Tear Trough Filler

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ

Tear trough fillers offer a non-surgical solution to rejuvenate the under-eye area, reducing dark circles and hollows for a brighter, more youthful appearance.

At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we specialize in personalized tear trough filler treatments designed to meet your unique aesthetic goals and enhance your natural beauty. Our experienced team offers a full range of dermal filler treatments to patients in Edison, Marlboro, Warren, and West Orange, New Jersey, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care close to home.

About

Tear troughs, medically known as the nasojugal groove, are the hollows that extend from the inner corner of the eyes down to the cheeks. This area is particularly susceptible to the signs of aging due to its thin skin and proximity to the delicate under-eye region. Over time, factors such as decreased skin elasticity, loss of facial fat, and reduced collagen production make these troughs more pronounced, resulting in dark circles and a tired appearance regardless of a person’s rest or overall health.1

Genetics, aging, and lifestyle choices all play a role in the deepening of tear troughs. As we age, the skin thins further, collagen production decreases, and the facial fat that maintains youthful contours diminishes. These changes lead to increased shadowing and a more pronounced look of fatigue. Tear trough fillers provide an effective, non-surgical solution to restore lost volume and reduce the appearance of these aging signs, helping patients achieve a fresher, brighter under-eye area.

Procedure

Tear trough fillers, sometimes called under-eye fillers, offer a long-lasting solution to under-eye aging by addressing the root causes rather than providing a temporary fix like creams and serums. At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we utilize FDA-approved hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers such as Restylane® and JUVÉDERM® Volbella®, which are specifically designed to restore lost volume and smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.2

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that helps retain moisture and add volume. With age, the natural levels of HA decrease, leading to the development of hollows and dark circles under the eyes. By injecting hyaluronic acid dermal fillers into the tear trough area, we can replenish lost volume, hydrate the skin, and reduce shadows and puffiness. This treatment results in a plumper, more youthful appearance to the under-eye area, providing immediate and natural-looking results.

Benefits

Tear trough filler injections provide a non-surgical alternative to eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), offering a significant enhancement to the under-eye area. Utilizing hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, this treatment delivers swift, enduring results with minimal downtime. Here are the key benefits:

  • Reduces Dark Circles: By restoring volume and minimizing shadows, tear trough fillers diminish the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
  • Smoothes Fine Lines and Wrinkles: These dermal fillers help to smooth out fine lines, creases, and wrinkles, rejuvenating the overall facial appearance.
  • Eliminates Hollows: By plumping the under-eye area, dermal fillers restore lost volume, reducing the hollowed look that often accompanies aging and fatigue.
  • Camouflages Under-Eye Bags and Puffiness: Under-eye fillers fill the tear trough, creating a more seamless transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, thus minimizing puffiness and the appearance of bags.
  • Non-Surgical: This minimally invasive injectable treatment avoids the complexities and recovery time associated with lower eyelid surgery.
  • No Downtime: Patients can resume their daily activities immediately without any significant recovery period.

Tear trough fillers offer a quick, effective solution for achieving a more youthful and refreshed appearance, addressing common concerns such as dark circles, hollows, and under-eye bags with natural-looking results.

Ideal Candidate

If you are troubled by under-eye hollows or dark circles and prefer a non-surgical method to enhance your appearance, tear trough fillers might be an ideal solution. A good candidate for tear trough filler is someone who has:

  • Good Skin Health: Candidates should have healthy skin without any conditions that could complicate the procedure.
  • Realistic Expectations: It’s important for patients to understand that while fillers can significantly improve the under-eye appearance by restoring volume, they do not guarantee perfection.
  • Suitable Dark Circles: Fillers are most effective for dark circles resulting from shadowing due to volume loss. Dark circles caused by skin pigmentation or visible blood vessels under the skin are better treated with alternative methods, such as laser therapy.

Ideal candidates often include those with good skin elasticity who are looking to achieve a refreshed and youthful look. Individuals with severe skin laxity or significant under-eye fat may require surgical interventions, such as blepharoplasty, to achieve optimal results.

Preparation

A successful tear trough filler treatment begins with a thorough consultation. This consultation is an opportunity for you to discuss your aesthetic goals, address any concerns, and establish a clear understanding of the expected outcomes. Feeling comfortable and informed during this time is crucial for ensuring alignment with your expert provider on the desired results. Your provider will also assess your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for dermal fillers. You will also learn more about Restylane® and JUVÉDERM® Volbella® tear trough fillers.

To prepare for the procedure, it’s recommended to avoid blood-thinning medications such as NSAIDs and supplements like fish oil for a few days prior to the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to your appointment can further minimize bruising and swelling. On the day of your treatment, please arrive with a clean face free of makeup to ensure the smoothest possible application of the filler.

Details

The tear trough filler procedure is a quick and straightforward treatment, typically taking about 20 minutes and involving minimal discomfort. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

Your experienced injector will begin by cleansing the area under your eyes and applying an anesthetic cream to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Using a fine needle or cannula, they will then carefully inject the hyaluronic acid-based filler into the tear trough area.

Recovery

One of the great benefits of tear trough filler treatments is that there is no downtime required. After the procedure, you may experience some minor swelling and redness at the injection sites, but these effects typically resolve quickly on their own. Some of our patients do choose to apply an ice pack to speed the recovery period. You can resume your normal activities immediately following the treatment, enjoying the refreshed and more youthful appearance of your under-eye area without any significant recovery period.

Results

The effects of the treatment are noticeable immediately, with enhanced under-eye appearance and reduced hollows and shadows. These results are not only immediate but also long-lasting, typically maintaining their look for several months depending on the individual and the specific type of filler used.

FAQ

When will I see the results of my tear trough filler?

You will notice an immediate improvement in the under-eye area as the hyaluronic acid in the filler plumps the skin. Once any minor swelling resolves, typically within a few hours, the results will become more pronounced, revealing a reduction in under-eye bags and dark circles. Our goal is to deliver natural-looking results, so you’ll appear more youthful and well-rested without looking “overdone.”

How long does tear trough filler last?

Tear trough fillers are not permanent, as the hyaluronic acid in fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® is gradually metabolized by the body. On average, patients find that their results last about one year before a touch-up treatment is needed to address fine lines, creases, and under eye hollows.

How much does tear trough filler cost?

The cost of tear trough filler varies for each patient, depending on factors such as the type and amount of filler used. During your consultation, we will provide a clear understanding of the cost specific to your treatment plan.

Can I combine tear trough filler with other treatments?

Yes, tear trough fillers can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. In addition to addressing under-eye hollows, hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and creases in other areas of the face. Many patients opt to enhance their results with additional minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, and IPL photofacial.

Is tear trough dermal filler safe?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA-approved and considered safe. While side effects are rare, they may include mild and temporary symptoms such as redness, swelling, bruising, or itching at the injection site.

References

  1. Urdiales-Gálvez F, Farollch-Prats L. Management of Tear Trough with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A Clinical-Practice Dual Approach. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 May 11;14:467-483. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S301117. PMID: 34012281; PMCID: PMC8127324. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8127324/. Accessed June 7, 2024.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers). Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/cosmetic-devices/dermal-fillers-soft-tissue-fillers. Accessed June 7, 2024.
  3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of dermal fillers? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/safety. Accessed June 7, 2024.