Understanding Hyaluronic Acid Tear Trough Augmentation
Tear troughs are the hollows that develop between the upper cheek and lower eyelid area. They can cast shadows and make a person look tired or prematurely aged. Tear troughs can be genetic or a result of the natural loss of collagen as we age. Hyaluronic acid tear trough augmentation is a non - invasive cosmetic treatment that aims to restore lost volume in this area and smooth out the under - eye hollows, reducing the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion. When used as a filler in tear trough augmentation, it restores volume and provides natural - looking, long - lasting rejuvenation results with zero downtime and few potential side effects. Some common hyaluronic acid fillers used for tear trough augmentation include Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance.
Top Five Hospitals in New York City for Hyaluronic Acid Tear Trough Augmentation
1. 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 treating patients from around the globe. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times.
Services Offered: At her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood, Dr. Green offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, including under - eye fillers, Botox, laser treatments, microneedling, other various dermal fillers, chemical peels, and more. For tear trough augmentation, she often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance.
Procedure Process: The first step is a consultation where Dr. Green evaluates the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity, confirms the patient is a good candidate for tear trough fillers, and determines the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required. A local anesthetic is applied one hour before the injections, and the fillers are injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. After the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area, and aftercare instructions are provided. A two - week follow - up is scheduled to ensure satisfactory results and determine if any touch - up is needed.
Safety and Side Effects: Dr. Green is an expert injector, which helps minimize the risk of side effects. While there may be mild swelling or bruising at or around the injection sites, she takes precautions such as recommending patients to discontinue blood thinners before the procedure. The rare side effect of the Tyndall effect can be reversed with hyaluronidase.
2. Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Neinstein Plastic Surgery offers tear trough filler injections as an alternative to surgery for many patients. Their goal is to blend the eyelid with the cheek to give a rested and youthful appearance.
Preparation: Prior to the appointment, patients are asked not to use blood thinners like aspirin for 5 days. On the day of the injections, makeup is removed, and the skin is numbed for 20 minutes.
Injection Process: Their approach is to inject very deep (almost directly on the cheek bone starting about half way up the nose) and slowly move a small wave of the hyaluronic acid up towards the tear trough area. They use cannulas (no needles under the skin), which means less trauma to the tissues. After the injections, ice is placed on the eyes for 5 minutes, and the patient takes a one - time dose of steroids to reduce swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare: Patients are advised not to rub or massage the treated area immediately. They should use gentle, sweeping motions when cleansing the face or applying makeup. Strenuous activities that raise the heart rate and blood pressure should be avoided for 24 hours. Bruising at the treatment site may occur, and cool compresses can be applied. Temporary, minimal to moderate swelling may be expected, and tenderness at the treatment site can last for a few hours or a couple of days. Patients can take acetaminophen/tylenol for mild discomfort and should wait a minimum of four weeks before receiving any laser treatments.
3. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Zuckerman can help patients reduce dark circles with under - eye dermal filler injections. He uses Restylane - L, a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine, which is FDA - approved for treating the under - eye area. It is also the least hydrophilic of hyaluronic acid fillers, minimizing swelling.
Treatment Process: He injects deep into the tissues, near the bone, and can inject up to 1 cc + of filler per eye. The treatment takes 10 - 20 minutes per session. Results are visible immediately but take approximately one week to ten days to set in and can last up to one year.
Pretreatment and Recovery: Ideally, patients are recommended to avoid ibuprofen/aspirin two days before and after treatment, avoid excess alcohol one day before and after, and skip intensive physical activity the day of treatment if possible. There may be mild bruising or swelling, which in some cases can last up to a week, but more often resolves within a few days. Dr. Zuckerman can minimize bruising using his techniques and icing the affected area post - treatment. Makeup can be applied if needed after treatment, but it is recommended to avoid it the day of treatment if possible.
4. 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 and has a reputation for achieving exceptional results.
Tear Trough Filler Procedure: The process of smoothing sunken tear troughs involves selecting a dermal filler and injecting it with a very tiny cannula. A topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin before treatment for comfort. Dr. Mesa injects the filler into the skin beneath the lower eyelid and lightly massages the area to distribute the filler, and then repeats the process below the other eyelid.
Recovery and Results: There is minimal downtime after the treatment. Most people are ready to return to work in two to three days. Swelling, bruising, and redness should subside in a few days. Ice should be applied to the treatment areas during the first 48 hours, and strenuous activity should be avoided for two days after the procedure. The areas under the lower eyelids will look fuller immediately after treatment, but it may take a week or two to see the final results. Results are temporary, and repeat treatments are needed every year or so to maintain the effects.
5. Park Avenue Plastic Surgeon - Dr. David Rapaport
Dr. David Rapaport offers a wide range of injectable fillers, including those used for tear trough augmentation. He has significant experience in cosmetic injectables and has seen a dramatic rise in the use of injectable products for facial refinement and rejuvenation.
Filler Options: He offers various hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. Belotero is often favored in the lower eyelid, “tear trough” area. The average treatment results last around six months, although the length the product remains can vary based on individual factors, the product chosen, and the area being treated.
Treatment Process: After a thorough assessment and conversation about the patient’s goals, Dr. Rapaport makes recommendations for improvement and determines a treatment plan. The session may last up to 45 minutes. Numbing ointments and/or ice are used to reduce the discomfort of the pin - pricks, and gentle pressure is applied to reduce the risk of bruising. In most cases, there is little to no downtime, and patients can return to work or social activities within hours, except for lip enhancement which may result in swelling for one or two days.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Filler Options | Procedure Process | Recovery Time | Expertise and Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, Belotero Balance | Consultation, local anesthetic, ultrafine needle injection, follow - up | Minimal, with potential mild swelling or bruising for a few days | World - renowned expert, highly rated by multiple organizations |
| Neinstein Plastic Surgery | Hyaluronic acid gel | Pre - appointment blood thinner avoidance, numbing, deep injection with cannula, post - injection ice and steroids | 24 - hour avoidance of strenuous activities, potential bruising and swelling for a few days | Specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, offers alternative to surgery |
| Zuckerman Plastic Surgery | Restylane - L | Deep injection near the bone, short treatment time | Mild bruising or swelling for up to a week, often resolves in a few days | Board - certified plastic surgeon, experienced in under - eye filler injections |
| Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery | Various hyaluronic acid dermal fillers | Topical anesthetic, tiny cannula injection, massage | Minimal, ready to return to work in 2 - 3 days, swelling and bruising subside in a few days | Board - certified with extensive training and good reputation |
| Park Avenue Plastic Surgeon - Dr. David Rapaport | Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero | Assessment, treatment plan, numbing, gentle pressure | Little to no downtime, except for lip enhancement swelling | Experienced in cosmetic injectables, rising popularity in facial rejuvenation |
Benefits and Considerations of Hyaluronic Acid Tear Trough Augmentation
Benefits
- Natural - looking Results: Hyaluronic acid fillers provide natural - looking volume restoration, reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles under the eyes.
- Minimal Downtime: Unlike surgical procedures, hyaluronic acid tear trough augmentation has little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities quickly.
- Reversible: If a patient is not satisfied with the results, the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed using hyaluronidase.
Considerations
- Side Effects: Although rare, side effects such as swelling, bruising, the Tyndall effect, changes in vision, vascular occlusion, signs of infection, allergic reaction, worsening bruising or swelling, numbness, and persistent pain can occur. It is important to have the procedure performed by an experienced professional to minimize these risks.
- Temporary Results: The results of hyaluronic acid tear trough augmentation are temporary and typically last from six to twelve months, depending on the filler used and individual metabolism. Repeat treatments are required to maintain the results.
- Cost: The cost of tear trough filler treatment depends on several factors, such as the medical professional, the type of filler used, and the amount of filler needed. Fillers can cost $1000 or more per syringe.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid tear trough augmentation is a popular non - invasive cosmetic treatment option for rejuvenating the under - eye area. The top five hospitals in New York City - Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office, Neinstein Plastic Surgery, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, and Park Avenue Plastic Surgeon - Dr. David Rapaport - each offer high - quality services with experienced professionals and a range of filler options. When considering this treatment, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the considerations and choose a hospital and provider that best suits your needs and aesthetic goals.
If you are interested in hyaluronic acid tear trough augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top - rated hospitals in New York City. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance by exploring this effective cosmetic treatment option.
