Introduction
The area around the eyes is often a tell - tale sign of aging, with tear troughs being a common cosmetic concern in New York City. Tear troughs can give the appearance of tiredness and premature aging. Fat filling to remove tear troughs has become a popular cosmetic procedure. In this article, we will explore the top regular hospitals in New York City for this procedure, as well as understand the ins and outs of tear trough treatments, including fillers, risks, benefits, and more.
What are Tear Troughs?
A tear trough is an anatomical area of the face. It is the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. As noted in the research from michelegreenmd.com, 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 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.
Tear Trough Fillers: An Overview
How Tear Trough Fillers Work
Tear trough fillers restore lost volume in the crease below the eye and improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. Dermal fillers, typically composed of hyaluronic acid, are designed to restore collagen production and replenish lost volume in the treatment area. According to michelegreenmd.com, when injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers work to 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.
Types of Tear Trough Fillers
- Juvederm Volbella: It 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.
- Restylane Eyelight: Commonly used to improve the look of hollowing and under - eye bags. It is a newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. This dermal filler uses crosslinking and patented Nasha technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume.
- Belotero Balance: 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 hue in the injected area due to the reflection of light off of particles suspended in the filler.
Benefits of Tear Trough Fillers
- Non - surgical: As described in smoothsynergy.com, it is a non - invasive alternative to plastic surgery, which is appealing to many patients who do not want to go under the knife.
- Instant Results: Patients can see an immediate improvement in the appearance of their under - eye area.
- Little Downtime: Most patients can return to their normal activities right after the procedure, with only minor swelling or bruising that subsides quickly.
- Natural - looking Results: When done by an experienced professional, the results can look very natural, enhancing the patient's appearance without looking overdone.
Candidates for Tear Trough Fillers
Good candidates for tear trough filler are typically individuals who are bothered by the appearance of under - eye hollows or dark circles and are seeking a non - surgical solution. As per cangelloplasticsurgery.com, this procedure is suitable for those who have healthy skin and no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications. Good candidates also have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with tear trough filler, and understand that the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. Filler is only useful for dark circles caused by the effect of shadowing caused by loss of volume in the tear trough area. Dark under - eye circles that are caused by pigmentation of the skin or by blood vessels beneath the skin must be treated with laser. Additionally, those with severe skin laxity, excess skin, or fat in the under - eye area may be better suited to surgical options like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
The Procedure of Tear Trough Fillers
The first step for having under - eye dermal fillers is to consult with an experienced medical professional, such as a board - certified dermatologist. As mentioned on michelegreenmd.com, 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. A local anesthetic will be generously applied to the entire treatment area one hour before performing any injections to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Additionally, the dermal fillers used for the under - eye area are often compounded with lidocaine, helping to guarantee that the procedure is as painless as possible. The doctor will inject the dermal fillers directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle or a cannula. Immediately upon completion of the procedure, ice will be applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur, and aftercare instructions will be provided. After initial treatment with dermal fillers for correction of tear troughs, a follow - up appointment is usually scheduled to ensure that treatment was satisfactory and determine whether any touch - up of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler is needed.
Risks and Side Effects of Tear Trough Fillers
Common Side Effects
- Swelling and Redness: Swelling and redness are common side effects at the site of injection. Usually, icing the treated area immediately after the injections will minimize this reaction, and it typically resolves within a week, as stated on michelegreenmd.com.
- Bruising: To decrease bruising, doctors may recommend discontinuing any blood thinners as well as NSAIDs such as Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve before the procedure. Patients prone to bruising can take Arnica forte, an herbal supplement, to help prevent and heal bruises faster.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
- Tyndall Effect: A rare side effect that leads to the development of a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected. This can occur if the hyaluronic acid filler is injected too superficially and can last several months in the treated area. It can be reversed with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal filler.
- Other Serious Side Effects: These 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. 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.
Cost of Tear Trough Fillers
The total cost of tear - trough filler treatment depends on several factors, such as the medical professional performing the procedure, the geographic location of the office, the type of filler used, and the amount of filler needed. According to michelegreenmd.com, typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe, depending on the exact filler. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the tear trough, cosmetic concerns, and goals to choose the best - suited dermal filler product for the patient and recommend the total number of syringes needed and the cost of treatment.
Ranking of Regular Hospitals for Fat Filling to Remove Tear Troughs in New York City
While there isn't an established, specific ranking solely for fat filling to remove tear troughs, some of the well - known hospitals in New York City with excellent cosmetic and dermatological departments are likely to be great options:
NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone is a well - respected medical institution. It has been ranked highly in various medical specialties. Although not specifically ranked for tear trough treatments, its team of experts in the field of dermatology and plastic surgery are likely to provide high - quality fat filling procedures for tear troughs. As shown in usnews.com, it is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties, which is a testament to its overall medical excellence.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is another top - tier hospital in New York City. With a strong reputation in the medical community, it has nationally recognized departments in dermatology and plastic surgery. In terms of gastroenterology and GI surgery (according to usnews.com), it has a high score and is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. These departments can support the multidisciplinary approach needed for safe and effective tear trough treatments.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is known for its cutting - edge medical research and treatment. Its plastic surgery and dermatology departments are staffed with experienced physicians who are well - versed in the latest techniques for tear trough fat filling. As per usnews.com, it is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, indicating its comprehensive medical capabilities.
Comparing Tear Trough Fillers with Other Treatments
Tear Trough Fillers vs. Blepharoplasty
Under - eye fillers are a non - invasive cosmetic procedure that uses dermal fillers to restore lost volume and correct hollowing in the under - eye area. They are not permanent, typically lasting 6 – 9 months, and are associated with little side effects and downtime. 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. This surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the eyelid area and removing the excess skin. A blepharoplasty procedure 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.
How to Choose the Right Hospital and Doctor for Tear Trough Fillers
- Credentials: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in dermatology or plastic surgery. This indicates that they have met the rigorous standards set by the relevant medical boards and have the necessary training and experience.
- Experience: Look for a doctor who has extensive experience in performing tear trough filler procedures. They should be able to show before - and - after photos of previous patients to demonstrate their skills.
- Reputation: Check online reviews and patient testimonials. A doctor with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and satisfactory results.
- Hospital Facilities: The hospital should have state - of - the - art facilities and a clean, safe environment for the procedure.
Aftercare for Tear Trough Fillers
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.
Conclusion
Fat filling to remove tear troughs is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. Tear trough fillers offer a non - surgical solution to improve the appearance of under - eye hollows, dark circles, and bags. However, it is crucial to choose the right hospital and doctor for the procedure to minimize risks and achieve the best results. By understanding the procedure, its benefits, risks, and aftercare, patients can make an informed decision about whether tear trough fillers are right for them. The top hospitals in New York City, such as NYU Langone Hospitals, Mount Sinai Hospital, and New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, offer high - quality care and experienced medical professionals for this type of treatment.
If you are considering tear trough fillers, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified doctor at one of the recommended hospitals. Discuss your concerns and goals, and ask any questions you may have. You can also read more about tear trough treatments online or talk to patients who have undergone the procedure to get a better understanding of what to expect. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance today!
