Guide to plastic hospitals for fat removal of tear troughs in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

The appearance of the under - eye area, specifically the tear troughs, can significantly affect one's overall look. Tear troughs are the sunken areas that form beneath the lower eyelids, directly below the under - eye bags, and extend towards the cheeks. They can make individuals look tired or older than they actually are. In New York City, there are numerous plastic hospitals and clinics offering various treatments for tear troughs, including fat removal and replacement procedures. This guide will explore the different aspects of tear trough treatments, suitable candidates, procedures, and recovery processes.

Understanding Tear Trough Deformity

Causes of Tear Trough Deformity

Tear trough deformity can occur due to a combination of factors. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, subcutaneous fat volume is lost, and the skin loses its elasticity. The laxity of facial ligaments also occurs with aging, causing the fat that normally covers the tear trough area to descend, creating a hollow. Some individuals may be born with a congenital lack of facial fat volume in the tear trough area, resulting in an under - eye hollow. Genetics also play a role in determining the appearance and severity of tear troughs.

Impact on Appearance

Tear troughs can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making a person look tired, worn - out, or prematurely aged. This aesthetic concern can be a source of self - consciousness for many individuals, affecting their confidence and how they perceive themselves.

Treatments for Tear Troughs in New York City

Dermal Fillers

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable cosmetic treatment used for facial enhancement. They can add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and contour facial features. For tear troughs, hyaluronic acid - based fillers are commonly used. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps plump the skin and increase collagen production.

Types of Fillers for Tear Troughs

• Juvederm Volbella: It is the first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs. It has a thin formulation from the Juvederm family and uses patented Vycross technology for a smooth and even distribution under the skin.
• Restylane Eyelight: Commonly used to improve the look of hollowing and under - eye bags. It was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes and uses crosslinking and patented Nasha technology to correct under - eye volume loss and dark circles.
• Belotero Balance: Provides a soft and even correction in the skin. Its ultra - thin and flexible formulation can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, which can cause a bluish hue in the injected area.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers for Tear Troughs

Candidates for Dermal Fillers

Good candidates for tear trough dermal fillers are 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. It is important to have realistic expectations about the results, as the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. Fillers are mainly useful for dark circles caused by volume loss in the tear trough area, not for those caused by skin pigmentation or blood vessels beneath the skin.

Procedure and Recovery

Before the procedure, patients should discuss their medical history and medications with the doctor. In the days leading up to the appointment, they should avoid blood - thinning medications, alcohol, and caffeine to reduce the risk of bruising. On the day of the appointment, the face should be clean and makeup - free. The filler is injected into the under - eye area using a small cannula or ultrafine needle. Results can typically be seen immediately, but it may take a few days for the full effects to be visible as any swelling or bruising subsides. After the procedure, mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site are normal and usually subside within a few days to a week. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours and strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications for the same period.

Fat Transfer

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which fat is removed from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and inserted into another part of the face, including the tear troughs. Fat is the body's natural filler and is an excellent volume expander and contouring agent.

History of Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer surgery was first performed in the 1890s when a surgeon used fat to correct indentations under scars in the face. When liposuction technology became available in the 1970s, it became an increasingly popular procedure, particularly for face contouring.

Areas for Facial Fat Transfer

In addition to tear troughs, other areas of the face that can benefit from fat transfer include the temples, malar eminence (upper cheeks), nasolabial folds, chin, and prejowl sulcus. In the case of tear troughs, the loss of volume due to aging, muscle weakening, and bone changes can make the eyes appear sunken and dark - colored, which can be corrected with fat transfer.

Candidates for Facial Fat Transfer

This type of surgery can be suitable for people who show typical signs of aging in the areas mentioned above. Most patients seeking fat transfer to the face are women, but men are also becoming more interested. Young people with congenital facial abnormalities or hollowing of specific areas of the face, such as scars, or those who desire more prominent contouring, may also benefit. However, people who have had multiple liposuction procedures in the past may not have enough stable donor fat, those under the age of 40 may not be appropriate due to potential abnormal appearance later in life, and individuals who cannot receive deep sedation anesthesia due to underlying medical issues are not good candidates.

Procedure Steps

1. Determining Donor Site: The most common donor site for fat is the abdomen, specifically the lower central part. The thigh can be an alternative for those with insufficient abdominal fat or who do not wish to use the abdomen as the donor site.
2. Removal of Fat from Donor Site: Local anesthesia is injected into the marked donor site, and liposuction is performed to remove typically 40 to 60 ml of fat. A small surgical bandage or suture is used to close the small incisions.
3. Processing of Fat: The removed fat is separated from non - fat liquids and particles. This can be done by gravity separation or centrifugation. The remaining pure fat is called microfat, and a portion can be further processed to obtain nanofat, which is rich in stem cells and has a thinner consistency.
4. Insertion of Fat: Microfat is used for bulkier areas such as the temples and nasolabial folds, while nanofat is used for more delicate areas like the tear troughs.

Recovery and Complications

After facial fat transfer, bruising and swelling are common and expected. Swelling typically improves in the first 1 to 2 weeks but may take a couple of months to fully resolve. Keeping the head elevated and using a cool compress can help reduce swelling. There is usually minimal pain at the face recipient sites and only mild discomfort at the donor site. People can typically return to work after 5 - 7 days and resume regular exercise at least 1 week after the procedure. Final results are expected in 6 to 12 months. Complications may include lump formation, bulge formation, overcorrection, undercorrection, dimpling, and vascular occlusion.

Choosing a Plastic Hospital in New York City

Credentials and Experience

When choosing a plastic hospital for tear trough treatments, it is crucial to consider the credentials and experience of the plastic surgeons. Look for board - certified surgeons who have extensive experience in performing tear trough fillers or fat transfer procedures. Surgeons with a long - standing reputation and a high number of successful procedures are more likely to provide safe and effective treatments. For example, Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology with over 25 years of experience treating various skin concerns, including under - eye issues. Dr. Gary Linkov is a top - rated plastic surgeon in Manhattan who performs fat transfer surgery with a focus on natural and youthful results.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the quality of service and the results achieved by the plastic hospital. Positive reviews often indicate a high level of patient satisfaction, while negative reviews may highlight potential issues or areas of concern. Look for reviews that specifically mention tear trough treatments to get relevant feedback. For instance, patients have praised Dr. David Cangello for his patience, detailed explanations, and excellent results with tear trough fillers.

Range of Services

A good plastic hospital should offer a comprehensive range of services for tear trough treatments. This may include different types of dermal fillers, fat transfer, and the option to combine treatments for more comprehensive results. Some hospitals may also offer complementary treatments such as Botox, microneedling, or chemical peels that can be combined with tear trough treatments for facial rejuvenation. For example, Dr. Green offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, including under - eye fillers, Botox, laser treatments, and more.

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of tear trough treatments can vary depending on the type of procedure, the amount of filler or fat used, and the reputation of the surgeon. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate during the consultation and understand what is included in the price. Some plastic hospitals may offer financing options to make the treatment more affordable. For example, the cost of tear trough filler injections can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per syringe, and the cost of facial fat transfer can be more significant due to the surgical nature of the procedure.

Preparing for Tear Trough Treatments

Consultation

The first step in preparing for tear trough treatments is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your under - eye area, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you. They will also assess your overall health and medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Be honest and open about your concerns and any medications or health conditions you have.

Medical Preparation

If you are undergoing a dermal filler treatment, you should avoid blood - thinning medications, alcohol, and caffeine in the days leading up to the appointment to reduce the risk of bruising. For fat transfer surgery, you may need to stop certain medications that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, and vitamin E. You will also need to arrange for an escort to accompany you home after the surgery and fast after midnight prior to the procedure.

Emotional Preparation

It is important to have realistic expectations about the results of tear trough treatments. Understand that while these treatments can significantly improve the appearance of the under - eye area, they may not completely eliminate all signs of aging or achieve perfection. Prepare yourself emotionally for the potential side effects, such as swelling and bruising, and be patient during the recovery process.

Recovery and Aftercare

Dermal Filler Recovery

After getting tear trough fillers, mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site are normal. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week. You can use ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications such as ibuprofen to manage the discomfort. Avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours, and refrain from strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for the same period. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications.

Fat Transfer Recovery

Recovery from facial fat transfer takes longer than dermal filler treatments. Bruising and swelling are common and can take several weeks to fully resolve. Keep your head elevated and use a cool compress to reduce swelling. You may experience minimal pain at the face recipient sites and mild discomfort at the donor site. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 1 week after the procedure and gradually resume normal activities. Final results are expected in 6 to 12 months as the fat settles and integrates with the surrounding tissue.

Conclusion

In New York City in 2025, there are numerous options available for plastic hospitals offering fat removal and treatment for tear troughs. Whether you choose dermal fillers or facial fat transfer, it is essential to understand the procedures, choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, and follow the pre - and post - treatment instructions carefully. Dermal fillers are a non - surgical option that provides quick results with minimal downtime, while facial fat transfer is a more invasive procedure but can offer long - lasting and natural - looking results. By making an informed decision, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance in the under - eye area.

If you are considering tear trough treatments, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon in New York City. Explore your options, ask questions, and take the time to make the best decision for your aesthetic goals. Share this guide with others who may be interested in learning more about tear trough treatments in New York City.