Introduction
Tear troughs can give a tired and aged appearance, making the under - eye area look sunken and shadowy. Hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs has emerged as a popular non - surgical solution to address this concern. In New York City, there are several highly skilled doctors renowned for their expertise in this procedure. This article will introduce the top 5 doctors for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs in NYC, along with an in - depth look at the procedure itself.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Hyaluronic Acid Filling
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough is an anatomic area of the face, the hollow located between the upper cheek and the lower eyelid region. It can cast a shadow and create the appearance of a darkened under - eye area, making one look tired or prematurely aged. Tear troughs can be genetic, but they 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 Does Hyaluronic Acid Filling Work?
Tear trough fillers, which are usually composed of hyaluronic acid, are injected into the area to replenish lost volume and smooth out the under - eye hollows. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps plump the skin and increase collagen production. When injected into the tear trough area, it works to reduce the appearance of dark circles and shadowing under the eyes, 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 of experience, she has treated patients from around the globe for various skin concerns, including dark under - eyes. She is consistently rated as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times.
- Expertise: Dr. Green is an expert injector. She can determine if a patient is 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, which have a soft formulation to enhance the natural appearance.
- Procedure: In her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s upper east side neighborhood, Dr. Green first evaluates the targeted treatment area and the skin’s elasticity. A local anesthetic is applied an hour before the injection. She uses an ultrafine needle for precision. After the procedure, ice is applied, and follow - up is scheduled.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients trust Dr. Green for her skill and knowledge, as she provides natural - looking, long - lasting cosmetic results. Her attention to detail and personalized approach have earned her a high level of patient satisfaction.
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 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, including the right balance of stiffness, cohesivity, and duration of effect. He also has a good understanding of how different fillers work under the skin.
- Procedure: Dr. Kotlus carefully selects the filler or combination of fillers based on the patient's specific needs. He has also dealt with cases where patients had untoward results from other fillers and has the expertise to correct such problems.
- Patient Testimonials: His patients appreciate his in - depth knowledge and the ability to provide safe and effective treatments in the delicate under - eye area.
Dr. Darren M. Smith
Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon with an artistic eye for aesthetics. With over 18 years of experience, he is considered one of the leading specialists in enhancing and rejuvenating the delicate eye region.
- Expertise: He offers tear trough fillers as a targeted solution for revitalizing the under - eye area. Hyaluronic acid gel fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used by him. He can determine the ideal filler to meet each patient's individual needs.
- Procedure: In his state - of - the - art facility in the Ritz Tower, Manhattan, Dr. Smith takes every precaution for the patient's safety. He uses advanced techniques like small injection amounts and cannulas to minimize trauma and reduce the chances of extensive bruising.
- Patient Testimonials: The multitude of 5 - star reviews he has received are a testament to his exceptional patient care and satisfaction. Patients are happy with the natural - looking results and the overall experience.
Dr. George Liakeas
Dr. George Liakeas is the medical director at Smooth Synergy Medical Spa & Laser Center. He has the expertise to perform tear trough filler treatments.
- Expertise: He uses hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to restore volume in the under - eye area. He is trained and experienced in injecting the product quickly and easily, minimizing discomfort for the patient. He also knows how to select the appropriate filler for each patient.
- Procedure: At the spa, he first evaluates the face and marks strategic injection points. Using a super - fine needle, he injects along these predetermined sites. After the injection, he assesses whether additional filler is needed.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients are satisfied with the instant results and the relatively painless procedure. The staff at the spa also contributes to a positive patient experience.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments.
- Expertise: He can recommend the best option for tear trough filler based on the patient's individual needs, goals, and medical history. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane® or Belotero, are commonly used by him.
- Procedure: In his New York City office, he uses a small cannula to inject the filler into the under - eye area. He also provides detailed pre - and post - treatment instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Patient Testimonials: Patients praise his professionalism, patience, and the natural - looking results. His ability to address their concerns and make them feel comfortable is highly appreciated.
Benefits and Risks of Hyaluronic Acid Filling of Tear Troughs
Benefits
- Natural - looking Results: Hyaluronic acid fillers can blend well with the skin, providing a natural appearance. The goal is to restore volume and reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollows without making the face look “overdone.”
- Non - surgical: Compared to surgical procedures like blepharoplasty, hyaluronic acid filling is a non - invasive option. It requires little to no downtime, and patients can resume their normal activities soon after the treatment.
- Quick Results: The effects of the filler are usually visible immediately after the injection. Patients can notice a significant improvement in the under - eye area right away.
- Boosts Collagen Production: Hyaluronic acid can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, which helps to maintain a more youthful appearance over time.
Risks and Side Effects
- Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising at the injection site are common. However, these usually resolve within a few days. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling.
- Tyndall Effect: This is a rare side effect that leads to the development of a bluish discoloration after some hyaluronic acid fillers are injected. It can occur if the filler is injected too superficially.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection site. It is important to have the procedure performed by a qualified and experienced doctor who follows strict sterilization procedures.
- Vascular Occlusion: Injecting filler incorrectly into blood vessels in this region can lead to a very serious complication called vascular occlusion. This can cause tissue damage and even vision problems in severe cases. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an expert injector.
Choosing the Right Doctor
When choosing a doctor for hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs, several factors should be considered:
- Experience: Look for a doctor with a significant amount of experience in performing tear trough filler treatments. An experienced doctor is more likely to achieve better results and handle any potential complications.
- Qualifications: Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in their field, whether it is dermatology, plastic surgery, or oculoplastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met certain standards of education and training.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the doctor's reputation and the quality of their work. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good sign.
- Before and After Photos: Ask to see before and after photos of the doctor's previous tear trough filler patients. This can give you an idea of the doctor's aesthetic style and the results they can achieve.
- Consultation: A good doctor will take the time to understand your concerns, goals, and expectations during the consultation. They should also perform a thorough assessment of your under - eye area and recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Pre - and Post - Treatment Care
Pre - treatment Care
- Medical History: Inform the doctor about your complete medical history, including any allergies, medications you are taking, and previous cosmetic procedures.
- Avoid Blood Thinners: Stop taking blood - thinning medications and supplements such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and fish oil a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Clean Face: On the day of the appointment, arrive with a clean and makeup - free face.
Post - treatment Care
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the treated area to reduce swelling and bruising. Follow the doctor's instructions on how often and for how long to apply the ice.
- Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours after the procedure to prevent the filler from shifting.
- Rest and Recovery: Avoid strenuous activities, alcohol, and blood - thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Take it easy and allow your body to recover.
- Follow - up: Attend all follow - up appointments scheduled by the doctor. This will allow the doctor to monitor your progress and determine if any touch - ups are needed.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs is a popular and effective non - surgical option for rejuvenating the under - eye area. In New York City, doctors like Dr. Michele Green, Dr. Brett Kotlus, Dr. Darren M. Smith, Dr. George Liakeas, and Dr. David Cangello are among the top experts in this field. They have the experience, skills, and knowledge to provide natural - looking results and minimize the risks associated with the procedure. By choosing the right doctor and following proper pre - and post - treatment care, patients can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance in the under - eye area.
If you are considering hyaluronic acid filling of tear troughs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top doctors. They can assess your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Don't let tired - looking eyes hold you back from feeling your best. Take the first step towards a more vibrant appearance today!