Introduction
The area under the eyes can be a major concern for many people, with dark circles, hollows, and bags making them look tired and older than they actually are. Hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough has emerged as a popular non - surgical solution to address these issues in New York City. This article aims to rank plastic experts in the city for this procedure and provide comprehensive information about tear trough fillers.
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, but may also 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.
How do Tear Trough Fillers Work?
Tear trough fillers restore lost volume in the crease below the eye and improve the appearance of dark circles and under - eye bags. These fillers are typically composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin and increase collagen production, resulting in a more youthful - looking complexion. When injected into the tear trough area, dermal fillers work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes.
Types of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Tear Troughs
There are several types of hyaluronic acid fillers commonly used for tear troughs:
- 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 the dermal filler to have a smooth and even distribution under the skin.
- Restylane Eyelight: A newer dermal filler that was FDA - approved in 2023 for use under the eyes. It 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. It has an ultra - thin and flexible formulation that can eliminate the risk of the Tyndall effect, which can create a bluish hue in the injected area.
- Restylane - L: It has the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, duration of effect (about a year under the eyes), and relatively low swelling. It can also be fine - tailored for deep or shallow injections by modifying the filler through hydration.
Here is a comparison table of these fillers:
| Filler Name | Advantages | Disadvantages | Duration of Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvederm Volbella | FDA - approved for tear troughs, smooth distribution | Some reported low - incidence of inflammatory nodules after 4 months | 6 - 12 months |
| Restylane Eyelight | Specifically for under - eye use, new technology | Relatively new, long - term data may be limited | 6 - 12 months |
| Belotero Balance | Soft correction, low risk of Tyndall effect | May not provide great lift for deep tear troughs | 6 - 12 months |
| Restylane - L | Good balance of properties, customizable injection | None significant | About a year |
Top Plastic Experts for Hyaluronic Acid Filling of the Tear Trough 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 spent treating patients from around the globe for a myriad of skin concerns. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Dr. Green often uses hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Eye Light, and Belotero Balance for tear trough treatments. She takes a personalized approach, assessing each patient's under - eye hollows to choose the right filler and develop a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Brett Kotlus
Dr. Brett Kotlus is a cosmetic oculoplastic surgeon. He has extensive experience and specialized training in oculoplastic and cosmetic surgery. 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 due to its great behavior profile. Dr. Kotlus is also skilled at correcting problems that may arise from wrong under - eye filler use.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments. He can recommend the best option for tear trough filler based on an individual's needs, goals, and medical history, and work with patients to develop a customized treatment plan. He uses hyaluronic acid - based fillers such as Restylane® or Belotero for tear trough filler procedures, and his patients have reported positive experiences.
Dr. George Liakeas (Smooth Synergy Medical Spa)
Dr. George Liakeas at Smooth Synergy Medical Spa is an expert medical injector. He uses hyaluronic acid fillers for tear trough treatments. The procedure is simple and usually takes between 15 minutes to an hour. Dr. Liakeas is trained and experienced in how to inject the product quickly and easily, and he can anesthetize the treatment area with a numbing cream to optimize the patient's comfort. He offers a range of fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero and helps patients decide which one is most suitable for their tear trough concerns.
Dr. Zuckerman
Dr. Zuckerman can help patients reduce dark circles with under - eye dermal filler injections. He uses Restylane - L, a hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine, which is FDA - approved for treating the under - eye area. Dr. Zuckerman injects deep into the tissues, near the bone, and can inject up to 1 cc + of filler per eye. His treatment helps patients appear rested and refreshed, and the results can last up to 1 year.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Plastic Expert
When choosing a plastic expert for hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough in New York City, the following factors should be considered:
- Experience: Look for an expert with many years of experience in performing tear trough filler procedures. An experienced injector is more likely to achieve natural - looking results and minimize the risk of complications.
- Credentials: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in their respective field, such as dermatology or plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met the high standards set by the relevant professional organizations.
- Patient Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the doctor's skills, bedside manner, and patient satisfaction rate.
- Portfolio: Ask to see before - and - after photos of the doctor's previous tear trough filler patients. This can help you assess the doctor's aesthetic sense and the quality of their work.
- Communication: A good plastic expert should be able to communicate effectively with you, understand your concerns and goals, and provide you with clear information about the procedure, including the expected results, potential risks, and after - care instructions.
Procedure and Recovery
Procedure
The first step is usually a consultation with the plastic expert. They will evaluate the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity, confirm you are a good candidate for tear trough fillers, and determine the appropriate dermal filler product and the number of syringes required. A local anesthetic is often applied to the treatment area one hour before the injections to minimize discomfort. The filler is then injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultrafine needle or a cannula. Immediately after the procedure, ice is applied to the treatment area to help prevent swelling.
Recovery
After getting tear trough filler, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week. Patients should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure and also avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours. It can take up to two weeks for the under - eye filler to settle, and the final results to be observed. The plastic expert will usually schedule a follow - up appointment to evaluate the treatment and determine if any touch - up is required.
Cost of Tear Trough Fillers
The total cost of tear - trough filler treatment depends on several factors, such as the medical professional performing the procedure, the geographic location of the office, the type of filler used, and the amount of filler needed. Typically, fillers cost $1000 or more per syringe. During the consultation, the plastic expert will assess your tear trough, cosmetic concerns, and goals to choose the best - suited dermal filler product for you and recommend the total number of syringes needed and the cost of treatment.
Is Tear Trough Filler Safe?
Tear trough filler is generally safe when performed by an experienced and qualified injector. However, there are some potential side effects. Mild swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site are common and usually resolve on their own within a short period. The Tyndall effect, a bluish discoloration, is a rare side effect that can occur if the filler is injected too superficially. 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 are very rare but can be serious. To minimize the risk of side effects, it is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
When is Tear Trough Filler Not Effective?
Tear trough fillers are ineffective for treating naturally darker skin pigmentation in the under - eye area. If the appearance of dark under - eye circles is due to skin pigmentation rather than the anatomy of the tear trough itself, treating with dermal fillers in the area will only emphasize the appearance of the dark circles. In these cases, a specialized chemical peel like the Mesopeel Periocular® may be recommended. Also, under - eye fillers are not effective for treating excessive skin laxity in the tear troughs and may even make the under - eye area look worse. Patients with excess skin underneath the eye may be referred to a plastic surgeon for a surgical option like blepharoplasty.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling of the tear trough is a popular and effective non - surgical option for rejuvenating the under - eye area in New York City. By choosing a qualified and experienced plastic expert, patients can achieve natural - looking results with minimal downtime and side effects. We have ranked some of the top plastic experts in the city based on their experience, credentials, and patient reviews. Remember to consider the various factors mentioned above when making your decision. If you are considering tear trough filler treatment, take the time to consult with an expert, ask questions, and ensure that you are well - informed about the procedure.
Ready to enhance your under - eye appearance? Contact one of the top plastic experts in New York City today for a consultation and start your journey to a more youthful and refreshed look!
