Introduction
In New York City, the concern of eye tear troughs has caught the attention of many seeking a more youthful and refreshed appearance. As people age, the area under the eyes often undergoes changes, leading to the formation of tear troughs, which can give the impression of tiredness and premature aging. Thankfully, there are numerous popular institutions in the city that offer various effective solutions for repairing eye tear troughs. In this article, we will explore the causes of tear troughs, different treatment options, and highlight some of the well - known institutions in New York City that are making a mark in this field.
Understanding Tear Troughs
What are Tear Troughs?
A tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. It can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. Tear troughs can be genetic, but they may also present due to the natural loss of collagen that occurs as we age. Reduced collagen levels in the under - eye area lead to transparent, thin skin, increasing the visibility of underlying blood vessels and creating a darkened under - eye area.
Causes of Tear Troughs
- Aging: As a person ages, the skin and muscles of the face change. The tear trough becomes deeper, and people begin to lose elasticity in the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelids can start to sag, and fat can accumulate beneath the eye, further deepening the tear trough.
- Genetics: Some individuals are born with a lack of facial fat volume in the area of the tear trough, causing an under - eye hollow.
- Other factors: Dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, sleep issues, weight loss, smoking, allergies, sinus infection, and trauma can also contribute to the appearance of tear troughs.
Impact of Tear Troughs
Deep tear troughs may cause bags and puffiness under the eyes, making one look tired or older than they actually are. This can have a significant impact on a person's self - confidence and overall appearance.
Treatment Options for Tear Troughs
Dermal Fillers
How Dermal Fillers Work
Dermal fillers are a popular non - invasive option for treating tear troughs. They work by injecting a gel - like substance, typically hyaluronic acid - based, into the tear troughs to replenish lost volume and reduce the appearance of under - eye hollows. When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes. The preferred dermal fillers for this treatment area are composed of hyaluronic acid gel and have a small particle size. Hyaluronic acid is a component that is naturally produced by the body and helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Tear Troughs
Filler Name | Features |
---|---|
Juvederm Volbella | The first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs and contains the thinnest formulation of the Juvederm family. Its patented Vycross technology allows for the dermal filler to have 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. This dermal filler 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. |
Procedure of Dermal Filler Injection
The first step for having under - eye dermal fillers is to consult with a professional. The professional will evaluate the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity, confirm the patient is a good candidate for tear trough fillers, and determine the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required to produce the best results. A local anesthetic will be generously applied to the entire treatment area one hour before performing any injections to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Additionally, the dermal fillers used for the under - eye area are often compounded with lidocaine. The filler is then injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. Immediately upon completion of the procedure, ice will be applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur, and aftercare instructions will be provided.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Restore lost volume in the tear trough area.
- Improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags.
- Provide natural - looking, long - lasting rejuvenation results with zero downtime and few potential side effects.
- The effects are reversible using hyaluronidase if the patient is not satisfied with the results.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Mild swelling or bruising at or around the injection sites.
- The Tyndall effect, a rare side effect that leads to the development of a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected if the filler is injected too superficially.
- Rare but more serious side effects include changes in vision, vascular occlusion, signs of infection at injection sites, allergic reaction to the dermal filler product, worsening bruising or swelling, numbness, and persistent pain.
Platelet - Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
How PRP Works
PRP therapy can be combined with dermal fillers. It thickens the collagen layer of the skin to reduce the appearance of dark circles. The process entails taking a small sample of the patient's own blood. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge, and the protein - rich platelets are separated from the red blood cells. A gel is produced which contains concentrated collagen - stimulating proteins, and this substance is gently injected into the skin under the eyes. This material creates a platelet - rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), which has significant healing abilities. When used in conjunction with a dermal filler, lost tissue is restored, causing the area to smoothen and dark shadows to be diminished.
Surgical Options (Blepharoplasty)
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that improves the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids by removing excess skin from the eyelids. It can correct excess skin, droopy eyelids, under - eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles. This surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the eyelid area and removing the excess skin.
When is Blepharoplasty Recommended?
Blepharoplasty may be recommended when injectables, with or without PRP, cannot sufficiently eliminate bagginess. It is also a better option for someone who doesn’t mind the downtime, has an excessive amount of skin laxity, has little skin elasticity, and wants permanent results.
Recovery Process
The recovery process for blepharoplasty is longer compared to non - surgical treatments. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. They need to follow the doctor's instructions carefully regarding aftercare, such as using cold compresses, taking medications, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Popular Institutions for Repairing Eye Tear Troughs in New York City
Dr. Matthew White's Practice
Dr. Matthew White has employed innovative techniques with injectables to restore fullness to the tear trough, giving patients a more youthful appearance. For more severe cases, he is able to combine these newer techniques with surgery to ensure that the tear trough treatment can produce the results in keeping with the patient’s needs. His practice offers tear trough deformity correction treatments with various benefits such as reducing puffiness under the eyes, improving dark circles under the eyes, providing a younger and more energetic look, and having long - term to permanent results. The ideal candidates for his treatments are those in good overall health, without excessive fat accumulation under the eyes, and with realistic expectations.
Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. At her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood, she 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. She uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance for tear trough treatments. Dr. Green assesses each patient's under - eye hollows to choose the right tear trough filler and develop a customized treatment plan that caters to their unique skin care concerns and aesthetic goals.
Dr. David Cangello's Plastic Surgery Practice
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, and will work with them to develop a customized treatment plan to achieve their desired results. His practice offers tear trough filler treatments with benefits such as reducing the appearance of dark circles, camouflaging under - eye bags and puffiness, restoring volume to the under - eye area, being non - surgical, requiring little to no downtime, providing quick results, and being long - lasting.
Bay Ridge's Eye Clinic
This clinic in Brooklyn offers tear trough treatments. They first perform an ophthalmic examination to ensure the patient has no eyelid or eye surface problems. Then they evaluate the skin type, take photographs of the face, and discuss the patient's concerns and goals. They can treat tear troughs with collagen, as well as other natural or artificial dermal fillers. A combined treatment approach may be necessary, and they also give advice on diet, lifestyle, and skin - care.
LM Medical NYC
LM Medical NYC's aesthetic team offers non - surgical eyelid treatment at their clinics in Manhattan. They use dermal filler injections to rejuvenate the lower eyelids. Tear trough filler injections using hyaluronic acid filler can immediately improve the appearance of tear troughs, dark circles, and eye bags. The dermal filler smooths the transition between the lower eyelid and upper cheek for a more rested, youthful appearance.
Timeless Med Spa NYC
Timeless Med Spa NYC offers non - surgical eyelid treatment to rejuvenate the eyes with dermal filler injections. Their team of cosmetic specialists, headed by plastic surgeon Dr. Shteynberg, uses only FDA - approved facial fillers and the best techniques for their non - surgical eyelid treatments and all cosmetic procedures. They can use facial fillers to plump tear troughs, diminish dark circles under the eyes, and lift the tissue under the eyes to reduce the appearance of eye bags.
Dr. Zuckerman's Plastic Surgery Practice
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. He injects deep into the tissues, near the bone, and can inject up to 1 cc + of filler per eye. The treatment helps patients appear rested and refreshed. The results last up to one year, and the procedure takes 10 - 20 minutes.
Beso Aesthetics
Beso Aesthetics offers tear trough fillers as a non - surgical solution for under - eye hollows and dark circles. They explain the entire process from preparation before treatment (such as consulting with a board - certified professional, discussing concerns, allergies, and medications), the injection procedure (cleaning the area, applying a numbing cream, injecting the filler, and massaging the area), to post - treatment care (avoiding touching the area, applying ice packs, gentle cleansing, elevating the head while sleeping, etc.). They also discuss the benefits, potential risks, and side effects of tear trough fillers and help patients determine if they are suitable candidates for the treatment.
Choosing the Right Institution
Consider the Expertise of the Doctors
It is crucial to choose an institution where the doctors are highly experienced and well - trained in treating tear troughs. Look for board - certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons who have a proven track record in performing tear trough treatments. Check their credentials, years of experience, and patient reviews.
Evaluate the Treatment Options Offered
Different institutions may offer a variety of treatment options. Some may focus more on non - surgical treatments like dermal fillers, while others may also provide surgical options. Consider your specific needs, preferences, and budget when evaluating the treatment options available at each institution.
Check the Reputation and Patient Reviews
Research the reputation of the institution by reading patient reviews and testimonials. Positive reviews can indicate that the institution provides high - quality care and satisfactory results. You can also ask for before - and - after photos of previous patients to get an idea of the outcomes.
Cost Considerations
The cost of tear trough treatments can vary depending on the institution, the type of treatment, and the amount of filler or other materials used. While cost should not be the only factor in your decision, it is important to understand the pricing structure and compare costs among different institutions. However, remember that quality and safety should not be compromised for a lower price.
Conclusion
Eye tear troughs can significantly affect one's appearance and self - confidence, but there are effective solutions available in New York City. Dermal fillers, PRP therapy, and surgical options like blepharoplasty are some of the treatment methods that can help improve the appearance of tear troughs. There are many popular institutions in the city, each with its own expertise and approach to treating tear troughs. When choosing an institution, it is important to consider factors such as the expertise of the doctors, the treatment options offered, the institution's reputation, and the cost. By making an informed decision, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed look. If you are struggling with tear troughs, don't hesitate to explore these treatment options and reach out to one of these reputable institutions in New York City. Start your journey towards a more confident you today!