Top 10 List for Filling Tear Troughs in the Eyes in New York City Announced!

Introduction

The area under the eyes is a delicate and often concerning part of our face. Tear troughs, those sunken areas between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek, can make us look tired, older, and less vibrant. In New York City, a bustling hub of cosmetic treatments, there are numerous options available for filling tear troughs. This article will explore the top 10 aspects related to filling tear troughs in NYC, including the best fillers, suitable candidates, procedures, 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. Some people's tear troughs are naturally more prominent or hollow. As we age, the tear trough can become deeper due to several factors:

• Loss of Collagen: Collagen, a protein that gives our skin its structure and elasticity, reduces with age. In the under - eye area, reduced collagen levels lead to thinner, more transparent skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible and creating a darkened appearance.
• Fat Loss: The fatty pads under the eyes also decrease in volume over time. This volume loss can cause the area to appear sunken and can contribute to the appearance of eye bags and dark circles.
• Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having more prominent tear troughs. They may have deeper or more pronounced hollows under their eyes from a younger age.

When the tear trough appears sunken, it can make us look perpetually tired, sullen, or unwell. A deep or large - area tear trough can create the illusion of dark circles under the eyes, and volume loss around the fatty pads can make under - eye bags more prominent.

Benefits of Tear Trough Fillers

Tear trough fillers offer a range of benefits for those looking to improve the appearance of their under - eye area:

The Best Fillers for Tear Troughs in NYC

There are several types of fillers available for tear troughs, but hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most commonly used due to their safety, effectiveness, and reversibility. Here are some of the top HA fillers recommended by experts in NYC:

1. Restylane - L

   Restylane - L is a popular choice for under - eye fillers. It has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and a duration of effect of about a year under the eyes. It also has relatively low swelling. Dr. Zuckerman uses Restylane - L for tear trough rejuvenation in NYC. It is an FDA - approved filler with lidocaine, which helps minimize pain during the injection. It is also the least hydrophilic of hyaluronic acid fillers, minimizing swelling.

2. Belotero Balance

   This filler 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. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration that can occur with some fillers.

3. Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure

   Juvederm Volbella is softer and is a good option for shallow injections under the eyes. Juvederm Vollure (also known as Volift outside the U.S.) is stiffer and is suitable for deeper injections. They cause less swelling than the older variety of Juvederm products. However, a low incidence of inflammatory nodules has been reported to occur after 4 months with Volbella.

4. Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne

   These fillers have a different type of cross - linking than regular Restylane, making them more “flexible,” which can be beneficial in areas with a lot of facial movement. While there is benefit in using Refyne in the “crow’s feet” area, so far, there is no shown benefit over regular Restylane for the under - eyes.

5. Restylane Silk

   It is the thinnest, softest version of Restylane but has the highest swelling capacity. It is not the best choice for the thin under - eye skin, which does not tolerate significant swelling well.

6. Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus

   These fillers were previously used for under - eye filling but are less preferred now. They swell more, are more likely to spread out, causing the treatment to be less accurate and the product to end up in a different place than where it was meant to be injected.

7. Juvederm Voluma

   This thicker version of Juvederm is best for cheeks but not great for under - eyes. It tends to look lumpy and can also create long - term swelling. It is also resistant to dissolving with hyaluronidase, so it can take several office visits to remove it from the under eyes.

8. Restylane Eyelight

   It is a newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. This dermal filler uses cross - linking and patented nasha technology to erase under - eye hollowing and dark circles caused by lost volume.

9. Juvederm Volbella XC

   Earning its distinction as the first and only FDA - approved hyaluronic acid filler for the under - eye hollows, it offers a refreshed, less fatigued appearance.

10. Fat Injections

    Fat injection, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, is a permanent filler option that uses your own fat cells to add volume. It is often performed in conjunction with cosmetic eyelid surgery to blend and provide volume support to the areas around the eyes. However, it is less predictable than filler because some of the cells being injected may not survive.

Choosing the Right Filler Doctor in NYC

Finding the right doctor for tear trough filler treatment is crucial to ensure safe and effective results. Here are some factors to consider:

• Medical Training: Look for a doctor who has extensive medical training, preferably in cosmetic dermatology, plastic surgery, or oculoplastic surgery. Board - certified doctors, such as Dr. Michele Green, a world - renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology, or Dr. David Cangello, a plastic surgeon, have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the procedure safely.
• Knowledge of Facial Anatomy: The area under the eyes is delicate and complex. A doctor with in - depth knowledge of facial anatomy can accurately identify the tear trough and determine the best injection points to achieve natural - looking results. They can also avoid potential complications, such as hitting blood vessels or nerves.
• Experience: Experience matters when it comes to tear trough filler treatments. A doctor who has performed many of these procedures is more likely to have better techniques and be able to handle any potential issues that may arise. For example, Dr. Zuckerman has extensive experience in using Restylane - L for tear trough rejuvenation in NYC.
• Keen Eye for Aesthetics: The goal of tear trough filler treatment is to enhance your appearance and make you look more youthful and refreshed. A doctor with a good sense of aesthetics can customize the treatment to suit your facial features and individual goals.
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of the doctor's reputation and the quality of their work. Positive reviews and testimonials can give you confidence in choosing a particular doctor.

The Tear Trough Filler Procedure

The tear trough filler procedure is relatively simple and usually takes between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Consultation:

   The first step is to schedule a consultation with the doctor. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate your face, including the tear trough area, and discuss your goals and concerns. They will also assess your skin type, elasticity, and any potential risks or contraindications. Based on this evaluation, the doctor will recommend the most suitable filler and treatment plan for you.

2. Preparation:

   Before the procedure, you may be asked to avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin), fish oil, and alcohol for a few days to reduce the risk of bruising. The treatment area will be cleaned, and a numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort during the injection. Some fillers also contain lidocaine, which helps to numb the area.

3. Injection:

   The doctor will use a super - fine needle or a cannula to inject the filler into the tear trough area. They will inject the filler along predetermined sites to ensure even distribution and optimal results. The amount of filler used will depend on the severity of the tear trough and your individual needs. Some doctors prefer using a cannula as it allows for more controlled product distribution and reduces the risk of bruising.

4. Evaluation:

   After the injection, the doctor will evaluate the treatment area to assess whether additional filler is needed to ensure maximum benefit to the skin. They may also gently massage the area to help distribute the filler evenly.

5. Aftercare:

   Immediately after the procedure, ice may be applied to the treatment area to help prevent any swelling that may occur. 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 day or two, and applying a cold compress if needed. Mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days. Make - up can usually be applied after the procedure, but it is best to avoid it on the day of treatment if possible.

Recovery and Side Effects

Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after a tear trough filler treatment. However, there are some common side effects and considerations during the recovery period:

• Swelling: Mild swelling is a common side effect after under - eye filler injections. It typically resolves on its own within a week of treatment, 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 to minimize the risk of swelling.
• Bruising: Bruising is another common side effect. It can typically resolve within one week following the procedure. To decrease the risk of bruising, doctors may recommend discontinuing any blood - thinning medications or supplements for a few days before the treatment. 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.
• Redness: Redness at the injection site is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours to a couple of days.
• Tyndall Effect: This is a rare side effect that can occur when a hyaluronic acid filler is injected too superficially, causing a bluish discoloration in the injected area. It can last several months but can be reversed with hyaluronidase to dissolve the dermal filler.
• Other Rare Side Effects: Although rare, more serious side effects can 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 important to have the tear trough filler injections performed by an expert, board - certified injector.

Who is a Good Candidate for Tear Trough Fillers?

The best candidates for tear trough filler injections are:

• Healthy Individuals: Candidates should be in overall good health without any eye infections or injuries. They should also not have any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications, such as bleeding disorders.
• Noticed Volume Loss: Those with noted volume loss in the under - eye area, resulting in dark circles, eye bags, or hollows, are suitable candidates. However, if there is excessive wrinkling or skin under the eyes with fat deposition, tear trough fillers may not be the best course of treatment.
• Realistic Expectations: Good candidates have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with tear trough fillers. They understand that the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. It is important to note that tear trough fillers are not effective for treating naturally darker skin pigmentation in the under - eye area.
• Good Skin Elasticity: Individuals with good skin elasticity are more likely to achieve better results with tear trough fillers. Those with severe skin laxity, excess skin, or fat in the under - eye area may be better suited to surgical options like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

How Long Do Tear Trough Fillers Last?

The duration of tear trough fillers depends on several factors, including the type of filler used, the individual's metabolism, and the location of the injection. Generally, dermal fillers typically last for anywhere from six to twelve months. However, some patients may see results for up to 1 - 2 years with just one treatment, especially with certain fillers and individual factors. To maintain the rejuvenated look, periodic maintenance treatments are usually advised. The doctor can provide a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and the results of the initial treatment.

Cost of Tear Trough Fillers in NYC

The total cost of tear - trough filler treatment in NYC depends on several factors:

• Medical Professional: The experience and reputation of the doctor performing the procedure can affect the cost. More experienced, board - certified doctors may charge more, but they also offer a higher level of expertise and safety.
• Geographic Location: The location of the office in NYC can also impact the cost. Clinics in more upscale neighborhoods may have higher prices.
• Type of Filler: Different fillers have different costs. Some premium or newer fillers may be more expensive than others.
• Amount of Filler: The amount of filler needed to achieve the desired results varies from person to person. Usually, 1 - 2 syringes of filler may be required for complete under - eye rejuvenation. The more syringes used, the higher the cost.

Typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe, depending on the exact filler. During your consultation, the doctor will assess your tear trough, cosmetic concerns, and goals to choose the best - suited dermal filler product for you and can then recommend the total number of syringes needed and the cost of treatment.

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