Introduction
Tear troughs can make people look tired and aged, but hyaluronic acid filling has emerged as a popular non - surgical solution to rejuvenate the under - eye area. In New York City, there are numerous doctors offering this treatment, but we've scoured the top Google search results to sort out the top 5 doctors in terms of technology for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Hyaluronic Acid 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 a result of 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.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Filling Work?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. HA fillers work to restore lost volume and hydration in the tear troughs to correct tired - looking eyes and under - eye bags. When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers composed of hyaluronic acid work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion.
The Top 5 Doctors for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of Tear Troughs in NYC
Dr. Michele Green
Dr. Michele Green is a world - renowned expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, with over 25 years spent treating the most discerning patients from around the globe for a myriad of skin concerns. She offers a host of non - invasive cosmetic procedures for rejuvenation, including under - eye fillers, at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood.
- Expertise: Dr. Green is an expert injector who can work with patients to ensure they are a good candidate for tear trough fillers and develop a customized treatment plan. She often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance.
- Reputation: 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.
- Treatment Approach: Dr. Green uses an ultrafine needle to allow for precision in the tear trough injections. She evaluates the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity, confirms the patient is a good candidate, and determines the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required. A local anesthetic is applied one hour before the procedure, and the fillers are compounded with lidocaine to minimize pain.
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.
- Expertise: He is well - versed in choosing the right fillers for the under - eye area. He believes that currently, the best fillers for the under - eyes for the vast majority of people are made of cross - linked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. He still chooses Restylane - L as the best under - eye filler because of its great behavior profile.
- Knowledge of Fillers: Dr. Kotlus is very knowledgeable about different types of fillers. He warns against using permanent or semi - permanent injectable fillers under the eyes, such as BelaFill, Radiesse, silicone, and Sculptra, as they are not reversible and can cause lumps and bumps if not placed correctly.
- Problem - Solving: He frequently corrects under - eye filler problems in his NYC practice, demonstrating his ability to handle complications and provide high - quality care.
Dr. George Liakeas (Smooth Synergy Medical Spa)
Dr. George Liakeas is the medical director at Smooth Synergy Medical Spa in NYC, which offers a complete line of non - surgical facial treatments, including tear trough filler.
- Treatment Process: He will evaluate the patient's face and mark strategic injection points for placement. Using a super - fine needle, he injects the filler along these predetermined sites. He also evaluates the treatment area to assess whether additional filler is needed to assure maximum benefit to the skin.
- Patient Comfort: Dr. Liakeas is trained and experienced in injecting the product quickly and easily. He may anesthetize the treatment area with a numbing cream, and the fillers contain a numbing ingredient like lidocaine to minimize discomfort.
- Safety Consciousness: The spa emphasizes the importance of proper vetting of doctors for tear trough treatment as it is an off - label use for dermal fillers. Dr. Liakeas ensures safe and effective treatment.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments.
- Customized Treatment: He can recommend the best option for tear trough filler based on the patient's individual needs, goals, and medical history, and will work with the patient to develop a customized treatment plan to achieve the desired results.
- Procedure Expertise: The cosmetic procedure involves injecting the filler into the under - eye area using a small cannula, and results can typically be seen immediately. Dr. Cangello uses his expertise to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
- After - care: He provides clear after - care instructions to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications. Patients are informed about avoiding rubbing or massaging the area, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for a certain period after the procedure.
Dr. Darren M. Smith
Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon with an artistic eye for aesthetics and over 18 years of experience in enhancing and rejuvenating the delicate eye region.
- Advanced Techniques: He uses advanced techniques like small injection amounts and cannulas to minimize trauma and reduce the chances of extensive bruising. For a natural appearance without surface lumpiness, the filler is typically injected deep, just above the orbital bone.
- Filler Selection: Dr. Smith will determine the ideal filler to meet the patient's individual needs. Hyaluronic acid gel fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used for tear troughs under his guidance.
- Patient - Centered Care: He focuses on a natural, refreshed appearance, never overdone. The multitude of 5 - star reviews he has received are a testament to his exceptional patient care and satisfaction.
Comparing the Top 5 Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Years of Experience | Preferred Fillers | Treatment Technique | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green | Cosmetic Dermatology | Over 25 years | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, Belotero Balance | Ultrafine needle injection, local anesthetic, fillers with lidocaine | Highly rated by multiple respected organizations |
| Dr. Brett Kotlus | Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery | N/A | Restylane - L | Knowledgeable about different fillers, avoids permanent fillers under eyes | Well - known for correcting under - eye filler problems |
| Dr. George Liakeas | Medical Director at Spa | N/A | Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero | Super - fine needle injection, numbing cream, fillers with lidocaine | Works at a well - known spa in NYC |
| Dr. David Cangello | Plastic Surgery | N/A | Restylane®, Belotero | Small cannula injection | Positive patient experiences reported |
| Dr. Darren M. Smith | Plastic Surgery | Over 18 years | Juvederm, Restylane | Deep injection above orbital bone, small injection amounts, cannulas | Multiple 5 - star reviews |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor for Tear Trough Filling
Experience and Expertise
Look for a doctor with extensive experience in hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs. A well - experienced doctor is more likely to have encountered various cases and can handle any potential complications. Specialized training in cosmetic dermatology, oculoplastic surgery, or plastic surgery related to the eye area is also crucial.
Reputation
Check patient reviews, ratings from respected organizations, and word - of - mouth recommendations. A doctor with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and satisfactory results.
Filler Selection
Different doctors may have different preferences for fillers. It's important to choose a doctor who can recommend the most suitable filler for your specific facial anatomy, skin concerns, and cosmetic goals. Hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly used, but there are different brands and formulations with varying properties.
Treatment Technique
The injection technique can greatly affect the outcome and safety of the treatment. Some doctors may use a needle, while others prefer a cannula. Deep injection techniques can also contribute to a more natural - looking result and reduce the risk of side effects.
Cost
The cost of tear trough filling can vary depending on the doctor, the type of filler used, and the amount of filler needed. While it's important to find a treatment within your budget, don't compromise on quality. Cheaper treatments may not always provide the best results and could potentially lead to more problems in the long run.
Potential Side Effects and Safety of Tear Trough Filling
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of tear trough filling include mild swelling, bruising, redness, and itching at the injection site. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with ice packs or over - the - counter pain medications. Swelling and redness typically resolve within a week, while bruising may take up to a week to fade.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
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 these serious side effects, it is crucial to have the treatment performed by an experienced and board - certified doctor.
Reversibility
One of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is their reversibility. If you are not satisfied or comfortable with your results, your injector can reverse the effects of the filler treatment using a product called hyaluronidase, which can dissolve any unwanted facial filler product made of hyaluronic acid.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs can be an effective way to rejuvenate the under - eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and bags. In New York City, Dr. Michele Green, Dr. Brett Kotlus, Dr. George Liakeas, Dr. David Cangello, and Dr. Darren M. Smith stand out as top doctors in terms of technology for this treatment. Each doctor brings their own unique expertise, treatment techniques, and filler preferences to the table.
If you are considering tear trough filling, it's important to do your research, weigh the factors discussed above, and consult with one or more of these top doctors to find the best fit for your needs. Take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed appearance by scheduling a consultation today.
