Understanding 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. 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 (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
How Tear Trough Fillers Work
Tear trough fillers are cosmetic injectables composed of hyaluronic acid. Whether Belotero, Restylane, Restylane Eyelight or Juvederm Volbella, the tear trough filler is injected using a thin needle into the eye area beneath the lower lid. The hyaluronic acid gel immediately adds volume to the skin and provides more moisture, restoring a youthful appearance in the treatment area. Tear trough fillers restore lost volume in the crease below the eye and improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. 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 (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Benefits of Collagen Filling for Tear Troughs
Improved Appearance
Collagen filling of tear troughs can effectively reduce the appearance of dark circles, under - eye bags, and puffiness. By restoring lost volume, it gives the under - eye area a smoother and more youthful look. This can make a person appear more well - rested and less tired, boosting their overall appearance and self - confidence. For example, patients often report looking 5 - 10 years younger after treatment (Reference: https://www.darrensmithmd.com/injectables/tear - trough - fillers/).
Non - Surgical Option
Unlike surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, collagen filling of tear troughs is a non - invasive treatment. It requires little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. This is a significant advantage for those with busy lifestyles who do not have the time for a long recovery period (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Quick Results
The results of collagen filling for tear troughs are usually immediate. Patients can see a noticeable improvement in the under - eye area right after the injection. Although it may take a few days for any swelling or bruising to subside and for the full effects to be visible, the overall improvement can be achieved relatively quickly compared to other treatments (Reference: https://www.darrensmithmd.com/injectables/tear - trough - fillers/).
Top Doctors for Collagen Filling of Tear Troughs in New York City
Dr. Michele Green
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. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Dr. Green offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, including under - eye fillers. She is an expert injector who can work with patients to ensure that they are good candidates for tear trough fillers and develop a customized treatment plan. She often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance. Her office is located on the upper east side of Manhattan (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Dr. Brett Kotlus
Dr. Brett Kotlus is a cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon in NYC. He has extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Kotlus is very selective about the fillers he uses under the eyes and recommends cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers as the safest option. He still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile. He can provide patients with professional advice on choosing the best filler for their under - eyes and tear troughs (Reference: https://www.drkotlus.com/best - tear - trough - eye - filler/).
Dr. Darren M. Smith
Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon with an artistic eye for aesthetics. With over 18 years of experience, he is considered one of the leading specialists in enhancing and rejuvenating the delicate eye region. Dr. Smith offers tear trough fillers as a targeted solution for revitalizing the under - eye area. He uses hyaluronic acid gel fillers like Juvederm and Restylane and will determine the ideal filler to meet each patient's individual needs. His state - of - the - art facility is located in the Ritz Tower, Manhattan, New York (Reference: https://www.darrensmithmd.com/injectables/tear - trough - fillers/).
Dr. David Cangello
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 a 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 New York City office is where the tear trough filler appointments take place. Dr. Cangello uses a cannula for injection, which is reported to be relatively pain - free (Reference: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/non - surgical/tear - trough - filler/).
Top Institutions for Collagen Filling of Tear Troughs in New York City
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center
Smooth Synergy Medical Spa prides itself on being one of the best spas in NYC, offering a complete line of non - surgical facial treatments. Their medical director, Dr. George Liakeas, MD, will evaluate patients' faces and mark strategic injection points for placement. The spa offers fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero and can help patients decide which product will most effectively address their tear trough concerns. They emphasize the safety and effectiveness of their treatments and offer personalized care (Reference: https://smoothsynergy.com/treatments/tear - trough - filler - best - dermal - in - nyc).
Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS)
MDCS has several experienced dermatologists such as Dr. Brendan J. Camp, Dr. Noah S. Gratch, and Dr. Snehal P. Amin. These doctors specialize in medical dermatology and cosmetic surgery, including dermal filler procedures. They have the expertise to treat a wide range of skin conditions and perform various cosmetic treatments. Their team approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care for their tear trough concerns (Reference: https://www.castleconnolly.com/expertise/collagen - and - fillers).
Choosing the Right Filler for Tear Troughs
Types of Fillers
There are several types of fillers commonly used for tear troughs, mainly hyaluronic acid - based fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body, which makes these fillers safe and well - tolerated. Some of the popular hyaluronic acid fillers include:
- Restylane: A well - established brand in the field of dermal fillers. It has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and duration of effect. It can be fine - tailored for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration. Restylane Eyelight, a newer dermal filler, was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. It uses crosslinking and patented NASHA technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers, https://www.darrensmithmd.com/injectables/tear - trough - fillers/).
- 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 the dermal filler to have a smooth and even distribution under the skin (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
- Belotero Balance: It provides a soft and even correction in the skin, making it a highly effective filler option for tear troughs. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration that can occur with some hyaluronic acid fillers (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right filler for tear troughs, several factors need to be considered:
- Facial Anatomy: The shape and structure of the face, as well as the specific characteristics of the tear trough area, will influence the choice of filler. For example, if the tear trough is very deep, a filler with more lift may be required (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
- Skin Concerns: If the under - eye area has issues such as thin skin, excessive wrinkling, or pigmentation, the filler should be selected accordingly. Some fillers are better suited for improving skin texture, while others are more focused on volume restoration (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
- Cosmetic Goals: Patients' desired results play a crucial role in filler selection. Whether the goal is to reduce dark circles, smooth out hollows, or achieve a more youthful appearance will determine which filler is the most appropriate (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Procedure and Aftercare
The Procedure
The first step for having under - eye dermal fillers is to consult with a doctor. The doctor 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 applied to the entire treatment area one hour before performing any injections to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. The dermal fillers are then injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle or a cannula. After the injection, ice will be applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
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, as this can cause the filler to shift or become dislodged. It is also recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Following the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor will ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications (Reference: https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/non - surgical/tear - trough - filler/).
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects
There typically are no major side effects associated with receiving under - eye fillers. However, it is possible to develop a mild amount of swelling, bruising, or redness at or around the injection sites. Swelling and redness are common side effects at the site of injection, and icing the treated area immediately after the injections will minimize this reaction. Bruising is another potential side effect. To decrease bruising, doctors may recommend discontinuing any blood thinners as well as NSAIDs such as Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve, as these medications can worsen bruising. Additionally, patients prone to bruising can take Arnica Forte, an herbal supplement, to help prevent and heal bruises faster (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
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. In order to prevent any serious or adverse side effects from developing, it is important to have tear trough filler injections performed by an expert, board - certified injector (Reference: https://www.michelegreenmd.com/tear - trough - fillers).
Comparing Doctors and Institutions
Doctor Comparison
| Doctor | Specialty | Years of Experience | Preferred Fillers | Patient Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green | Cosmetic Dermatology | Over 25 years | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, Belotero Balance | Highly rated by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times |
| Dr. Brett Kotlus | Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery | N/A | Restylane - L | Based on expertise in oculoplastic surgery |
| Dr. Darren M. Smith | Plastic Surgery | Over 18 years | Juvederm, Restylane | Has many 5 - star reviews |
| Dr. David Cangello | Plastic Surgery | N/A | Hyaluronic acid - based fillers | Positive patient experiences reported |
Institution Comparison
| Institution | Services Offered | Approach | Patient Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center | Non - surgical facial treatments including tear trough filler with Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero | Personalized evaluation and care | Reputation for being one of the best spas in NYC |
| Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) | Medical dermatology and cosmetic surgery, including dermal filler procedures | Team - based approach with multiple experienced dermatologists | Doctors have professional expertise and positive media features |
Conclusion
Collagen filling of tear troughs is a popular and effective non - surgical option for rejuvenating the under - eye area in New York City. There are several top doctors and institutions that offer high - quality tear trough filler treatments. Doctors like Dr. Michele Green, Dr. Brett Kotlus, Dr. Darren M. Smith, and Dr. David Cangello have the expertise and experience to provide personalized treatment plans. Institutions such as Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center and Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (MDCS) offer a range of services and personalized care. When considering tear trough filler treatment, it is important to choose the right doctor and filler based on your facial anatomy, skin concerns, and cosmetic goals. Additionally, following the proper procedure and aftercare instructions can help ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects.
If you are interested in collagen filling of tear troughs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended doctors or institutions in New York City. Explore your options, ask questions, and make an
Rankings + price list of plastic hospitals for apple muscle depression filling in New York City!
The List of the Top Three Hospitals for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of Neck Wrinkles in New York City is Here!
Evaluations of the Top 5 Hospitals on the Ranking List of Hospitals for Fat Filling of Eye Bags in New York City
Strength Comparison of Hospitals for Nasal Bridge Filling with Prostheses in New York City in 2025!
The Public Ranking List of Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples in New York City in 2025!
Best Hospitals for Hyaluronic Acid Filling, Supporting, and Lifting of the Eyes in New York City in 2025
Inventory of Regular Institutions Among the Top-Ranked Hospitals for Cheek Fat Filling in New York City
Top 5 Selected Hospitals for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of the Tear Troughs in New York City 2025!
