achieve the desired results and enhance their self - confidence.
If you are interested in tear trough treatments, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable provider in New York City. During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns, goals, and the most suitable treatment option for you. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance today!
