
The tear trough is a natural depression between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. Its delicate structure makes it prone to showing signs of aging, including loss of volume and the formation of dark circles. The anatomy involves the orbital rim (eye socket), orbicularis oculi muscle, and the suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) pad.
Benefits of Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough filler treatment offers several benefits for individuals seeking to improve the appearance of under-eye hollows, dark circles, and a tired or sunken eye look. Some of the key benefits include:
Restoration of volume: Tear trough fillers add volume to the under-eye area, filling in hollows and addressing the loss of volume that can contribute to the appearance of tired eyes.
Reduced dark circles: By filling in the hollows and smoothing the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheeks, tear trough fillers can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Improved skin texture: The filler can enhance the texture of the skin in the under-eye area, making it appear smoother and more youthful.
Minimised wrinkles and fine lines: Tear trough fillers can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the under-eye area, contributing to a more refreshed look.
Non-surgical alternative: Tear trough filler treatment is a non-surgical and minimally invasive option for individuals who want to rejuvenate their under-eye area without undergoing surgery.
Quick and convenient: The procedure is typically quick, often taking less than an hour, and has minimal downtime compared to surgical interventions.
Immediate results: Results are visible immediately after the treatment, providing a quick improvement in the appearance of the under-eye area.
Customisable: The treatment is customisable based on individual needs and desired outcomes. The amount of filler and injection technique can be tailored to achieve the desired level of correction.
Temporary and reversible: The effects of tear trough filler treatment are not permanent. If an individual is not satisfied with the results or wishes to try a different approach, the effects can be reversed over time.
Natural-looking results: When administered by a skilled and experienced medical professional, tear trough fillers can provide natural-looking results, enhancing the overall facial appearance without looking overdone.
It's important to note that while tear trough filler treatment offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals considering this procedure should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to assess their candidacy, discuss expectations, and ensure a safe and effective outcome.
Common Concerns
Hollow Appearance: Volume loss in the tear trough can create a sunken or hollow look.
Dark Circles: Pigmentation changes and shadows may contribute to the appearance of dark circles.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The thin skin in this area is prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles.
Tear trough filler treatment using hyaluronic acid filler has gained popularity as a non-surgical solution to rejuvenate and enhance this area. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of tear trough filler treatment, covering everything from understanding the anatomy to the procedure itself, potential risks, and post-treatment care.
The Role of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, responsible for maintaining hydration and volume. In tear trough filler treatment, a synthetic, biocompatible form of hyaluronic acid is used to restore volume and smooth out the under-eye area.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Natural-Looking Results: HA fillers provide subtle and natural results, enhancing the under-eye area without looking overdone.
Hydration: HA attracts and retains water, improving skin hydration and minimizing the appearance of fine lines.
Versatility: Different formulations allow for personalized treatment plans to address varying degrees of volume loss.
The Tear Trough Filler Procedure
Consultation
A thorough consultation is crucial to determine if tear trough filler treatment is suitable for your concerns. Key aspects of the consultation include:
Medical History: Assessing the patient's medical history to identify any contraindications or factors that may affect the treatment.
Expectations: Understanding the patient's expectations and discussing realistic outcomes.
Skin Assessment: Evaluating the skin quality, degree of volume loss, and presence of any contraindications. Tear trough is not suitable for patients that have under eye bags. Filler in this area would make them look more pronounced, but if this is your concern, please contact us at Oakridge Aesthetics as we have other treatments that can help.
Preparing for the Tear Trough Procedure
Avoiding Blood-Thinning Medications: Patients are often advised to avoid medications like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to minimise the risk of bruising.
Topical Anaesthetic: To enhance comfort during the procedure, a numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area.
Tear Trough Filler Injection Technique
Marking the Injection Point: The practitioner marks the precise point for injection, this will not be in the tear trough, it will be a little lower on the cheek.
Atraumatic Technique: A tiny puncture will be made in the cheek then a cannula (thin plastic tube) will be passed up into the tear trough. This is surprisingly comfortable and should not cause you any pain. This ensures that no trauma or swelling is caused in the trough, and that no damage can be caused to the optical nerve.
Layered Approach: Injecting the filler in multiple layers to achieve a smooth and natural result.
Massage and Moulding: After the injection, the practitioner may massage and mould the filler to ensure optimal distribution and contouring.
Post-Treatment Care for Tear Trough Filler Treatments
Avoiding Strenuous Activities: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours to prevent increased blood flow to the treated area.
Avoiding Sun Exposure: Sun protection is crucial to prevent hyperpigmentation, especially in the delicate under-eye area.
Follow-Up Appointment: Scheduling a follow-up appointment to assess the results and address any concerns.
Risks and Considerations for Tear Trough Fillers
Common Risks
Bruising and Swelling: Mild bruising and swelling may occur but are uncommon using the cannula technique.
Asymmetry: Uneven distribution of filler may occur, requiring adjustment during the follow-up appointment. However, it is unlikely that this would go unnoticed during the procedure as minimal swelling occurs when the filler is inserted with a cannula.
Infection: Though rare, infection at the injection site is a potential risk. If you have any concerns about infection, please contact us. We are health professionals and can provide you with the necessary antibiotic treatment if this is necessary.
Uncommon Risks
Vascular Complications: In rare cases, filler can inadvertently be injected into blood vessels, leading to vascular complications. Proper technique and anatomical knowledge are crucial to minimise this risk.
Tyndall Effect: A bluish tint may occur if the filler is placed too superficially. Proper injection depth is essential to prevent this.
Contraindications Tear Trough Filler Injections
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Filler treatment is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the lack of safety data.
Active Skin Infections: Patients with active skin infections in the treatment area should postpone the procedure until the infection is resolved.
Choosing a Qualified Practitioner for a Tear Trough Treatment
Certification and Training
Selecting a qualified and certified practitioner is crucial for a safe and effective tear trough filler. As with any injectable, we would always recommend you choose an injector with a medical background so they can manage any complications that may occur. We would always highlight there is a significant difference between a non-medic who has been ‘trained’ to manage a complication, to a medic that deals with medical emergencies as part of their daily role.
Clinic and Facility Standards
Choose a clinic or facility that adheres to high standards of cleanliness and safety. A clinic run by medical professionals will have additional safety nets that may not be obvious to you but is extremely important for your safety. A medical injector will never inject you without having the appropriate drugs to keep you safe during an emergency, whilst a salon relies on the emergency services.
Consultation and Communication
A thorough consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess the practitioner's communication skills. A skilled practitioner will listen to your concerns, provide realistic expectations, and explain the procedure in detail.
Tear trough filler treatment is a versatile and effective solution for addressing under-eye concerns, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy, careful patient selection, and skilled injection techniques contribute to successful outcomes. As with any cosmetic procedure, thorough research, consultation with a qualified practitioner, and adherence to post-treatment care instructions are essential for achieving optimal and satisfying results.
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