Introduction
Tear trough filling has emerged as a popular non - surgical cosmetic procedure in New York City. As people age, the appearance of dark circles, eye bags, and sunken under - eye areas becomes more prominent, making the tear trough region a common area of concern. Tear trough filling aims to restore volume, smooth out the hollows, and give a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the ins and outs of tear trough filling in New York City, including the best fillers, top practitioners, benefits, risks, and more.
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is a natural contour that exists between the under - eye area and the top of the cheekbone. It can become more pronounced with age as the skin loses elasticity, collagen production decreases, and the subcutaneous fat volume is lost. Some people may also be born with a more prominent tear trough due to genetics. A prominent tear trough can cast shadows under the eyes, making a person look tired, sullen, or older than their actual age. It can also contribute to the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags.
Benefits of Tear Trough Filling
Tear trough filling offers numerous benefits, which is why it has gained so much popularity in New York City:
- Non - surgical: Unlike surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, tear trough filling is a non - invasive option. This means there are no incisions, less risk of complications, and little to no downtime. Patients can resume their normal activities almost immediately after the treatment.
- Instant Results: One of the most appealing aspects of tear trough filling is that the results are visible right away. After the injection, the under - eye area looks fuller, and the appearance of dark circles and hollows is significantly reduced.
- Restores Volume: Tear trough fillers work by replenishing the lost volume in the under - eye area. This helps to smooth out the tear trough, blend the eyelid with the cheek, and give a more youthful and rested appearance.
- Natural - looking: When performed by an experienced injector, tear trough filling can provide natural - looking results. The right filler is selected based on the patient's facial anatomy and skin type, ensuring that the enhancement looks seamless.
- Long - lasting: Although the results are not permanent, most tear trough fillers last between 6 - 18 months. Some patients may find that the effects last even longer, depending on factors such as metabolism and the type of filler used.
Best Fillers for Tear Troughs
There are several types of fillers available for tear trough filling, but hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most commonly used and recommended. Here are some of the top HA fillers for the under - eye area:
Restylane
Restylane is a well - known and widely used HA filler. It has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and a relatively low swelling rate. The effect can last about a year under the eyes. It can also be adjusted for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration. For example, Dr. Brett Kotlus still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile. Dr. Zuckerman also uses Restylane - L for tear trough rejuvenation in New York City. It is FDA - approved for treating the under - eye area and is the least hydrophilic among HA fillers, minimizing swelling.
Belotero Balance
Belotero Balance is popular for under - eyes because it is very forgiving for the injector. It is not very stiff and tends not to lump up or cause discoloration. However, it may not provide great lift if there is a deep tear trough. According to Dr. Kotlus, it is an acceptable choice but not as versatile as Restylane.
Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure
These are newer fillers within the Juvederm family. Volbella is softer and is a good option for shallow injections under the eyes, while Vollure (also known as Volift outside the U.S.) is stiffer and suitable for deeper injections. They cause less swelling than the older variety of Juvederm products. However, a low incidence of inflammatory nodules (bumps) has been reported to occur after 4 months with Volbella.
Other HA fillers such as Restylane Refyne, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Silk, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Voluma have their own characteristics but may not be as ideal for the under - eye area. For example, Restylane Silk has a high swelling capacity, which is not suitable for the thin under - eye skin. Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus tend to swell more and may spread out, causing less accurate treatment. Juvederm Voluma is better for cheeks and can look lumpy and cause long - term swelling under the eyes.
| Filler Name | Stiffness | Swelling | Lift | Duration | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restylane - L | Good balance | Relatively low | Good | About 1 year | Overall great for under - eyes |
| Belotero Balance | Low | Low | Moderate | 6 - 12 months | Good for those new to fillers, forgiving for injector |
| Juvederm Volbella | Soft | Low | Low - moderate | 6 - 9 months | Shallow injections |
| Juvederm Vollure | Stiffer | Low | Good | 9 - 18 months | Deeper injections |
How to Choose the Right Filler
Choosing the right filler for tear trough filling is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some factors to consider:
- Facial Anatomy: The shape and depth of your tear trough, as well as the condition of your skin, play a significant role in determining the most suitable filler. For example, if you have a very deep tear trough, a stiffer filler like Juvederm Vollure may be more appropriate, while a shallow tear trough may be better treated with a softer filler like Juvederm Volbella.
- Desired Results: Your aesthetic goals also matter. If you want a subtle enhancement with minimal swelling, Belotero Balance might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more substantial lift and longer - lasting results, Restylane - L could be more suitable.
- Injector's Recommendation: An experienced injector, such as a board - certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, will assess your individual needs and recommend the best filler for you. They have the knowledge and expertise to understand the properties of different fillers and how they will interact with your facial tissues.
Top Practitioners in New York City
New York City is home to many skilled practitioners who specialize in tear trough filling. Here are some of the well - known experts:
Dr. Brett Kotlus
Dr. Brett Kotlus is a Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgeon in NYC. He has extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery. He provides his expert opinion on the best under - eye fillers based on his years of practice. He shares which fillers he does not recommend for the under - eye area, such as permanent or semi - permanent injectable fillers, and explains why HA gel fillers are the safest and most effective option.
Dr. Michele Green
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology. With over 25 years of experience, she has treated patients from around the globe for various skin concerns, including dark under - eyes. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist. Dr. Green is an expert injector who can customize a treatment plan for tear trough filling based on each patient's unique skin care concerns and aesthetic goals. She uses a variety of HA fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, and Belotero Balance.
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. He develops a customized treatment plan to achieve natural and beautiful results and provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal outcomes.
The Tear Trough Filling Procedure
Consultation
The first step in the tear trough filling process is a consultation with a qualified practitioner. During the consultation, the practitioner will evaluate your under - eye area, discuss your medical history, medications, and allergies. They will also ask about your aesthetic goals and expectations. Based on this assessment, they will recommend the most suitable filler and the number of syringes needed.
Preparation
Before the procedure, you may be asked to stop taking blood - thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil for a few days to reduce the risk of bruising. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to the appointment. On the day of the treatment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Anesthesia
To minimize discomfort, a topical anesthetic may be applied to the treatment area about an hour before the injection. Some fillers also contain a numbing ingredient like lidocaine. This ensures that the procedure is as painless as possible.
Injection
The filler is injected into the tear trough area using a very tiny cannula or an ultrafine needle. The injector will carefully place the filler at the appropriate depth to achieve the desired results. For example, some injectors prefer to inject deep into the tissues, near the bone, while others may use a different technique depending on the patient's anatomy and the type of filler used. The injection process usually takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area and the amount of filler needed.
Post - treatment
After the injection, ice may be applied to the treatment area to help reduce swelling. You will be given aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours, avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days, and using cool compresses if necessary. It is also important to follow up with your practitioner for a two - week check - up to ensure that the treatment was satisfactory and to determine if any touch - up is needed.
Recovery and Side Effects
Most patients can expect a relatively quick recovery after tear trough filling. Here are some common side effects and how to manage them:
- Swelling: Mild swelling is a common side effect after the injection. It usually subsides within a week, although some mild swelling may take a few weeks to resolve completely. Applying an ice pack immediately after the procedure can help mitigate swelling. Patients should also avoid excessive heat, such as saunas or hot tubs, for 48 hours after treatment.
- Bruising: Bruising can occur at the injection site. It typically resolves within one week. To decrease the risk of bruising, patients are usually advised to stop taking blood - thinning medications and herbal supplements for a few days before the treatment. Patients prone to bruising can take arnica forte, an herbal supplement, a few days before the procedure to prevent and heal bruises faster.
- Redness: Redness at the injection site is also common and usually fades within a few hours to a couple of days.
- Tyndall Effect: This is a rare side effect that can occur with some HA fillers. It causes a bluish discoloration in the injected area, usually when the filler is injected too superficially. The Tyndall effect can last several months but can be reversed with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal filler.
- Other Rare Side Effects: In rare cases, more serious side effects may 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 serious side effects, it is crucial to have the tear trough filler injections performed by an experienced and board - certified injector.
Cost of Tear Trough Filling in New York City
The cost of tear trough filling in New York City can vary depending on several factors:
- Type of Filler: Different fillers have different prices. For example, more advanced or newer fillers may be more expensive than traditional ones.
- Amount of Filler: The number of syringes needed to achieve the desired results will also affect the cost. Some patients may only need one syringe, while others may require two or more.
- Practitioner's Experience and Reputation: Well - known and experienced practitioners may charge more for their services. However, it is often worth it to ensure safe and effective treatment.
- Location of the Practice: Practices in more upscale areas of New York City may have higher overhead costs, which can be reflected in the price of the treatment.
Typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe. During your consultation, your practitioner will assess your tear trough, cosmetic concerns, and goals to choose the best - suited dermal filler product for you and will be able to recommend the total number of syringes needed and the cost of treatment.
Is Tear Trough Filling Worth It?
For the right candidate, tear trough filling can be a very worthwhile investment. It can revitalize the eye area, reduce the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags, and give a more youthful and refreshed appearance. It is a non - surgical option with relatively little downtime and can provide long - lasting results. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and to choose a qualified practitioner to ensure the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
Tear trough filling has become a popular and effective solution for those looking to improve the appearance of their under - eye area in New York City. With a variety of high - quality fillers available and many skilled practitioners, patients have the opportunity to achieve natural - looking and long - lasting results. However, it is essential to do thorough research, choose the right filler and injector, and follow all pre - and post - treatment instructions. If you are considering tear trough filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified expert in your area to discuss your options and take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
