Introduction

Tear trough depression can give a person a tired, aged appearance. In New York City, there is a high demand for effective tear trough filling treatments. Public doctors who are skilled in this area play a crucial role in helping patients achieve a more youthful and refreshed look. This article will provide a comprehensive ranking of public doctors for tear trough depression filling in New York City in 2025, along with an in - depth look at tear trough filling, including what it is, its benefits, potential risks, and more.

Understanding Tear Troughs

What are tear troughs?

A tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, specifically the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. 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. As a person ages, the skin and muscles of the face change, the tear trough becomes deeper, and any circles beneath the eye become darker. Tear trough deformity can afflict people in a variety of age ranges, from their 20s to their 80s and beyond.

Impact on appearance

Tear troughs can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. Deep tear troughs may also cause bags and puffiness under the eyes, further contributing to an older or exhausted look.

Tear Trough Filling: An Overview

What is tear trough filling?

Tear trough filling is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a filler, typically hyaluronic acid - based, into the area under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and bags in the lower eyelid. The filler helps to replenish volume in the tear trough area, smooth out the hollows, and create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Types of fillers used

• Hyaluronic acid fillers: These are the most commonly used fillers for tear trough filling. Examples include Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eyelight, and Belotero Balance. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and these fillers work to restore lost volume and hydration in the tear troughs. They have a soft formulation to enhance the natural appearance for a rejuvenated look.
• Restylane Eyelight: A newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. It uses crosslinking and patented NASH technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume.
• Belotero Balance: It provides a soft and even correction in the skin. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of 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.

Benefits of tear trough filling

Ranking of Public Doctors for Tear Trough Depression Filling in New York City

Research methodology

To compile this ranking, we considered multiple factors such as patient ratings, years of experience, expertise in using different types of fillers, and patient satisfaction. We also looked at the doctors' credentials, including board certifications and any special training in cosmetic procedures related to tear trough filling. Data was collected from top Google search results, which included doctor review platforms and official doctor profiles.

The ranked doctors

1. Dr. Michele Green

   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 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 Eyelight, and Belotero Balance.

2. Dr. Matthew White

   Dr. Matthew White is a facial plastic surgeon who has employed innovative techniques with injectables to restore fullness to the tear trough. For more severe cases, he is able to combine these newer techniques with surgery to ensure that the tear trough treatment can produce the results in keeping with the patient's needs. He uses injectable dermal fillers such as Restylane or Belotero Balance and can also combine them with platelet - rich plasma (PRP) to thicken the collagen layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

3. 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 the patient's individual needs, goals, and medical history, and will work with them to develop a customized treatment plan. He uses hyaluronic acid - based fillers and is skilled in techniques to achieve beautiful and natural results.

4. Dr. Zuckerman

   Dr. Zuckerman can help patients reduce dark circles with under - eye dermal filler injections. He uses Restylane - L, a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine, which is FDA - approved for treating the under - eye area. It is also the least hydrophilic of hyaluronic acid fillers, and therefore minimizes swelling. Dr. Zuckerman injects deep into the tissues, near the bone, and can inject up to 1 cc + of filler per eye.

5. Dr. Neal Goldberg

   Dr. Neal Goldberg is an extensively trained aesthetic plastic surgeon who offers tear trough filler treatment with Restylane - L®. He can evaluate patients to determine if Restylane - L® can provide the desired results or if a combination with a more long - term treatment like lower blepharoplasty is advised.

Preparing for Tear Trough Filling

Consultation with the doctor

Before the tear trough filling procedure, it is essential to have a consultation with the doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate the targeted treatment area and the skin's elasticity. They will 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. The doctor will also discuss the patient's medical history, any medications they are taking, and any allergies or sensitivities they may have.

Pre - procedure guidelines

• Avoid blood - thinning medications: Patients should avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications, anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil) in the days leading up to the appointment, as this can increase the risk of bruising.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: It is recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to the appointment, as they can also increase the risk of bruising.
• Arrive with a clean face: On the day of the appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.

The Tear Trough Filling Procedure

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is usually applied to the entire treatment area one hour before performing any injections to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Additionally, many of the dermal fillers used for the under - eye area are compounded with lidocaine, which helps to guarantee that the procedure is relatively painless.

Injection process

The doctor will inject the dermal filler directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle. Some doctors prefer using a cannula, but others use an ultrafine needle to allow for precision in the tear trough injections. The filler is injected deep into the tear troughs to smooth out the hollows that contribute to a tired - looking appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate post - procedure

Immediately upon completion of the procedure, ice will be applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur. Aftercare instructions will be provided, which may include avoiding 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.

Side effects and how to manage them

• 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. An ice pack can be applied immediately after the procedure to mitigate any localized swelling. Patients should also avoid excessive heat, such as saunas or hot tubs, for 48 hours after treatment to minimize any risk of swelling.
• Bruising: Bruising is another common side effect that can typically resolve within one week following the procedure. Doctors may recommend ceasing any blood - thinning medications for two weeks before the under - eye filler treatment, as both blood thinners and herbal supplements may increase the chances of developing bruising in the injected area. Patients prone to bruising can start taking Arnica forte, an herbal supplement, a few days before the procedure to prevent bruising and accelerate the healing rate.
• Tyndall effect: This is a rare side effect that leads to the development of a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected. The injection area can appear blue if the hyaluronic acid filler is injected too superficially. This color change can last several months in the treated area and can be reversed with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal filler.
• Other rare 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 the tear trough filler injections performed by an expert, board - certified injector.

Effectiveness and Longevity of Tear Trough Filling

How long the results last

Dermal fillers typically last for anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on the exact filler used. The rate of absorption of a dermal filler varies for each patient depending on their metabolism and the location where the filler was injected. Eye rejuvenation with tear trough filler treatment can be repeated on an annual or biannual basis to maintain the desired cosmetic results.

Factors affecting effectiveness

• Filler type: Different fillers have different properties, and some may be more suitable for certain patients or tear trough conditions than others.
• Patient's metabolism: A faster metabolism may cause the filler to be absorbed more quickly, reducing the longevity of the results.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and a poor diet can all affect the effectiveness and longevity of the tear trough filling results.

Comparing Tear Trough Filling with Other Treatments

Under - eye filler vs. blepharoplasty

Complementary Treatments

Several complementary treatments can be performed with tear trough fillers for facial rejuvenation:

• Botox: It can be used to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including around the eyes. 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: 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 collagen and elastin are produced, which helps to plump and firm the skin and diminish the appearance of dark circles. The effects can be further enhanced by combining it with platelet - rich plasma (PRP).
• Thermage: It is the gold standard in facial skin tightening. It uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production in the skin, improving skin elasticity in the under - eye area. The results can last up to two years in a single treatment, and most patients choose annual maintenance sessions.
• Chemical peel: It can revitalize baggy or sagging skin under the eyes by removing dead skin cells along the superficial top layer of the skin, allowing healthy new skin cells to be exposed 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 and diminish the appearance of pigment discoloration. The ematrix laser has a special tip to treat the delicate under - eye area.

Conclusion

In New York City in 2025, there are several highly skilled public doctors available for tear trough depression filling. Understanding tear troughs, the tear trough filling procedure, recovery, and its comparison with other treatments is crucial for anyone considering this cosmetic option. Tear trough filling