Tear trough management is possible through several methods. For those with a tear trough, treatment can provide significant improvement, helping to create more of a natural and youthful look to your eyes. Here’s what you need to know if you are looking at options for treatment.
What Is a Tear Trough?
A tear trough develops between the lower eyelid and the cheek, often creating a grove or valley-like area under the eye. It can create a hollow appearance that, for some people, makes their face look narrow or less youthful.
How Do Tear Troughs Occur?
The development of a tear trough isn’t uncommon. It may happen as a part of the aging process or can also occur when a person has a significant amount of weight loss. The cause tends to be a reduction in the amount of volume and collagen located under the skin. This can cause the skin to be loose and appear sunken within that region.
Without treatment, tear troughs may cause fine lines to form around the lower eyelid. They can also make the skin appear darker, which is problematic for those who already have darkening of the area.
Tear troughs, which often appear in the triangle space under the eye, can happen for many reasons. They tend to be sunken in areas that start at the corner of a person’s inner eye. They run down the length of the nose and then upwards towards the higher part of the cheek. For those who have tear troughs like this, makeup does not help in hiding the condition as it works for covering dark circles under the eyes.
Tear troughs are not uncommon and often occur as a result of aging, especially if you have parents or grandparents that had them. As a person ages, the skin becomes less elastic. The fatty tissue that is throughout the face that gives it that young, youthful appearance starts to break down. This creates a less traditional, plump face and more of a hollow look to the skin. Though not uncommon, you do not have to just live with tear troughs as there are treatment options available to help most people.
Treatment Options for Tear Trough
Many people benefit from tear trough management and treatment. This includes those who have signs such as:
- Loose skin under the lower eyelid
- A sunken or hollow look of the skin under the lower eyelid
- Darkening or shadows in this area
After a consultation and examination, it is possible to create a tear trough management plan. This plan will look to soften the look of the tear trough, creating a more youthful, brighter appearance. There are two options for treatment blepharoplasty or fillers. Which is best in filler vs blepharoplasty? Take a look at each option.
Fillers and Tear Trough Management
The most common first step in treatment is the use of fillers. Fillers and tear trough management go hand-in-hand as these products work to reduce the hollowness of the trough. Fillers are ideal because they are quick and do not create any downtime for the individual.
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How Do Tear Trough Fillers Work?
Tear trough fillers are an injectable treatment. It works to add volume to the trough, restoring it or improving its appearance. The most common type of filler for tear troughs is made using hyaluronic acid. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, but as a person gets older, that production falls. The injection of this gel-like substance works to provide the desired volume, creating significant improvement and a natural look, especially when performed by a skilled professional.
During this procedure, the doctor will work to assess the area by comparing the thickness of the skin just above the cheek area. This will ensure the proper dermal filler is used to create the most desirable look. A numbing agent is then placed in the treatment area, which helps to eliminate any discomfort from the injection or the doctor’s manipulation of the filler material.
Once the area is numb, the doctor will inject the dermal filler slowly into the target area. In most situations, this can be done with a single opening rather than numerous injections. It is positioned under the eyelid. Once the filler is in place, the doctor then massages it into the proper position to create the proper fill and look. The procedure is then done on the other side of the face.
The results from dermal fillers are generally instant. Patients notice an improvement in the darkening under the eye, and the overall sunken in look is gone.
You are able to go back to your daily activities after a dermal filler, but you should avoid sleeping on your face, showering or washing with hot water, or exercising. There may be some bruising and soreness to the area the first few hours to a day or so as a result of the procedure.
How Long Do Tear Through Fillers Last?
Treatment depends on many factors. Over time, the body’s natural process will break down the filler as a normal part of its function. As that happens, you may need to have this procedure repeated if you hope to maintain the look and appearance. Most often, this type of filler will last between 1 and 2 years, though some people may need treatment before this.
Cost of Tear Through Fillers
Costs differ for tear trough fillers based on location and need. Some people need more of the material (more than one syringe) than others do. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states costs ranges from $600 to $1,500 for the procedure, which typically treats both eyes at one time. Costs may be more or less depending on multiple factors. However, you will receive a quote for the cost upfront, so you will know exactly what to expect.
Most of the time, the use of dermal fillers for the treatment of tear troughs is not covered by health insurance plans. This is a type of nonessential cosmetic procedure (for most people).
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a potential treatment option for tear troughs. This procedure is typically used to treat droopy eyelids, in which the skin around the eyes is so thin and becomes loose due to excessive loss of volume that a person’s vision may be protected. This is a surgical procedure that is designed to remove excess skin, and sometimes muscle and fat, causing the sagging.
Blepharoplasty and Tear Trough Management
For those who have several tear troughs, the use of fillers may not create a natural appearance, or it may not be enough to improve the condition well enough. Seeking a blepharoplasty procedure may be ideal in these cases. You may be a candidate for this treatment if:
- Dermal fillers are not working as desired
- You have severe troughs that bother you
- The skin is very loose
- You are in overall good health
- You want a more permanent solution
Lower Blepharoplasty
Called a lower blepharoplasty procedure to address the lower eyelid, your treatment team will work to create a more natural look by removing excessive skin in this area. In this procedure, the doctor will create a very small incision located just below the eyelash line. In doing so, it is then possible to remove any excess skin in this area. The surgeon can also manipulate the fatty tissue in the area to create more of a filled look in the trough area.
The movement of fatty tissue enables the trough to be virtually eliminated from the way a person looks. This gets rid of deep shadows and the sunken in appearance of the tear trough. At the same time, the incision is very small and nearly impossible for anyone to notice.
Most people will find treatment and healing time are quick, and there are very few risks associated with this procedure. However, it is important to follow doctor recommendations such as not using makeup, exercising, or washing with very hot water for a few days. Proper management of the incision ensures the skin will heal well.
Blepharoplasty Cost
Blepharoplasty and tear trough management are often the second step after fillers do not work well or may not provide the results desired. The cost for this procedure is significantly higher than fillers, but it also creates a more permanent solution with longer lasting results. Lower blepharoplasty may range from $4,000 to $6,000 to complete, though costs differ based on location, doctor, and the amount of change needed.
How to Get Treatment for Tear Troughs
If you have concerns with sunken-in eyes or loose skin just under your lower eyelids, reach out to The House Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Our team will work carefully with you to explain the best treatment options for your needs. In nearly every situation, we can help give you a youthful, more natural look that may even take years off the way you look. Let’s talk about filler vs blepharoplasty and other options that may help you. Schedule a consultation with us now.