Understanding Tear Trough Deformity
The tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. As we age, the skin under the eyes can become thinner, and subcutaneous fat volume is lost, causing the tear trough area to appear more prominent in what’s known as a tear trough deformity. Some individuals are born with a lack of facial fat volume in the area of the tear trough, which also causes an under - eye hollow. The tear trough deformity can occur due to a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, loss of facial fat, loss of skin elasticity, and laxity of facial ligaments. The area beneath the eyes is particularly prone to losing volume, as the skin there is thinner and more delicate than other parts of the face. As the volume decreases, the skin can start to sag, creating a hollow or trough - like appearance. This can cast shadows underneath the eyes, making a person look tired and older.
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Tear Troughs?
Tear trough fillers are a non - invasive cosmetic treatment option for rejuvenation of the under - eye area. Hyaluronic acid - based dermal fillers are commonly used for this purpose. When injected into the skin, the filler restores volume, smoothing indentations and increasing fullness for a more youthful, refreshed look. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion.
There are several types of hyaluronic acid fillers available for tear trough treatment, such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance. Each type has its own characteristics:
| Filler Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Juvederm Volbella | The first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs. It contains the thinnest formulation of the Juvederm family. Its patented Vycross technology allows for a smooth and even distribution under the skin. |
| Restylane Eyelight | Commonly used to improve the look of hollowing and under - eye bags. It can help restore lost volume in the tear trough area and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes and 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. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, which can create a bluish hue in the injected area due to the reflection of light off of particles suspended in the filler. |
Candidates for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of Tear Troughs
The best candidates for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs are typically healthy individuals with noted volume loss in the under - eye area. Ideal candidates have mild to moderate swelling and/or discoloration, and are between the ages of 20 and 65. If the dark circles are due to pigment or vascular issues, fillers may not be effective. Those with excessive wrinkling, very thin skin that looks and feels almost attached to the cheekbone, or severe skin laxity and excess fat in the under - eye area may not be good candidates for this treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients are also deferred for safety concerns.
People who are bothered by the appearance of under - eye hollows or dark circles and are seeking a non - surgical solution, with realistic expectations about the results, are suitable candidates. They should understand that the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. For example, if the under - eye dark circles are caused by pigmentation of the skin or by blood vessels beneath the skin, they must be treated with laser instead.
Advantages of Using Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in New York City Hospitals
1. Highly Experienced Medical Professionals
New York City is home to some of the world's top - notch medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Hospitals in the city have board - certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aestheticians who have extensive experience in performing hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs. For instance, Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years spent treating patients from around the globe for a myriad of skin concerns, including dark under - eyes. Dr. David Cangello is also a plastic surgeon with in - depth experience in tear trough filler treatments. These professionals have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and are skilled at injecting fillers to achieve natural - looking results.
2. Use of High - Quality Fillers
Hospitals in New York City have access to the latest and highest - quality hyaluronic acid fillers. They purchase fillers from reputable sources through traceable supply chains, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the products. The hospitals can offer a variety of filler options, such as the ones mentioned earlier (Juvederm Volbella, Restylane Eyelight, etc.), allowing the medical professionals to choose the most suitable filler based on the patient's specific needs, skin type, and anatomy.
3. Customized Treatment Plans
Every patient's face is unique, and hospitals in New York City understand this. The medical staff takes the time to conduct thorough consultations with patients, during which they assess the patient's under - eye area, facial anatomy, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals. Based on this assessment, they develop customized treatment plans. For example, if a patient has a particular type of tear trough deformity or specific cosmetic requirements, the doctor can determine the appropriate type of filler, the amount of filler to be injected, and the injection technique to use.
4. State - of - the - Art Facilities
The hospitals in New York City are equipped with state - of - the - art facilities. They have advanced equipment for numbing the skin before the injection, ensuring the patient's comfort during the procedure. Additionally, these facilities have the necessary equipment for post - treatment care, such as led light therapy devices that can speed up the healing process and the incorporation of the filler into the skin. For example, Neinstein Plastic Surgery has led light therapy devices available for patients to bring home after the tear trough filler injection.
5. Safety and Monitoring
Patient safety is a top priority in New York City hospitals. Before the procedure, the medical staff will conduct a detailed medical history review to identify any potential risks or contraindications. They will also provide pre - treatment guidelines, such as asking patients to avoid blood - thinning medications and alcohol in the days leading up to the appointment to reduce the risk of bruising. During the procedure, the doctors closely monitor the patient's condition to ensure a safe and successful injection. After the treatment, they provide comprehensive after - care instructions and schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and the results.
6. Complementary Treatments
Many hospitals in New York City offer complementary treatments that can be combined with hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, Botox can be used to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Microneedling, alone or in combination with platelet - rich plasma (PRP), can improve under - eye dark circles and wrinkles by promoting collagen production. Thermage can be used to tighten the skin around the eyes, and chemical peels can revitalize baggy or sagging skin under the eyes. Non - ablative laser resurfacing treatments can also be used to tighten and firm wrinkly skin under the eyes and diminish pigment discoloration. The medical professionals can create personalized treatment plans that incorporate these complementary treatments based on the patient's needs.
The Procedure in New York City Hospitals
1. Consultation
The first step is a consultation with a medical professional, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate the patient's under - eye area, skin elasticity, and facial anatomy. They will also discuss the patient's goals and expectations, and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs. If the patient is a good candidate, the doctor will recommend the appropriate type of filler and the amount needed, and develop a treatment plan.
2. Preparation
Prior to the procedure, patients are usually asked to avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil) for a few days to a week before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. They are also advised to avoid alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to the appointment. On the day of the injection, the patient's face is cleaned, and any makeup is removed. A topical anesthetic is then applied to the skin around the eyes and left on for about 20 - 60 minutes to numb the area.
3. Injection
The injection process involves using a small cannula or an ultrafine needle to inject the hyaluronic acid filler into the tear trough area. Different doctors may have different injection techniques. For example, at Neinstein Plastic Surgery, the approach is to inject very deep (almost directly on the cheekbone starting about half - way up the nose) and slowly move a small wave of the hyaluronic acid up towards the tear trough area. Dr. Michele Green uses an ultrafine needle to allow for precision in the tear trough injections. The amount of filler injected depends on the patient's specific needs and the severity of the tear trough deformity. The procedure usually takes about 10 - 30 minutes.
4. Post - Treatment Care
After the injection, ice is usually applied to the eyes for a few minutes to reduce swelling. The patient may be given a one - time dose of steroids to further minimize swelling. The patient is advised not to rub or massage the treated area immediately. When cleansing the face or applying makeup, gentle, sweeping motions should be used to avoid excessive mobility of the area. Patients should wait 24 hours before resuming strenuous activities that raise their heart rate and blood pressure, such as exercise and sex. Bruising and swelling at the treatment site may occur, but they usually subside within a few days to a week. Temporary, minimal to moderate swelling may be expected, and cool compresses can be applied to the area (avoiding pressure). Mild tenderness at the treatment site can last for a few hours or, at times, a couple of days, and patients can take acetaminophen/Tylenol if they experience any discomfort. They should wait a minimum of four weeks before receiving any laser treatments.
Results and Longevity
The results of hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs are often immediate, with the under - eye area looking fuller right after the treatment. However, it may take about a week to two weeks for the filler to fully integrate into the tissues and for the final results to be observed. The effects of the filler typically last for 6 - 12 months, depending on the type of filler used, the individual's metabolism, and other factors such as lifestyle and age. To maintain the results, patients may need to undergo repeat treatments on an annual or biannual basis.
Cost Considerations
The cost of hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs in New York City can vary depending on several factors. These include the type and amount of filler used, the medical professional performing the procedure, and the location of the hospital. Typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe. Multiple syringes may be needed to achieve the desired results, depending on the patient's specific needs and goals. For example, 1 - 2 syringes of tear trough filler may be required for complete under - eye rejuvenation. Although it may be more costly to have the procedure done by a more experienced, board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, it is important to choose a reliable provider to ensure the safety and quality of the treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs in New York City hospitals offers numerous advantages. The city's hospitals are staffed with highly experienced medical professionals who can provide customized treatment plans using high - quality fillers. With state - of - the - art facilities and a focus on patient safety, these hospitals ensure a safe and effective procedure. The immediate and long - lasting results can help patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance, reducing the signs of tiredness and aging in the under - eye area. Additionally, the availability of complementary treatments allows for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
If you are considering hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable hospital in New York City. Take the first step towards a more confident and youthful you. Research different providers, read patient reviews, and don't hesitate to ask questions during your consultation. By choosing the right hospital and medical professional, you can achieve the beautiful, natural - looking results you desire.
