Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, individuals seeking eye tear trough filling are presented with a plethora of options. The under - eye area is highly delicate, and choosing the right doctor for tear trough filling is crucial for achieving natural - looking and long - lasting results. This article will delve into the top 5 doctors in New York City renowned for their expertise in eye tear trough filling, offering valuable insights for those considering this cosmetic procedure.
Understanding Tear Trough Filling
What are Tear Troughs?
A tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. 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 or may 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.
What Does Tear - Trough Filler Do?
Tear trough fillers restore lost volume in the crease below the eye and improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. Fillers composed of hyaluronic acid, such as Belotero, Restylane, and Juvederm, help correct this tear trough deformity. These dermal fillers are designed to restore collagen production and replenish lost volume in the treatment area. When injected into the tear trough area, they work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes.
Types of Fillers for Tear Troughs
Dr. Michele Green often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and HA fillers work to restore lost volume and hydration in the tear troughs to correct tired - looking eyes and under - eye bags.
- Juvederm Volbella: The first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs, it contains the thinnest formulation of the Juvederm family. Its patented Vycross technology allows for a smooth and even distribution under the skin.
- Restylane Eye Light: Commonly used to improve the look of hollowing and under - eye bags. It 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 developing the Tyndall effect.
Top 5 Doctors for Eye Tear Trough Filling in New York City
Dr. Michele Green
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 a myriad of skin concerns, including dark under - eyes, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and acne scars. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times due to her expertise and dedication to her patients.
Dr. Green offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, including under - eye fillers, Botox, laser treatments, microneedling, other various dermal fillers, chemical peels, and more. When it comes to tear trough fillers, she is an expert injector who can work with patients to ensure they are a good candidate for the treatment and develop a customized treatment plan that caters to their unique skin care concerns and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, Dr. Green will assess the under - eye hollows to choose the right tear trough filler for the patient, leaving them with a rejuvenated, youthful - looking under - eye area.
She uses a “less - is - more” approach to dermal fillers in the delicate under - eye area, being extremely careful not to overfill. After the initial treatment, she conducts a two - week follow - up to ensure that the treatment was satisfactory and determine whether any touch - up of the hyaluronic acid dermal filler is needed.
Dr. Zuckerman
Dr. Zuckerman can help patients reduce dark circles with under - eye dermal filler injections, regardless of the patient's age. When done correctly, the treatment beautifully eases the transition from the lower eyelid into the cheek, eliminating shadow and the appearance of hollowness. The filler in this area is also long - lasting, up to 1 year.
For this sensitive area, Dr. Zuckerman 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 (absorbs the least amount of water) of hyaluronic acid fillers, and therefore minimizes swelling. He injects deep into the tissues, near the bone, and can inject up to 1 cc + of filler per eye. This treatment helps a patient appear rested and refreshed when the face is at rest and while smiling or otherwise facially animating.
The procedure typically takes 10 - 20 minutes per treatment. Most patients require one treatment per year to maintain a continual effect. Although the treatment is overwhelmingly safe in the hands of an expert injector like Dr. Zuckerman, there are some risks, such as swelling, bruising, and lumps. He is also able to minimize bruising using his techniques and by icing the affected area post - treatment.
Dr. George Liakeas
Dr. George Liakeas is the medical director at Smooth Synergy Medical Spa. He offers a tear trough filler treatment that is highly effective for restoring a refreshed look to tired or sunken eyes. The treatment uses hyaluronic acid (HA) filler to instantly fill or smooth the area under the eye, restoring a refreshed, more youthful appearance.
Dr. Liakeas will evaluate the patient's face and mark strategic injection points for placement. Using a super - fine needle, he will inject along these predetermined sites and then evaluate the treatment area to assess whether additional filler is needed to assure maximum benefit to the skin. The procedure is simple and usually takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area.
He is well - versed in handling patient concerns, especially regarding pain during the filler treatment. He is trained and experienced in injecting the product quickly and easily, and he may anesthetize the treatment area with a numbing cream. Additionally, there are fillers that contain a numbing ingredient, such as lidocaine, to minimize discomfort.
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. In his practice, he has a deep understanding of the different types of fillers and their suitability for the under - eye area.
Dr. Kotlus recommends cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel fillers for the under - eyes, as they are soft, pliable, and most importantly, reversible. He believes that Restylane - L is the best under - eye filler due to its great behavior profile, with the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, duration of effect (about a year under the eyes), and relatively low swelling. He also has experience dealing with issues that may arise from wrong under - eye filler treatments, such as swelling, lumps, and discoloration, and can correct these problems using appropriate techniques.
When it comes to fat injections under the eyes, he frequently performs under - eye fat grafting, usually in conjunction with cosmetic eyelid surgery to blend and provide volume support to the areas around the eyes. He processes the fat in a sterile, closed system and places conservative amounts of fat in the deepest level with very small fat parcels in each location.
Dr. Edward Marcus
Dr. Edward Marcus has a high rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 37 patient ratings. Although there is not as much detailed information specifically about his tear trough filling procedures as the other doctors, his high patient satisfaction indicates his expertise in the field of eye - related treatments.
Patients can be confident in his abilities as he has a significant number of past patient ratings, suggesting that he has the experience necessary to handle various eye - related cosmetic and medical issues, including tear trough filling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor for Tear Trough Filling
Experience and Expertise
Look for doctors with extensive experience in performing tear trough filling procedures. Doctors like Dr. Michele Green, with over 25 years of experience, have a deep understanding of the facial anatomy, the properties of different fillers, and how to achieve the best results. They are more likely to handle any potential complications that may arise during or after the procedure.
Board Certification
Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in their respective field. Board - certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons have met certain standards of education, training, and professional conduct. For example, Dr. Michele Green is a board - certified cosmetic dermatologist, and Dr. Zuckerman is a board - certified plastic surgeon, which gives patients confidence in their skills and knowledge.
Patient Reviews and Ratings
Check patient reviews and ratings online. Platforms like Healthgrades, Yelp, and Zocdoc can provide valuable insights into the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of their work, and patient satisfaction. A doctor with a high number of positive reviews and ratings, such as Dr. Edward Marcus, is more likely to deliver satisfactory results.
Treatment Approach
Discuss the doctor's treatment approach during the consultation. A good doctor will take the time to understand your concerns and aesthetic goals and develop a customized treatment plan. For instance, Dr. Michele Green uses a “less - is - more” approach to dermal fillers in the under - eye area to ensure a natural - looking result.
Cost and After - Care
Consider the cost of the treatment, but don't let it be the sole deciding factor. A more experienced and qualified doctor may charge more, but they are more likely to provide a safe and effective treatment. Also, inquire about the after - care services provided by the doctor, such as follow - up appointments and instructions on how to care for the treated area.
Comparing the Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Experience | Filler Preferences | Patient Reviews | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green | Cosmetic Dermatology | Over 25 years | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, Belotero Balance | Highly rated by multiple platforms | “Less - is - more” approach, customized treatment plans |
| Dr. Zuckerman | Plastic Surgery | - | Restylane - L | - | Deep injection near the bone, long - lasting results |
| Dr. George Liakeas | Medical Director at Spa | - | Hyaluronic acid fillers | - | Marking injection points, evaluation for additional filler |
| Dr. Brett Kotlus | Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery | - | Restylane - L, HA gel fillers | - | Recommending reversible fillers, fat grafting in some cases |
| Dr. Edward Marcus | - | - | - | 4.90 out of 5 stars (37 ratings) | - |
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Tear Trough Filling
Common Side Effects
There are typically some common side effects associated with tear trough filling. Mild swelling and bruising at or around the injection sites are quite common. Swelling and redness usually resolve on their 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 the risk of swelling.
Bruising is another potential side effect that can typically resolve within one week following the procedure. Doctors often 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.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Although rare, there are some more serious side effects that can occur. The Tyndall effect 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 but 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 any serious or adverse side effects from developing, it is crucial to have the tear trough filler injections performed by an expert, board - certified injector.
Pre - treatment and Post - treatment Care
Pre - treatment Care
Before the tear trough filling procedure, patients should follow the doctor's instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve, for a specified period before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Some doctors may also recommend avoiding excess alcohol and intensive physical activity before the procedure.
During the consultation, patients should be honest with the doctor about their medical history, including any allergies, previous surgeries, or skin conditions. This information will help the doctor determine the most suitable filler and the appropriate treatment plan.
Post - treatment Care
After the tear trough filling procedure, immediate after - care is important. Applying ice to the treatment area can help prevent swelling. The doctor will provide detailed after - care instructions, which may include avoiding touching or rubbing the treated area, avoiding makeup for a certain period, and following a specific skincare routine.
Patients should also attend the follow - up appointments scheduled by the doctor. These appointments are crucial for the doctor to assess the results of the treatment, check for any complications, and determine if any touch - up is required.
Conclusion
Eye tear trough filling can be a highly effective way to rejuvenate the under - eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. However, choosing the right doctor is of utmost importance. The top 5 doctors in New York City mentioned in this article - Dr. Michele Green, Dr. Zuckerman, Dr. George Liakeas, Dr. Brett Kotlus, and Dr. Edward Marcus - have proven expertise in tear trough filling, but each has their own unique approach and areas of specialization.
When considering tear trough filling, take the time to research these doctors, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations to find the one who best suits your needs and aesthetic goals. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of achieving natural - looking, long - lasting results and minimizing the risk of complications.
If you're interested in learning more about tear trough filling or scheduling a consultation with one of these top doctors, we encourage you to reach out to their offices directly. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed under - eye appearance.
