Introduction
Tear trough deformity is a common cosmetic concern that can make individuals look tired or older than they actually are. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, and subcutaneous fat volume is lost, causing the tear trough area to appear more prominent. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer excellent solutions for tear trough fat removal and related treatments. This article will explore these institutions, the procedures they offer, and other relevant details to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Tear Trough Deformity
The tear trough refers to the sunken area that forms beneath the lower eyelids, directly below the under - eye bags, and extends towards the cheeks. It can be caused by a combination of factors:
- Aging: With age, there is a loss of facial fat, skin elasticity, and laxity of facial ligaments. This causes the fat that normally covers the tear trough area to descend, creating a hollow (source: Tear Trough Filler New York City NYC Manhattan).
- Genetics: Some individuals are born with a lack of facial fat volume in the tear trough area, leading to an under - eye hollow.
Common Treatments for Tear Trough Deformity
There are several treatment options available for tear trough deformity:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a non - surgical option for treating tear trough deformity. They are injected into the area to plump up the skin and restore volume loss. Hyaluronic acid - based fillers like Restylane®, Belotero, Juvederm Volbella, and Restylane Eyelight are commonly used. For example, Restylane Eyelight is a newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes and can help erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume. Benefits of tear trough fillers include reducing the appearance of dark circles, camouflaging under - eye bags, restoring volume, being non - surgical, requiring little to no downtime, providing quick results, and being long - lasting (source: Tear Trough Fillers NYC - Restylane Fillers For Under Eye Area).
Fat Transfer
Micro - fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting or fat injection, is a long - lasting and effective method to restore volume and contour around the eyes. A sample of one’s own fat is taken from the abdomen, hips, or thighs, prepared, and carefully re - injected under the skin. This is a natural alternative to injections of synthetic fillers (source: Fat Transfer Manhattan | Facial Fat Transfer New York | NYC).
Top Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Tear Trough Fat Removal
Dr. David Cangello's Practice
Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments. He offers tear trough filler, a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a hyaluronic acid - based filler (HA) into the area under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and bags in the lower eyelid. During the consultation, he determines the best treatment approach to achieve beautiful and natural results. Patients have praised his patience, his ability to explain every detail, and the amazing work he does. He uses a cannula for injection, which makes the procedure relatively pain - free for patients. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and the results can last for several months, usually around 6 - 12 months (source: Tear Trough Filler New York City NYC Manhattan).
Dr. Michele Green's Private Dermatology Office
Dr. Michele Green, a world - renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology, offers tear trough fillers at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood. She has over 25 years of experience treating patients from around the globe for various skin concerns. She uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eyelight, and Belotero Balance for tear trough treatments. During the consultation, she assesses the patient’s under - eye hollows to choose the right filler. The procedure involves injecting the dermal fillers directly into the skin using an ultrafine needle. To ensure comfort, a local anesthetic is applied one hour before the injections, and the fillers are compounded with lidocaine. She also sees patients for a two - week follow - up to ensure treatment satisfaction and determine if any touch - up is needed (source: Tear Trough Fillers NYC - Restylane Fillers For Under Eye Area).
Millennial Plastic Surgery (Dr. David Shokrian)
At Millennial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Shokrian performs fat micro - grafting, which can be used to treat sunken tear troughs below the eyes. The procedure combines liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, sides, and back, and then injects the prepared fat into the face. The amount of fat added at a time is carefully controlled to build up layers until the desired volume is reached. Although about 50 to 80 percent of the added fat survives the procedure, an additional micro - grafting procedure can be done after 12 months if needed. The recovery and side effects mostly correspond to the liposuction portion of the procedure, and patients should expect to wait about three months for the final results (source: Facial Fat Transfer NYC – Millennial Plastic Surgery).
Comparing Different Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | Procedure | Recovery Time | Results Duration | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermal Fillers | Injecting hyaluronic acid - based filler into the under - eye area using a small cannula or ultrafine needle | Little to no downtime. Mild swelling, bruising, and redness may subside within a few days to a week | 6 - 12 months | Non - surgical, quick results, long - lasting, can reduce dark circles and under - eye bags | May need repeated treatments, potential side effects like swelling, bruising, and in rare cases, Tyndall effect |
| Fat Transfer | Liposuction to remove fat from donor sites, centrifuging the fat, and then injecting it into the tear trough area | If only a small amount of fat is removed, recovery is quicker. Patients may miss one week of work and avoid exercise for two to three weeks. Swelling can take several months to subside | Lifelong for the fat that survives (about 50 - 80 percent) | Natural alternative, long - lasting results, can combine body contouring with facial volume restoration | Invasive procedure, some fat may be reabsorbed, longer recovery time compared to dermal fillers |
Preparing for Tear Trough Fat Removal Treatments
For Dermal Fillers
Before the procedure, patients should discuss their medical history, medications, allergies, or sensitivities with the doctor. In the days leading up to the appointment, they should avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil), alcohol, and caffeine as these can increase the risk of bruising. On the day of the appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup - free face (source: Tear Trough Filler New York City NYC Manhattan).
For Fat Transfer
As it involves liposuction, patients may need to follow general pre - surgical guidelines. This may include discontinuing certain medications that can affect bleeding, having a proper physical examination, and arranging for someone to drive them home after the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
For Dermal Fillers
After getting tear trough filler, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms 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. Strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements should also be avoided for at least 24 hours. Following the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor will ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications (source: Tear Trough Filler New York City NYC Manhattan).
For Fat Transfer
The side effects and length of recovery mostly correspond to the liposuction portion of the procedure. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness, which are mostly localized to the donor sites where fat was removed. Some mild swelling can also occur in the face around the injection sites. Side effects will diminish over the first couple of weeks, although swelling can take several months to completely subside. Patients should avoid exercise for two to three weeks and expect to miss about one week of work (source: Facial Fat Transfer NYC – Millennial Plastic Surgery).
Cost Considerations
The cost of tear trough fat removal treatments can vary depending on several factors. For dermal fillers, the cost depends on the type and amount of filler used. Multiple syringes may be needed to achieve the desired results, and each syringe can cost $1000 or more, depending on the exact filler. For fat transfer, the cost includes the liposuction procedure, preparation of the fat, and the injection. The overall cost will also be affected by the surgeon's experience, the location of the clinic, and any additional follow - up treatments required.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
For Dermal Fillers
While tear trough filler treatment is considered safe, it carries some potential risks and side effects. These may include swelling, bruising, redness, itching, and infection. The Tyndall effect, which causes a bluish discoloration, can occur if the filler is injected too superficially. In rare cases, there can be more serious side effects such as 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 important to have the procedure performed by an experienced, board - certified injector (source: Tear Trough Fillers NYC - Restylane Fillers For Under Eye Area).
For Fat Transfer
Since it is a surgical procedure, there are risks associated with liposuction, such as bleeding, infection, uneven fat removal, and poor wound healing. In the area where the fat is injected, there may be issues with fat survival, leading to uneven results. There is also a risk of over - correction or under - correction if not performed by a skilled surgeon.
Conclusion
Tear trough fat removal and related treatments can significantly improve the appearance of the under - eye area, making individuals look more youthful and refreshed. In New York City, institutions like Dr. David Cangello's practice, Dr. Michele Green's office, and Millennial Plastic Surgery offer high - quality treatments using dermal fillers or fat transfer. Each treatment option has its own advantages, disadvantages, recovery time, and cost considerations. It is crucial for patients to thoroughly research and consult with a qualified professional to determine the best treatment for their specific needs.
Are you considering tear trough fat removal? Take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the top providers in New York City today. Share this article with others who might be interested in improving their under - eye appearance and stay informed about the latest in cosmetic treatments.
