Introduction
The delicate area under the eyes is a concern for many people, especially as they age. Tear troughs, the hollows between the lower eyelid and upper cheek, can create a tired, aged appearance. Eye tear trough filling plastic surgery has become a popular solution to address this issue, providing a non - surgical or minimally invasive way to rejuvenate the under - eye area. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous hospitals and clinics offering this service. This article will provide a preview of the ranking list of eye tear trough filling plastic surgery hospitals in New York City, along with essential information about tear trough fillers, their types, procedures, and more.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Their Impact
What are Tear Troughs?
Tear troughs are an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. They can be genetic, but often become more prominent with age due to the natural loss of collagen, which leads to thinner, more transparent skin in the under - eye area. Reduced collagen levels also cause increased visibility of underlying blood vessels, resulting in a darkened under - eye appearance, making one look tired or prematurely aged.
How Tear Troughs Affect Appearance
Tear troughs can cast a shadow, creating the appearance of dark circles and eye bags. This can give a person an exhausted look, even when they are well - rested. It can also make fine lines and wrinkles in the under - eye area more noticeable, further contributing to an aged appearance.
Types of Tear Trough Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
Currently, the best fillers for the under - eyes for the vast majority of people are made of cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. These fillers are soft, pliable, and most importantly, reversible. If there are any issues like lumps, bulges, discoloration (tyndall effect), or bubbles, they can be dissolved with an enzyme injection. Some popular HA fillers for tear troughs include:
- Restylane - L: It has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and a duration of effect of about a year under the eyes. It also has relatively low swelling and can be adjusted for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration. Dr. Brett Kotlus still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile.
- Belotero Balance: This filler is popular for under - eyes because it is very forgiving for the injector. It is not very stiff and tends not to lump up or cause discoloration. However, it may not provide great lift for deep tear troughs.
- Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure: Volbella is softer and is suitable for shallow injections under the eyes, while Vollure (also known as Volift outside the U.S.) is stiffer and better for deeper injections. They cause less swelling than the older variety of Juvederm products. However, a low incidence of inflammatory nodules has been reported to occur after 4 months with Volbella.
- Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne: These fillers have a different type of cross - linking than regular Restylane, making them more “flexible,” which can be beneficial in areas with a lot of facial movement. So far, there is no shown benefit over regular Restylane for the under - eyes.
- Restylane Silk: It is the thinnest and softest version of Restylane but has the highest swelling capacity, so it is not the best choice for the thin under - eye skin.
- Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus: They tend to swell more, are more likely to spread out, and can cause the treatment to be less accurate, so they are not the first choice for under - eye filling.
- Juvederm Voluma: This thicker version of Juvederm is best for cheeks but not suitable for under - eyes as it tends to look lumpy and can cause long - term swelling.
Fat Injections
Fat injection, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, is a permanent filler that uses your own fat cells to add volume. Many surgeons are reluctant to do under - eye fat injections, but Dr. Brett Kotlus frequently performs under - eye fat grafting, usually in conjunction with cosmetic eyelid surgery to blend and provide volume support to the areas around the eyes. The success of fat grafting depends highly on the technique used, as some of the injected cells may not survive. However, even at a 50% survival rate, the benefits can be worthwhile.
The Tear Trough Filler Procedure
Consultation
The first step for having under - eye dermal fillers is to consult with a medical professional, such as board - certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in her office on the upper east side of Manhattan. The doctor will evaluate the targeted treatment area, the skin’s elasticity, confirm if 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.
Pre - procedure Preparation
Before the procedure, patients should discuss their medical history, any medications they are taking, and any allergies or sensitivities with the doctor. In the days leading up to the appointment, patients are usually advised to avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs, alcohol, and caffeine to reduce the risk of bruising. On the day of the appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Anesthesia
A local anesthetic is typically 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 to further minimize pain.
Injection
The doctor will inject the dermal fillers directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. Some providers prefer using a cannula. Dr. Michele Green uses an ultrafine needle to allow for precision in the tear trough injections. 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.
Recovery and Aftercare
After getting tear trough filler, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week and can be managed with ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure and strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours. A two - week follow - up appointment is usually scheduled to ensure that the treatment was satisfactory and to determine whether any touch - up of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler is needed.
Top Ophthalmology Hospitals in New York City for Tear Trough Filling
US News provides evaluations of New York City hospitals that see many challenging ophthalmology patients based on patient outcomes, nurse staffing, services, etc. Here are some of the top - ranked hospitals:
| Hospital Name | Contact Information | Ophthalmology Score | National Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | 1 - 445 - 545 - 2492 New York, NY 10065 - 4870 |
4.3% (from some rankings, may vary) | Nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties |
| New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai | 1 - 332 - 248 - 1714 New York, NY 10003 - 4201 |
5.3% (in some rankings) and 3.8% (in other rankings) | Nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty |
| Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital | New York, NY 10075 - 1850 | 2.8% (in some rankings) and 1.8% (in other rankings) | Nationally ranked in 9 or 10 adult specialties |
| NYU Langone Hospitals | 1 - 646 - 970 - 9951 New York, NY 10016 - 6402 |
2.4% (in some rankings) and 1.7% (in other rankings) | Nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties (in some rankings) and 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties (in other rankings) |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Tear Trough Filling
Doctor's Expertise
It is crucial to choose a doctor who is experienced and specialized in tear trough filler treatments. Look for board - certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons who have a proven track record of successful procedures and a deep understanding of facial anatomy. For example, Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years of experience treating patients for various skin concerns, including dark under - eyes.
Hospital Reputation
Consider the hospital's overall reputation, patient reviews, and rankings. Hospitals with high rankings in ophthalmology, as provided by US News, are more likely to offer high - quality care. Additionally, look for hospitals with positive patient testimonials regarding tear trough filling procedures.
Range of Services
A good hospital should offer a variety of tear trough filler options and may also provide complementary treatments such as Botox, laser treatments, and microneedling. This allows for a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation and the ability to customize the treatment based on the patient's specific needs.
Cost
The cost of tear trough filler treatment can vary depending on the hospital, the type of filler used, and the number of syringes required. It is important to discuss the cost in detail during the consultation and to understand what is included in the price. Remember that choosing a more experienced and qualified provider may be more expensive but can also reduce the risk of complications and ensure better results.
Benefits of Tear Trough Filling
Non - surgical
Tear trough fillers are a non - surgical alternative to more invasive procedures such as blepharoplasty. This means less downtime, fewer risks, and a quicker recovery period.
Natural - looking Results
When performed by an expert, tear trough fillers can provide natural - looking results that enhance the appearance of the under - eye area without looking overdone. They can smooth out hollows, reduce the appearance of dark circles, and blend the lower eyelid with the cheek.
Quick Results
The effects of tear trough fillers are usually visible immediately after the procedure. Although it may take a few days for any swelling or bruising to subside, patients can notice a significant improvement in the appearance of their under - eyes right away.
Long - lasting
Dermal fillers typically last for anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on the exact filler used. Eye rejuvenation with tear trough filler treatment can be repeated on an annual or biannual basis to maintain the desired cosmetic results.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of tear trough filler injections include swelling, bruising, redness, and itching at the injection site. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary and can be managed with ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications. Swelling and redness typically resolve within a week, and bruising usually fades within one week.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Some 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. To prevent these serious or adverse side effects, it is essential to have the tear trough filler injections performed by an expert, board - certified injector.
Complementary Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation
Botox
Botox is popularly used to treat the outer canthal lines (crow’s feet) that appear around the eyes. It works by relaxing the muscles, softening the appearance of wrinkles, and preventing the formation of fine lines. Dr. Michele Green often treats patients for tear troughs and crow’s feet in the same visit, using dermal filler and Botox to achieve total rejuvenation of the eye area.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses a tool with tiny surgical - grade needles to create microscopic wounds on the surface layer of the skin. Through the natural wound - healing process, new, healthier skin cells grow, and new collagen and elastin are produced. This helps to plump and firm the skin, diminish signs of aging, and minimize the overall appearance of dark circles.
Platelet - Rich Plasma (PRP)
The effects of microneedling can be further enhanced by combining the treatment with PRP. PRP uses the cytokines and growth factors in plasma derived from a sample of the patient’s blood to boost the effects of microneedling and promote more regeneration at the cellular level.
Thermage
Thermage is the gold standard in facial skin tightening. It uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. It can improve skin elasticity in the delicate under - eye area and produce skin - tightening results that last up to two years in a single treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can revitalize baggy or sagging skin under the eyes by removing dead skin cells along the superficial top layer of the skin. This allows healthy new skin cells to be exposed, making the skin firmer and reducing fine lines, discoloration, pigment, and other visible signs of aging.
Non - ablative Laser Resurfacing
Treatments such as Fraxel and eMatrix can be used to tighten and firm wrinkly skin under the eyes, as well as diminish the appearance of pigment discoloration in the eye area. These treatments can lead to lasting improvement in under - eye bags with virtually no recovery time.
Conclusion
Eye tear trough filling plastic surgery is an effective way to rejuvenate the under - eye area and reduce the appearance of tiredness and aging. In New York City, there are several top - ranked hospitals and experienced doctors offering this service. When considering tear trough filling, it is important to understand the different types of fillers, the procedure, potential side effects, and factors to consider when choosing a hospital or doctor. Complementary treatments can also enhance the overall results of facial rejuvenation. By making an informed decision and choosing a qualified provider, patients can achieve natural - looking, long - lasting results.
If you are interested in learning more about eye tear trough filling plastic surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified professional. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance today!
