Top 4 Hospitals for Self - Fat Filling of Tear Troughs in New York City
Tear troughs, the sunken areas beneath the lower eyelids, can make a person look tired or older than their actual age. Self - fat filling of tear troughs has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure to address this concern. In New York City, there are several renowned hospitals that offer high - quality services in this area. Let's take a detailed look at the top 4 hospitals.
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Expertise in Tear Trough Treatment
Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is a well - known plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments. He understands that as we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, subcutaneous fat volume is lost, and this can lead to the prominence of tear troughs. Some individuals may also have a congenital lack of facial fat volume in this area, resulting in under - eye hollows.
Dr. Cangello offers multiple treatment options for tear trough deformities. Dermal fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid such as Restylane® or Belotero, are a popular choice. These fillers are injected into the area to plump up the skin and restore volume loss. Another option is fat transfer, where the patient's own fat is used to fill the tear troughs. If under - eye hollows are accompanied by under - eye bags, he may also perform a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, transposing the fat causing the bags into the under - eye hollow.
Treatment Process
Before the treatment, patients need to prepare carefully. They should discuss their medical history, current medications, allergies, and sensitivities with Dr. Cangello. In the days leading up to the appointment, it is advisable to avoid blood - thinning medications like NSAIDs, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can increase the risk of bruising. On the day of the appointment, patients should arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
The tear trough filler procedure involves injecting the filler into the under - eye area using a small cannula. Results can usually be seen immediately, and the effects can last for several months, although this may vary depending on the individual and the type of filler used.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the treatment, it is normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week. Ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications like ibuprofen can be used to manage the discomfort. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure to prevent the filler from shifting or becoming dislodged. Strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements should also be avoided for at least 24 hours.
Patient Reviews
Patients have praised Dr. Cangello for his professionalism and the natural - looking results. One patient said, “He is amazing! Made me feel super comfortable as soon as I met him. He has a lot of patience, explains every little detail and is a great listener. Not to mention his work is absolutely amazing. Got fillers and I can tell he was very experienced and made the effort to make me feel good and look fantastic!”
2. Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center
Tear Trough Filler Benefits
Smooth Synergy offers tear trough filler treatments using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The benefits of their tear trough filler are numerous. It is a non - surgical procedure, which means no surgery or anesthesia is required. Patients can enjoy instant results, as the HA filler instantly fills or smoothes the area under the eye. It fills in or smooths areas of volume loss under the eyes, sources naturally - occurring hyaluronic acid, and can firm the under - eye plane, making it appear less concave or sunken.
Treatment Details
The tear trough is a natural contour between the under - eye area and the top of the cheekbone. As we age, the tear trough can become deeper or more prominent due to factors such as thinning skin, loss of fat and volume underneath the skin. Smooth Synergy's medical director, Dr. George, MD, 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.
Expected Results and Duration
Patients can expect a refreshed and more youthful appearance. The filler can smooth the under - eye plane, reduce shadows, and make the eyes appear brighter. It can also fill in the area around the fat pads, making under - eye bags appear less prominent. The results typically last between 6 - 18 months, and although the fillers provide instant results, they are not permanent and require a maintenance regime.
Patient Comfort and Safety
Many patients are concerned about the pain associated with the treatment, especially in the sensitive under - eye area. Dr. George Liakeas is trained and experienced in minimizing discomfort. He may anesthetize the treatment area with a numbing cream, and there are also fillers that contain a numbing ingredient such as lidocaine. Cosmetic fillers are minimally invasive and generally safe, with a decades - long track record of safety on millions of patients. However, it's important to note that tear trough treatment is an off - label use for dermal fillers, so it's crucial to choose a properly vetted doctor.
3. Neinstein Plastic Surgery
Appropriate Candidates for Tear Trough Fillers
Neinstein Plastic Surgery offers tear trough fillers as an ideal alternative to surgery for many patients. Tear trough fillers are hyaluronic acid gel injections that address facial volume loss. However, they are not suitable for patients with very thin skin that appears almost attached or stuck to the cheekbone, as the filler may be visible. Pregnant or breast - feeding patients are also deferred for safety concerns.
Treatment Preparation
Prior to the appointment, patients are asked to refrain from using blood thinners like aspirin for 5 days before the procedure. On the day of the injections, any makeup is removed, and the skin is numbed for 20 minutes.
Injection Process
The approach at Neinstein Plastic Surgery is to inject very deep, almost directly on the cheekbone starting about half - way up the nose, and then slowly move a small wave of the hyaluronic acid up towards the tear trough area. This technique is considered safe, predictable, and can dramatically reduce the risk of bruising in the area. Once the injections are complete, ice is placed on the eyes for 5 minutes, and the patient takes a one - time dose of steroids to reduce swelling. The clinic only uses cannulas (no needles under the skin), which means less trauma to the tissues.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients should not rub or massage the treated area immediately following the treatment. When cleansing the face or applying makeup, gentle, sweeping motions should be used to avoid excessive mobility of the area. Strenuous activities that raise the heart rate and blood pressure, such as exercise and sex, should be avoided for 24 hours. Bruising at the treatment site may occur, and temporary, minimal to moderate swelling may be expected. Cool compresses can be applied to the area treated (avoiding pressure), and tenderness at the treatment site may last for a few hours or a couple of days. Acetaminophen / Tylenol can be taken for mild tenderness or discomfort. A minimum of four weeks should be waited before receiving any laser treatments.
4. Michele Green, MD
Expertise in Cosmetic Dermatology
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 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.
Tear Trough Filler Options
Dr. Green often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance for tear trough treatments. Juvederm Volbella is the first FDA - approved dermal filler for treating tear troughs and has a thin formulation with patented Vycross technology for a smooth and even distribution under the skin. Restylane Eyelight, approved in 2023 for use under the eyes, uses cross - linking and patented NASHA technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume. Belotero Balance has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration that can occur with some hyaluronic acid fillers.
Treatment Procedure
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Green in her office on the upper east side of Manhattan. She will evaluate the targeted treatment area, the skin's elasticity, confirm the patient is a good candidate for tear trough fillers, and determine the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required. A local anesthetic is applied to the entire treatment area one hour before the injections, and the dermal fillers used are compounded with lidocaine to minimize pain. Dr. Green uses an ultrafine needle for precision in the tear trough injections. Immediately after the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area, and aftercare instructions are provided. A two - week follow - up appointment is scheduled to ensure the treatment was satisfactory and to determine if any touch - up is needed.
Safety and Side Effects
There are typically no major side effects associated with under - eye fillers, but mild swelling, bruising, or redness at or around the injection sites may occur. Icing the treated area immediately after the injections can minimize these reactions. Bruising can be reduced by discontinuing blood thinners and NSAIDs before the treatment. The Tyndall effect is a rare side effect, and it 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. It is crucial to have the tear trough filler injections performed by an expert like Dr. Green to prevent these serious side effects.
Comparative Analysis of the Four Hospitals
| Hospital | Expertise | Treatment Options | Patient Comfort | Recovery | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Extensive experience in plastic surgery and tear trough treatments | Dermal fillers, fat transfer, lower eyelid blepharoplasty | Pre - procedure guidance to reduce bruising, use of cannula during injection | Mild swelling and bruising for a few days to a week | Depends on type and amount of filler used |
| Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center | Medical director experienced in dermal filler treatments | Hyaluronic acid fillers | Use of numbing cream and fillers with lidocaine | Minimal bruising and swelling, resolves in a few days | Not specified, determined after consultation |
| Neinstein Plastic Surgery | Plastic surgery expertise in tear trough fillers | Hyaluronic acid gel injections | Deep injection technique to reduce bruising, use of cannulas | Some bruising and swelling, follow specific aftercare instructions | Price to be made accessible, see injections pricing page |
| Michele Green, MD | World - renowned in cosmetic dermatology | Multiple hyaluronic acid fillers | Application of local anesthetic, fillers with lidocaine, use of ultrafine needle | Mild side effects, follow - up appointment for evaluation | Depends on various factors, determined during consultation |
Conclusion
When considering self - fat filling of tear troughs in New York City, these four hospitals - Cangello Plastic Surgery, Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center, Neinstein Plastic Surgery, and Michele Green, MD - offer high - quality services with experienced medical professionals. Each hospital has its own unique approach, treatment options, and patient care features.
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your tear troughs, it is recommended that you research these hospitals further, read patient reviews, and schedule a consultation with the doctors. This will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and aesthetic goals. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Contact one of these top hospitals today to start your journey to better - looking eyes.
