Introduction
Tear troughs can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. Fat filling of tear troughs is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City to address this concern. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals for this treatment, as well as gain a comprehensive understanding of tear trough fillers.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Fillers
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is a natural contour between the under - eye area and the top of the cheek bone. Some people have naturally more prominent tear troughs, and with age, the tear trough can become deeper. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, and we lose fat and volume underneath the skin. This can lead to visible signs of aging such as a sunken appearance, dark circles, and more prominent eye bags.
Benefits of Tear Trough Fillers
- No surgery or anesthesia: It is a non - surgical option, reducing the risks associated with invasive procedures.
- Instant results: Patients can see an immediate improvement in the appearance of their under - eye area.
- Fills in or smooths volume loss: It helps to restore volume under the eyes, making the area look less concave and smoother.
- Uses naturally - occurring substances: Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the body.
How Tear Trough Fillers Work
Tear trough fillers typically use hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. As we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, causing the tissues underneath the skin to thin. By injecting HA filler under the eye, it replenishes the depleted hyaluronic acid, restoring volume and giving a more youthful appearance. The filler is injected into the tear trough area using a super - fine needle or a cannula, and the doctor will then evaluate if additional filler is needed.
Types of Tear Trough Fillers
| Filler Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Juvederm Volbella | The first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs. It has the thinnest formulation in the Juvederm family and uses patented Vycross technology for a smooth and even distribution under the skin. |
| Restylane Eyelight | FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. It uses crosslinking and patented Nasha technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume. |
| Belotero Balance | Provides a soft and even correction in the skin. Its ultra - thin and flexible formulation eliminates the risk of the Tyndall effect, which can cause a bluish hue in the injected area. |
Top Three Hospitals for Fat Filling of Tear Troughs in New York City
1. Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa prides itself on being one of the best spas in NYC, offering a complete line of non - surgical facial treatments. Their medical director, Dr. George Liakeas, MD, has the expertise to evaluate patients' faces and mark strategic injection points for the tear trough filler treatment. The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking between 15 minutes to an hour. They offer various cosmetic fillers, including Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero. Patients can call 212 - 397 - 0111 to learn more about their tear trough filler treatments.
2. Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years of experience. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Dr. Green uses a personalized approach, assessing each patient's under - eye hollows to choose the right filler, such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, or Belotero Balance. She takes measures to ensure patient comfort during the procedure, such as applying a local anesthetic and using fillers compounded with lidocaine. After the treatment, she schedules a two - week follow - up to evaluate the results and determine if any touch - up is needed. To get started, patients can contact her office at 212 - 535 - 3088.
3. Cangello Plastic Surgery
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 each patient's individual needs, goals, and medical history. The tear trough filler procedure at his office involves injecting the filler into the under - eye area using a small cannula, and results can be seen immediately. After the treatment, patients may experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness, which usually subside within a few days to a week. The office is located in New York City, and patients can benefit from his personalized treatment plans.
Preparing for Tear Trough Filler Treatment
Before undergoing tear trough filler treatment, patients should take the following steps:
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified doctor to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. The doctor will evaluate your under - eye area and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
- Medical history: Provide the doctor with a detailed medical history, including any medications you are taking, allergies, and previous surgeries or cosmetic treatments.
- Avoid blood - thinning substances: In the days leading up to the appointment, avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications), anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase the risk of bruising.
- Clean face: On the day of the appointment, arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
The Procedure
The tear trough filler procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic may be applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Some fillers also contain lidocaine to further reduce pain.
- Injection: The doctor will use a super - fine needle or a cannula to inject the filler into the tear trough area according to the pre - marked injection points.
- Evaluation: After the injection, the doctor will evaluate the treatment area to see if additional filler is needed to achieve the desired results.
- Aftercare: Ice may be applied to the treatment area to prevent swelling. The doctor will provide aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding rubbing or massaging the area, strenuous exercise, and certain medications for a period of time.
Recovery and Results
Recovery
Most patients can return to normal activity immediately after the tear trough filler treatment. However, some mild swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site are possible. These effects generally resolve within a few days to a week. Patients should follow the doctor's aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. For example, they should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure, and avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for a certain period.
Results
The results of tear trough filler treatment are immediate, with the under - eye area looking fuller. However, it may take a week or two to see the final results as any swelling or bruising subsides. The effects of the filler typically last between 6 - 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While tear trough filler treatment is generally safe, there are some potential side effects and risks:
- Swelling and bruising: These are common side effects and usually resolve within a few days to a week. Applying ice and following the doctor's instructions can help minimize these effects.
- Redness and itching: Mild redness and itching at the injection site may occur but should go away quickly.
- Tyndall effect: A rare side effect where the injected area may develop a bluish discoloration. This can be caused by injecting the filler too superficially and can be reversed with hyaluronidase.
- Allergic reaction: Although rare, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the filler. Cosmetic fillers are biocompatible, which virtually eliminates the risk of allergic reaction, but it is still important to have the treatment performed by a qualified doctor.
- Vascular occlusion: A serious but rare complication where the filler blocks a blood vessel. This can lead to tissue damage and other problems. To prevent this, it is crucial to have the treatment performed by an experienced and skilled injector.
Cost Considerations
The cost of tear trough filler treatment can vary depending on several factors:
- Doctor's experience: More experienced and well - known doctors may charge higher fees.
- Type of filler: Different fillers have different prices. For example, some high - end fillers may be more expensive than others.
- Amount of filler needed: The more filler required to achieve the desired results, the higher the cost.
- Location: The cost may also vary depending on the geographical location of the hospital or clinic.
Typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe. It is important to have the treatment performed by a qualified doctor, even if it may be more costly, to ensure safety and good results.
Complementary Treatments
Tear trough filler treatment can be combined with other cosmetic treatments for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation:
- Botox: Can be used to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, such as crow's feet.
- Microneedling: Can improve under - eye dark circles and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Combining it with platelet - rich plasma (PRP) can enhance the effects.
- Thermage: A facial skin - tightening treatment that can improve skin elasticity in the under - eye area.
- Chemical peel: Can revitalize baggy or sagging skin under the eyes by removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
- Non - ablative laser resurfacing: Such as Fraxel and Ematrix, can tighten and firm wrinkly skin under the eyes and reduce pigment discoloration.
Conclusion
Fat filling of tear troughs is an effective way to rejuvenate the under - eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and eye bags. In New York City, hospitals like Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center, Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office, and Cangello Plastic Surgery offer high - quality tear trough filler treatments. When considering this treatment, it is important to understand the procedure, recovery, potential side effects, and cost. It is also crucial to choose a qualified and experienced doctor to ensure safety and satisfactory results. If you are interested in tear trough filler treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top hospitals mentioned in this article to learn more about how it can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
