Introduction
The appearance of the under - eye area, specifically the tear troughs, can greatly impact one's overall look. Tear troughs, which are creases between the lower eyelid and upper cheek, can cause a tired, aged appearance. Hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs has become a popular non - invasive cosmetic procedure in New York City. Here, we will summarize the top 4 institutions on the popular hospital ranking list for this treatment.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What are Tear Troughs?
Tear troughs are an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. They can be genetic or may result from the natural loss of collagen that occurs with aging. 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. This can cast a shadow and make one look tired or prematurely aged.
How Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Work
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. When used as a filler, it binds to water, softening and plumping the skin. Tear trough fillers made of hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero, are injected into the tear trough area to restore lost volume, smooth out the under - eye hollows, and reduce the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. They can also stimulate collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion.
Top 4 Institutions for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of Tear Troughs in New York City
1. Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Expertise and Reputation
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years of experience treating patients from around the globe for various skin concerns. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Her expertise and dedication to patients make her a trusted choice for tear trough filler treatments.
Treatment Approach
At her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood, Dr. Green offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures, including under - eye fillers. She uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance. These fillers have a soft formulation to enhance the natural appearance for a rejuvenated look. During the consultation, Dr. Green assesses the patient's under - eye hollows to choose the right filler and develop a customized treatment plan.
Procedure and Aftercare
Before the injection, a local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Dr. Green uses an ultrafine needle for precision in the tear trough injections. After the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area to prevent swelling, and aftercare instructions are provided. She also schedules a two - week follow - up to ensure satisfactory results and determine if any touch - up is needed.
2. Dr. Brett Kotlus's Practice
Specialization and Experience
Dr. Brett Kotlus is a cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon in NYC. With his extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery, he has a deep understanding of the delicate under - eye area. He treats many patients seeking under - eye filler treatments and has seen the outcomes of different fillers over the years.
Filler Recommendations
Dr. Kotlus prefers cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers for the under - eyes. He still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler due to its great behavior profile, with the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and a duration of effect of about a year under the eyes and relatively low swelling. He also has experience with other fillers like Belotero Balance, Juvederm Volbella, and Juvederm Vollure, and can choose the most appropriate one based on the patient's specific needs.
Handling Complications
In his practice, he often corrects under - eye filler problems caused by improper use of other fillers. He has the skills to manage issues such as swelling that lasts longer than a few weeks, lumps, blueish discoloration, and uneven appearance. He is well - equipped to handle the challenges that may arise during or after under - eye filler treatments.
3. Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Unique Approach
Neinstein Plastic Surgery offers tear trough filler injections as an ideal alternative to surgery for many patients. Their approach is to inject very deep (almost directly on the cheek bone starting about half - way up the nose) and slowly move a small wave of the hyaluronic acid up towards the tear trough area. This technique is safe, predictable, and dramatically reduces the risk of bruising in the area.
Patient Preparation and Care
Patients are asked not to use blood thinners like aspirin for 5 days before the procedure. On the day of the injections, makeup is removed, and the skin is numbed for 20 minutes. After the injections, ice is placed on the eyes for 5 minutes, and the patient takes a one - time dose of steroids to reduce swelling. The practice also provides led light therapy devices for patients to bring home to speed healing and incorporation of the product into the skin.
Results and Recovery
The volume change is immediate after receiving fillers, but full tissue integration and settling take about a week. The practice aims to price the tear trough filler injections to make the procedure accessible to patients eager to enhance their look.
4. Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Surgeon's Credentials
Dr. Mesa is a board - certified plastic surgeon with a practice focused on cosmetic procedures of the face, neck, breast, and body. He has extensive training at Harvard University and other top institutions and has earned a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He is known for exceeding his patients’ expectations, especially in tear trough correction.
Tear Trough Filler Process
The process of smoothing sunken tear troughs at Dr. Mesa's practice is relatively fast. A topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin before treatment to increase comfort. He injects the filler into the skin beneath the lower eyelid using a very tiny cannula and lightly massages the area to distribute the filler. The procedure is then repeated below the other eyelid.
Combination Treatments
Dr. Mesa offers the option of combining tear trough fillers with platelet - rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a natural healing serum produced from the patient's own blood that triggers regeneration of the skin and the production of collagen to reduce the appearance of dark circles. This combination can enhance the overall results of the treatment.
Comparing the Institutions
| Institution | Expertise | Filler Options | Treatment Approach | Aftercare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office | World - renowned cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, Belotero Balance | Customized treatment plan based on patient's under - eye assessment, using an ultrafine needle for injection | Ice application, aftercare instructions, two - week follow - up |
| Dr. Brett Kotlus's Practice | Cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon with specialized training | Restylane - L, Belotero Balance, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Vollure | Based on patient's needs, preferring cross - linked HA gel fillers | Skilled in correcting under - eye filler problems |
| Neinstein Plastic Surgery | Plastic surgery expertise in tear trough filler alternative to surgery | Hyaluronic acid gel fillers | Deep injection technique to reduce bruising | Ice, steroid dose, led light therapy for healing |
| Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery | Board - certified plastic surgeon with Harvard training | Hyaluronic acid - based dermal fillers | Use of tiny cannula for injection, possible combination with PRP | Topical anesthetic for comfort |
Choosing the Right Institution
Consider Your Needs
When choosing an institution for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs, consider your specific needs. If you have a complex skin condition or want a highly customized approach, Dr. Michele Green's office may be a good choice. If you are more concerned about the choice of fillers and handling potential complications, Dr. Brett Kotlus's practice might be suitable. For those looking for a unique injection technique and comprehensive aftercare, Neinstein Plastic Surgery could be the option. And if you are interested in combination treatments and a surgeon with top - tier training, Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery is worth considering.
Research and Consultation
It is important to do thorough research on each institution. Read patient reviews, look at before - and - after photos, and understand the doctor's experience and qualifications. Schedule a consultation with the doctors at these institutions. During the consultation, ask questions about the procedure, the fillers used, the expected results, and the potential risks. This will help you make an informed decision.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Tear Trough Fillers
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of tear trough fillers include mild swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site. These usually subside within a few days to a week. To minimize swelling, an ice pack can be applied immediately after the procedure. To decrease bruising, patients are often recommended to discontinue blood - thinning medications and take herbal supplements like arnica forte.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
There are some rare but serious side effects, such as the Tyndall effect, which leads to a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected. This can last several months but can be reversed with hyaluronidase. Other 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. To prevent these, it is crucial to have the treatment performed by an experienced and board - certified injector.
Cost Considerations
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. Fillers typically cost $1000 or more per syringe. More experienced and board - certified providers may charge more, but it is important to choose a reliable provider to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of complications. During the consultation, the doctor will assess your tear trough and recommend the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes needed, and provide you with the cost of treatment.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs is a popular and effective non - invasive cosmetic procedure in New York City. The top 4 institutions we have summarized - Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office, Dr. Brett Kotlus's Practice, Neinstein Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - each have their own unique strengths, including expertise, treatment approaches, and aftercare options. When considering this treatment, it is essential to understand the nature of tear troughs, the function of hyaluronic acid fillers, the potential risks and side effects, and the cost factors. By doing thorough research and consulting with the experts at these institutions, you can make an informed decision and achieve a more youthful and refreshed under - eye appearance.
If you are interested in hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs, we encourage you to reach out to these institutions for more information and to schedule a consultation. Take the first step towards enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence today!
