Introduction
Many people in New York City seek to enhance the appearance of their eye area through hyaluronic acid injections to fill eye sockets. The procedure is a popular non - surgical option to address concerns such as dark circles, under - eye hollows, and a tired look. In this article, we will not only discuss the procedure itself but also provide an in - depth look at some of the top doctors in New York City who perform hyaluronic acid injection for eye socket filling, along with an overview of their plastic surgery case results when available.
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Eye Socket Filling
What are Tear Troughs and the Need for Filling
Tear troughs are 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 or occur due to the natural loss of collagen 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. Hyaluronic acid injections are used to fill these tear troughs and restore lost volume, improving the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags.
How Hyaluronic Acid Works
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It helps plump the skin and increase collagen production. When used in fillers, hyaluronic acid gel is injected into the tear trough area. Once injected, it binds to water, softening and plumping the skin to produce a youthful appearance. Fillers composed of hyaluronic acid work to restore lost volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles in the under - eye area.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Eye Socket Filling
- Natural - looking results: Hyaluronic acid fillers can provide results that look natural, enhancing one's appearance without an over - done look.
- Non - surgical: It is a non - invasive alternative to plastic surgery, which means less downtime and fewer risks compared to surgical procedures.
- Quick procedure: The injection process can be completed relatively quickly, often in a single office visit.
- Reversible: If a patient is not satisfied with the results, the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed using hyaluronidase.
Popular Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Eye Socket Filling
Juvederm Volbella
Juvederm Volbella is 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, making it suitable for the delicate under - eye area.
Restylane
Restylane is a well - known hyaluronic acid filler. Restylane Eyelight, in particular, is a newer dermal filler that 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. Regular Restylane also has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and a duration of effect of about a year under the eyes, with relatively low swelling.
Belotero Balance
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 developing the Tyndall effect, a bluish hue in the injected area due to the reflection of light off of particles suspended in the filler. Since there are no suspended particles in Belotero, it is a popular choice for the under - eye area.
Top Doctors in New York City for Hyaluronic Acid Injection to Fill Eye Sockets
Dr. Michele Green
Background and Expertise
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. With over 25 years spent treating the most discerning patients from around the globe for a myriad of skin concerns, she has extensive experience in performing hyaluronic acid injections for eye socket filling. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times due to her expertise and dedication to her patients.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Green takes a personalized approach to each patient. During the consultation, she will assess the under - eye hollows to choose the right tear trough filler for the patient. She often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, and Belotero Balance. She employs a “less - is - more” approach to dermal fillers, being extremely careful not to overfill the delicate under - eye area. After the initial treatment, she will see the patient for a two - week follow - up to ensure that the treatment was satisfactory and determine whether any touch - up of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler is needed.
Case Results
Although specific plastic surgery case results were not detailed in our references, considering her long - standing reputation and experience, patients can expect natural - looking, long - lasting results. She has helped many patients rejuvenate their under - eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles and hollows, and leaving them with a more youthful appearance.
Dr. Brett Kotlus
Background and Expertise
Dr. Brett Kotlus is a cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon in NYC. He has extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery. His expertise allows him to make informed decisions about the best fillers for the under - eye area.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Kotlus has a cautious approach when it comes to filler selection. He does not recommend permanent or semi - permanent injectable fillers under the eyes due to the potential for difficult - to - correct problems. Instead, he believes that currently the best fillers for the under - eyes for the vast majority of people are made of cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. He still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile, including the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and duration of effect.
Case Results
While specific case results were not presented, his in - depth knowledge of the eye area and filler selection suggests that he can provide patients with effective and safe hyaluronic acid injection treatments for eye socket filling, addressing issues such as under - eye bags and dark circles.
Dr. Andrew Jacono
Background and Expertise
Dr. Andrew Jacono is well - versed in the use of injectables for facial rejuvenation, including hyaluronic acid injections for under - eye filling. He understands the unique anatomy of the face and how to use fillers to achieve optimal results.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Jacono emphasizes the importance of choosing a board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with proven experience with injectables. Before the procedure, he advises patients to discontinue the use of blood thinners and avoid alcohol the night before to minimize bruising. During the procedure, he is skilled at minimizing pain and completing the treatment within a few minutes.
Case Results
Given his focus on the effectiveness of under - eye fillers in the fight against aging and his experience in the field, patients can expect improved under - eye volume and a more refreshed appearance after treatment with Dr. Jacono.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
Experience and Expertise
Look for doctors who have significant experience in performing hyaluronic acid injections for eye socket filling. A doctor with a long - standing practice and a good track record is more likely to provide safe and effective results. Specialties such as cosmetic dermatology or oculoplastic surgery can also indicate a high level of expertise in this area.
Reputation
Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and ratings from reliable sources. A doctor with a positive reputation is more likely to provide satisfactory services. Awards and recognition from professional organizations can also be a sign of a doctor's quality of care.
Customized Treatment Plans
Each patient's face is unique, and the under - eye area has its own specific characteristics. A good doctor will assess your individual needs, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals to create a customized treatment plan. This may involve choosing the right filler, determining the appropriate amount of filler, and considering any complementary treatments.
Case Results
If available, review the doctor's plastic surgery case results. This can give you an idea of the type of results they can achieve, including the naturalness of the results and the ability to address specific concerns such as dark circles, hollows, and puffiness.
The Procedure of Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Eye Socket Filling
Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with the doctor. During this visit, the doctor will evaluate the targeted treatment area, including the skin's elasticity and the extent of the tear troughs. They will also discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and any concerns you may have. Based on this assessment, the doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and choose the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required to produce the best results.
Pre - treatment Preparations
Patients are usually advised to stop taking blood - thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil for a certain period before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising. Some doctors may also recommend avoiding alcohol and certain supplements.
The Injection Process
An hour before the injections, a local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. The doctor will then inject the hyaluronic acid filler directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. The injection site is typically deep into the tear troughs to smooth out the hollows.
Post - treatment Care
Immediately after the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area to help prevent swelling. The doctor will provide aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding excessive heat, refraining from strenuous activity for a short period, and using arnica forte (for patients prone to bruising) to prevent and heal bruises faster. A two - week follow - up appointment is often scheduled to evaluate the treatment and determine if any touch - up is needed.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects
- Swelling: Mild swelling is a common side effect after under - eye filler injections. Typically, swelling will resolve on its own within a week of treatment, although some mild swelling may take a few weeks to resolve completely. Applying an ice pack immediately after the procedure can help mitigate swelling.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur at the injection site. To decrease bruising, patients are advised to discontinue blood thinners and NSAIDs before the procedure. Patients prone to bruising can take arnica forte to help prevent and heal bruises faster. Bruising usually resolves within one week following the procedure.
- Redness: Redness at the injection site is also common and should subside within a short period.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
- Tyndall effect: This is a rare side effect that leads to the development of a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected. It can occur if the filler is injected too superficially. The color change can last several months and can be reversed with hyaluronidase.
- Changes in vision: Although extremely rare, there is a risk of changes in vision if the filler is injected in a way that affects the eye or its surrounding structures.
- Vascular occlusion: This occurs when the filler blocks a blood vessel, which can lead to tissue damage. It is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
- Allergic reaction: Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the dermal filler product. Symptoms may include itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Complementary Treatments for Eye Rejuvenation
Botox
Botox 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. When combined with hyaluronic acid injections for eye socket filling, it can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area. Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling
Microneedling can improve under - eye dark circles and wrinkles. It 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, helping to plump and firm the skin.
Thermage
Thermage is a treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin. It can improve skin elasticity in the delicate under - eye area, tightening sagging skin and reducing the appearance of “hooding” on the upper eyelid.
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. They can help make the skin firmer and reduce fine lines, discoloration, and pigmentation.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid injection to fill eye sockets is a popular and effective non - surgical option for rejuvenating the under - eye area in New York City. There are several top doctors in the city who have the expertise and experience to perform this procedure safely and effectively. When choosing a doctor, it is important to consider factors such as experience, reputation, customized treatment plans, and available case results. By understanding the procedure, potential side effects, and complementary treatments, patients can make informed decisions about their eye rejuvenation journey.
Call - to - Action
If you are interested in hyaluronic acid injection to fill your eye sockets, we encourage you to do further research on the doctors mentioned in this article. Contact their offices to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific needs and goals. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in eye rejuvenation treatments. Explore other related topics on our website to learn more about cosmetic procedures and skin care.
