Introduction
The appearance of the under - eye area, specifically the tear trough, can significantly impact one's overall look, often making individuals appear tired or older. Hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough has become a popular non - surgical cosmetic procedure in New York City. This article will explore the details of tear trough filling, the best hyaluronic acid fillers for this area, and provide a ranking - inspired list of some of the top hospitals and clinics in New York City for this treatment.
Understanding Tear Troughs
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is a small groove that begins below the inner eye corner and extends toward the cheekbone, creating a separation between the eye and the cheek. Sometimes called a tear trough deformity or a nasojugal groove, it causes a hollow that can give the look of permanent under - eye circles or bags. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, subcutaneous fat volume is lost, and the skin loses elasticity. These factors contribute to the prominence of the tear trough. Additionally, genetics, hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors can also cause tear troughs to appear. They can occur as early as the 20s but are more common in individuals in their late 30s to 40s.
Impact on Appearance
Tear troughs can make a person look tired, haggard, and older than their actual age. The hollow area can cast a shadow, which contributes to the appearance of dark circles. This can have a negative impact on one's self - confidence and how they are perceived by others.
Hyaluronic Acid Filling for Tear Troughs
How Tear Trough Filler Works
Tear trough filler is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a hyaluronic acid - based filler (HA) into the area under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and has the ability to hold a large amount of water. When injected into the tear trough area, it plumps up the skin, restores lost volume, and reduces the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and bags in the lower eyelid. The filler creates a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Tear Trough Fillers
- Non - surgical: It is a non - invasive alternative to surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty.
- Quick results: The effects are visible immediately after the procedure.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the treatment.
- Long - lasting: The results can last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors.
- Reversible: If there are any issues or the patient is not satisfied with the results, the filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Tear Troughs
| Filler Name | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restylane | Good balance of stiffness, cohesivity, about a year - long effect under the eyes, relatively low swelling. Can be fine - tailored for deep or shallow injections through hydration. | Proven track record, suitable for different injection depths, predictable results. | May not be the best option for very thin skin that swells easily. |
| Belotero Balance | Not very stiff, forgiving for the injector, less likely to lump up or cause discoloration. | Easy to work with, reduces the risk of side - effects like discoloration. | May not provide great lift for deep tear troughs. |
| Juvederm Volbella | Soft, causes less swelling than some other Juvederm products, suitable for shallow injections. | Good for subtle volume restoration, natural - looking results. | Low incidence of inflammatory nodules reported after 4 months. |
| Juvederm Vollure | Stiffer than Volbella, causes less swelling than older Juvederm varieties, suitable for deeper injections. | Provides more lift for deeper hollows, longer - lasting results. | May be too stiff for very thin under - eye skin. |
Candidates for Tear Trough Filling
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. They should have healthy skin and no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications. Realistic expectations are also important, as the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. Tear trough filler is most suitable for dark circles caused by the shadowing effect of volume loss in the tear trough area. Dark under - eye circles caused by skin pigmentation or blood vessels beneath the skin may require other treatments such as laser therapy. People with severe skin laxity, excess skin, or fat in the under - eye area may be better suited to surgical options like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Preparing for Tear Trough Filling
Preparing for a tear trough filler appointment is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Before the treatment, patients should discuss their medical history, any medications they are taking, and any allergies or sensitivities with their doctor. In the days leading up to the appointment, they should avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications), ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil, as these can increase the risk of bruising. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can also increase the risk of bruising. On the day of the appointment, patients should arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Tear Trough Filling Procedure
The tear trough filling procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. A local anesthetic is usually applied to the treatment area one hour before the injections to minimize discomfort. The filler is then injected into the under - eye area using a small cannula or an ultrafine needle. The doctor will carefully place the filler to achieve a natural - looking result. Immediately after the procedure, ice may be applied to the treatment area to help prevent swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare
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 to prevent the filler from shifting. It is also recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours. While the results are immediate, it may take a few days for the full effects to be visible as any swelling or bruising subsides. Following the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor is essential to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications.
Ranking - Inspired List of Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Tear Trough Filling
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It has a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals, including plastic surgeons and dermatologists, who are well - versed in tear trough filling procedures. The hospital's reputation for providing high - quality care and its advanced facilities make it a top choice for patients seeking hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough.
2. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. It offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures, including tear trough filling. The medical staff at New York - Presbyterian Hospital is known for their expertise and attention to detail, ensuring that patients receive personalized treatment plans and excellent results.
3. NYU Langone Hospitals
NYU Langone Hospitals is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital's dermatology and plastic surgery departments have a long history of performing successful tear trough filling procedures. They use the latest techniques and high - quality hyaluronic acid fillers to achieve natural - looking and long - lasting results.
4. Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. With over 25 years of experience, she offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures, including tear trough fillers. She is an expert injector who can work with patients to develop a customized treatment plan based on their unique skin care concerns and aesthetic goals. Her office in Manhattan's upper east side neighborhood is a popular destination for patients seeking high - quality tear trough filling treatments.
5. Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Neinstein Plastic Surgery offers tear trough filler injections as an alternative to surgery. Their approach involves injecting the hyaluronic acid very deep and slowly moving it up towards the tear trough area, which has been found to be safe and predictable and reduces the risk of bruising. The clinic's team of plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing patients with a rested and youthful appearance.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While tear trough filler treatment is generally considered safe, it does carry some potential risks and side effects. These may include swelling, bruising, redness, itching, and infection. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be managed with ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications. A rare side effect is the Tyndall effect, which causes a bluish discoloration in the injected area. This can be reversed with hyaluronidase. 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. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to have the procedure performed by an experienced and board - certified injector.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough is an effective non - surgical solution for improving the appearance of the under - eye area. By understanding the causes of tear troughs, the types of fillers available, and the procedure itself, patients can make informed decisions about whether this treatment is right for them. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality tear trough filling services. It is important for patients to do their research, choose a reputable provider, and have realistic expectations. If you are bothered by the appearance of under - eye hollows or dark circles, consider consulting with a qualified professional to explore your options. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance by scheduling a consultation today!
