As the aesthetic industry evolves, hyaluronic acid filling for tear troughs has emerged as a popular and effective non - surgical solution for individuals looking to rejuvenate their under - eye area in New York City. In this article, we will explore the ranking of hyaluronic acid fillers for tear troughs, delve into key factors related to the treatment, and provide an address list of reputable providers.
Understanding Tear Troughs
The tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. As we age, this area can become more prominent due to the natural loss of collagen, reduced fat volume, and laxity of facial ligaments. The appearance of dark circles, under - eye bags, and a tired look are often associated with tear trough deformities. Tear troughs can also be genetic, with some individuals having them from a young age.
Tear troughs can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. 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.
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and HA fillers work to restore lost volume and hydration in the tear troughs to correct tired - looking eyes and under - eye bags. Hyaluronic acid is a component that helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion. When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes.
HA fillers are gel - like substances that bind to water, softening and plumping the skin to produce a youthful appearance. They are considered a safe and effective option for tear trough treatment as they are biocompatible, and their effects can be reversed using hyaluronidase if necessary.
Ranking of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Tear Troughs
1. Restylane
Restylane is a well - established and popular choice for tear trough filling. 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. Restylane can be fine - tailored for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration. For example, Restylane - L is often highly regarded for its performance in the under - eye area. It is able to restore lost volume and reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollows effectively.
Restylane E - L is also used commonly under the eyes, as well as in areas like the cheekbones, nasolabial folds, and lips. It is very versatile and works well with almost any skin type. Another variant, Restylane Refyne, has been shown in a study to effectively treat tear trough deformity, with most patients maintaining results for up to 12 months.
2. Juvederm
Juvederm is another well - known family of hyaluronic acid fillers. Juvederm Volbella XC is the first and only FDA - approved hyaluronic acid filler for the under - eye hollows. It offers a refreshed, less fatigued appearance. It has a thin and soft formulation, which is suitable for the delicate under - eye area. Juvederm Voluma XC, while primarily used for augmenting cheek volume, can also address mid - face volume loss when used in the hands of a skilled injector in the tear trough area.
However, some of the older Juvederm products may have higher swelling rates, and in the case of Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus, they are more likely to spread out, causing less accurate treatment results. Newer products like Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure cause less swelling than the older varieties, with Volbella being softer for shallow injections and Vollure (also known as Volift outside the U.S.) being stiffer for deeper injections under the eyes.
3. Belotero Balance
Belotero Balance is a filler that 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. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of developing the Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration that can occur with some hyaluronic acid fillers when injected too superficially. However, its downside is that it doesn’t provide great lift if there is a deep tear trough.
The following table summarizes the key features of these popular hyaluronic acid fillers for tear troughs:
| Filler | Stiffness | Swelling | Duration | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restylane | Good balance | Relatively low | About a year | Can be adjusted for deep or shallow injections |
| Juvederm Volbella XC | Soft | Low | 6 - 12 months | FDA - approved for under - eye hollows |
| Belotero Balance | Low | Low | 6 - 12 months | Reduces risk of Tyndall effect |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Filler
Facial Anatomy
Everyone's facial anatomy is unique. The depth of the tear trough, the thickness of the skin, and the overall volume loss in the under - eye area play a crucial role in determining the most suitable filler. For example, individuals with very deep tear troughs may require a stiffer filler that can provide more lift, such as some variants of Restylane or Juvederm Vollure. On the other hand, those with shallower troughs and thinner skin may benefit more from a softer filler like Belotero Balance or Juvederm Volbella.
Skin Concerns
If a patient has concerns about pigmentation in addition to tear troughs, the choice of filler may be influenced by the ability to combine the filler treatment with other pigment - reducing treatments. Also, if the skin is prone to bruising or swelling, a filler with lower swelling potential may be preferred.
Cosmetic Goals
The patient's desired outcome is a significant factor. Some patients may want a more dramatic result with a quick fix, while others may prefer a more natural - looking, subtle improvement. A skilled injector will discuss these goals with the patient and recommend the appropriate filler based on their preferences.
The Tear Trough Filler Procedure
Consultation
The first step is to consult with an experienced medical professional, such as a board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. For example, Dr. Michele Green in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood offers consultations for tear trough filler treatments. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate the targeted treatment area and 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.
Preparation
Before the procedure, patients are usually advised to avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) and fish oil, as this can increase the risk of bruising. They are also recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to the appointment. On the day of the appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Procedure
A local anesthetic is often 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. Some providers, like Dr. Michele Green, prefer using an ultrafine needle to allow for precision in the tear trough injections, while others may use a cannula to reduce bruising. Immediately upon completion of the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur, and aftercare instructions are provided.
Recovery and Results
Recovery
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.
Results
The results of tear trough filler are immediate, but it may take a few days for the full effects to be visible as any swelling or bruising subsides. The effects of tear trough filler can last for several months, typically around 6 - 12 months, depending on the individual and the type of filler used. The dermal filler restores lost volume in the crease below the eye and improves the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Safety and Side Effects
Tear trough filler treatments are generally considered safe when performed by an experienced and qualified injector. However, there are some potential side effects:
- Swelling and Bruising: These are common side effects that usually resolve within a week. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling, and patients prone to bruising can take arnica forte, an herbal supplement, to help prevent and heal bruises faster.
- 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 be reversed with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal filler.
- Other Serious Side Effects: Although rare, there can be 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 side effects, it is crucial to have the treatment performed by an expert injector.
Address List of Reputable Providers in New York City
Dr. Michele Green
Address: Private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood. Dr. Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years of experience treating a myriad of skin concerns. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and the New York Times. Contact her at 212 - 535 - 3088.
Dr. Brett Kotlus
He is a cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon in NYC. With his extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery, he can provide professional advice on tear trough filler treatments. More information can be found on his website https://www.drkotlus.com/best - tear - trough - eye - filler/.
Dr. George Liakeas at Smooth Synergy Medical Spa
Address: The medical spa is located in NYC. They offer tear trough filler treatments with Dr. George Liakeas, an expert medical injector. Call them at 212 - 397 - 0111 to learn about their comprehensive menu of cosmetic fillers, including Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero.
Dr. Adam Kolker
He is a double - board certified plastic surgeon. His practice is on Park Avenue in NYC. Dr. Kolker has tremendous experience in the nuances of facial anatomy and approaches all facial aesthetic treatments with a focus on achieving beautiful and natural results. For consultation, you can visit his website https://drkolker.com/non - surgical/injectables - fillers/fillers/.
Dr. David Cangello
His New York City office is where tear trough filler appointments take place. Dr. 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. Learn more at https://www.cangelloplasticsurgery.com/non - surgical/tear - trough - filler/.
Dr. Ellen Marmur at Marmur Medical
Address: Their NYC dermatology offices. Dr. Marmur is a celebrity dermatologic surgeon, voted most natural filler by Allure Magazine and consistently awarded as best doctor in NYC nationally. She and her team offer a variety of fillers, including Belotero, Juvederm, Radiesse, Renuva, Restylane, Sculptra, and Teoxane RHA. Call (212) 996 - 6900 to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Darren M. Smith
He provides tear trough fillers at his state - of - the - art facility located in the Ritz Tower, Manhattan, New York. Dr. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon with an artistic eye for aesthetics and over 18 years of experience in enhancing and rejuvenating the delicate eye region. Contact him at (212) 633 - 0627.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling for tear troughs is a valuable non - surgical option for rejuvenating the under - eye area in New York City. By understanding the different types of hyaluronic acid fillers, the procedure, recovery, and safety aspects, individuals can make informed decisions about their treatment. Choosing a reputable provider is crucial to ensure the best results and minimize potential risks. Whether you are dealing with dark circles, under - eye bags, or a tired appearance, tear trough filler can offer a natural - looking and effective solution.
If you are considering tear trough filler treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the reputable providers listed above. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance today!
