Introduction
In the vibrant city of New York, the pursuit of beauty and rejuvenation has led many individuals to explore tear trough filling procedures. Tear troughs, those hollows beneath the eyes, can make a person appear tired, aged, or haggard. With the advancements in cosmetic surgery, tear trough filling has become a popular solution to address this concern. This article aims to provide a comprehensive preview of the ranking list of plastic surgery hospitals for tear trough filling in New York City, along with detailed information about the procedure, fillers, and other relevant aspects.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Tear Trough Filling
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. Tear troughs can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. They 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.
What does Tear - Trough Filler do?
Tear trough fillers restore lost volume in the crease below the eye and improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. They work by injecting various hyaluronic dermal fillers, such as Belotero, Restylane, and Juvederm, into the tear trough area. These dermal fillers are designed to restore collagen production and replenish lost volume in the treatment area. When injected, they 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.
Popular Fillers for Tear Trough Filling
Restylane
Restylane is a well - known filler for the under - eyes. 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 fine - tailored for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration. Dr. Brett Kotlus, a Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgeon in NYC, still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile. Additionally, Restylane Eyelight, a newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes, uses crosslinking and patented NASH technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume.
Belotero Balance
This filler is popular for under - eyes because it’s very forgiving for the injector. It is not very stiff and it tends not to lump up or cause discoloration. However, the downside is that it doesn’t provide great lift if there is a deep tear trough. Belotero has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of developing 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.
Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure
Juvederm Volbella is 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. Juvederm Vollure (also known as Volift outside the U.S.) is stiffer. They cause less swelling than the older variety of Juvederm products and are good options for shallow (Volbella) and deeper (Vollure) injections under the eyes. However, a low incidence of inflammatory nodules (bumps) have been reported to occur after 4 months with Volbella.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Tear Trough Filling in New York City
Based on Reputation and Expertise
When looking at plastic surgery hospitals for tear trough filling, reputation and the expertise of the medical staff are crucial factors. Many hospitals in New York City have well - known plastic surgeons with years of experience in the field. For example, some of the surgeons listed on US News’ plastic surgeons in New York may be affiliated with hospitals that offer high - quality tear trough filling services. Dr. Ernest S. Chiu, a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, and Dr. David L. Abramson, also with more than 20 years of experience, are among the professionals whose expertise could contribute to the reputation of their affiliated hospitals for tear trough filling procedures.
Patient Reviews and Success Rates
Patient reviews play a significant role in ranking plastic surgery hospitals. Positive reviews often indicate a high level of patient satisfaction, which can be attributed to factors such as the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the filler used, and the overall patient experience. Success rates, which can be measured by the number of satisfied patients who achieve their desired results, are also important. For instance, if a hospital has a high success rate in reducing dark circles and under - eye hollows through tear trough filling, it is likely to rank higher in the list.
Considerations Before Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience
The qualifications and experience of the surgeon performing the tear trough filling procedure are of utmost importance. A board - certified plastic surgeon or a dermatologist with extensive experience in facial aesthetics is ideal. Surgeons with specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery, like Dr. Brett Kotlus, are well - equipped to handle the delicate under - eye area. They have the knowledge and skills to select the appropriate filler and perform the injections accurately to achieve natural - looking results.
Hospital's Reputation and Safety Record
Research the hospital's reputation in the industry. Look for hospitals that are known for their high - quality care, strict safety protocols, and ethical practices. A good reputation is often a sign of a hospital's commitment to patient satisfaction and safety. Check if the hospital has a record of any major complications or malpractice lawsuits. Additionally, make sure the hospital follows all relevant U.S. laws and regulations regarding cosmetic procedures.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of tear trough filling can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of filler used, the number of syringes required, and the expertise of the surgeon. It's important to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital before making a decision. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedure more affordable. For example, Dr. Neal Goldberg's practice accepts patient financing via Care Credit® and Alphaeon™ credit.
The Procedure of Tear Trough Filling
Consultation
The first step in the tear trough filling process is a consultation with a medical professional, such as a board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity, confirm you are 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. For example, Dr. Michele Green, a world - renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology, assesses her patients' under - eye hollows to choose the right tear trough filler for them.
Pre - procedure Preparations
Before the procedure, patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bruising, such as blood thinners and NSAIDs like Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve. At some hospitals, like Neinstein Plastic Surgery, patients are asked to not use blood thinners like aspirin for 5 days before the procedure. On the day of the injections, makeup is removed, and the skin is numbed for a period of time, usually around 20 minutes.
The Injection Process
During the injection process, a local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize patient discomfort. The dermal filler is then injected into the tear troughs using an ultrafine needle or a cannula. Different doctors may have different injection techniques. For example, at Neinstein Plastic Surgery, they 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. The injection process typically takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area.
Post - procedure Care
After the injection, ice is usually applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur. Patients are advised to follow certain after - care instructions, such as not rubbing or massaging the treated area immediately. They should also wait 24 hours before resuming strenuous activities that raise their heart rate and blood pressure, such as exercise and sex. Bruising and swelling are common side effects, but they usually resolve within a few days to a week. Some patients may experience mild tenderness at the treatment site, which can be managed with acetaminophen/tylenol.
Comparing Tear Trough Filling with Other Under - Eye Treatments
Tear Trough Filling vs. Blepharoplasty
Tear trough filling is a non - invasive cosmetic procedure that uses dermal fillers to restore lost volume and correct hollowing in the under - eye area. It is not permanent, typically lasting 6 – 9 months, and is associated with little side effects and downtime. On the other hand, 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. However, this surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the eyelid area and removing the excess skin, and is associated with long recovery times, surgical scars, and severe side effects. Tear trough filler treatment benefits those who want immediate results, don’t want any downtime, and understand that fillers are not a permanent solution. Blepharoplasty may be ideal for someone who doesn’t mind the downtime, has an excessive amount of skin laxity, has little skin elasticity, and wants permanent results.
Tear Trough Filling vs. 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, similar to injectable synthetic fillers. Many surgeons are reluctant to do under - eye fat injections, but some, like Dr. Brett Kotlus, find it to be safe and effective when the right technique is used. He processes the fat in a sterile, closed system and places conservative amounts of fat in the deepest level with very small fat parcels in each location. Fat grafting is less predictable than filler because some of the cells being injected will not survive, but even at a 50% survival rate, the benefits can be very worthwhile. Tear trough filling with hyaluronic acid fillers, on the other hand, is more predictable and can be reversed if there are any issues.
Complementary Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation
Tear trough filling can be combined with other cosmetic treatments for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Here are some complementary treatments:
Botox
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the United States because of its outstanding ability to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including around the eyes. It is popularly used to treat the outer canthal lines (crow’s feet) that appear as a result of smiling, squinting, and other repeated expressive movements. Botox injections into the orbicularis - oculi muscle, or the ring - shaped muscle surrounding the eye, work to relax the muscle, soften the appearance of wrinkles, and prevent 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
Under - eye dark circles and wrinkles can be improved through microneedling. Microneedling® uses a tool with tiny surgical - grade needles embedded in the tip to create microscopic wounds on the surface layer of the skin (the epidermis). Through the natural wound - healing process of the skin, these micro - injuries are repaired as new, healthier skin cells grow, and new collagen and elastin are produced. This helps to plump and firm skin, diminish signs of aging, and minimize the overall appearance of dark circles. The effects of microneedling can be further enhanced by combining the treatment with platelet - rich plasma (PRP), which employs the cytokines and growth factors in plasma derived from a sample of the patient’s blood to boost the effects of microneedling.
Thermage
Thermage is the gold standard in facial skin tightening. It can improve skin elasticity in many body areas, including the delicate under - eye area. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. It can produce skin - tightening results that last up to two years in a single treatment. Most patients choose to engage in annual maintenance treatment sessions to keep up the best results. There is zero downtime involved with Thermage, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure and easily schedule their treatment sessions.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel can revitalize baggy or sagging skin under the eyes by removing dead skin cells along the superficial top layer of the skin. This then allows healthy new skin cells to be exposed, which can help make the skin firmer and reduce fine lines, discoloration, pigment, and other visible signs of aging on the skin. Dr. Michele Green uses custom formulations for her chemical peels to incorporate the best nourishing serums and skin care treatments for each patient.
Non - ablative Laser Resurfacing
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. The amount of collagen production that laser resurfacing activates can lead to lasting improvement in under - eye bags with virtually no recovery time. The eMatrix laser was developed with a special tip to treat the delicate under - eye area. Through radiofrequency technology, the eMatrix can tighten the skin around the delicate under - eye, remove fine lines, decrease pigmentation, and increase collagen production.
Conclusion
Tear trough filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure for addressing the appearance of dark circles and under - eye hollows in New York City. With a wide range of fillers available and many experienced plastic surgeons and dermatologists, patients have numerous options to choose from. When considering tear trough filling, it's essential to choose a reputable plastic surgery hospital, a qualified surgeon, and to understand the procedure, risks, and after - care involved. Additionally, combining tear trough filling with complementary treatments can enhance the overall facial rejuvenation results. If you're interested in tear trough filling, take the time to research and consult with a medical professional to find the best solution for your needs.
Call to Action: If you're ready to take the next step towards rejuvenating your under - eye area, contact a top - rated plastic surgery hospital in New York City for a consultation. Share this article with friends and family who may also be interested in tear trough filling or other cosmetic procedures. Explore more about facial aesthetics and cosmetic treatments to stay informed about the latest trends and options.
