What is a tear trough?

The eyes are one the most important features of the face and so it is important to have them looking fresh and youthful. The tear trough is a hollow area between the lower eyelid and where it meets the upper cheek. This gives the appearance of dark circles, under eye shadows or bags. This can make a person look more tired and older. It is called a tear trough deformity because tears run into the dark circle and out to the side of the cheek, instead of rolling straight down the cheek as they do when children cry.

Some people have a small groove and for others it is very deep.

Treating the under eye area is an advanced procedure which requires specialist training and as a result is often not treated. As a result, patients are not receiving full benefits of treatment.

To achieve the best possible results, it is important that you are treated by a medial practitioner who has detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and experience with injecting fillers. It is also important that the best quality products are used and that the treatment is carried out in a clinical environment with strict protocol.

Why do we get tear troughs?

Tear troughs can be hereditary but also appear and deepen as we age. There are several changes which take place as we age which contribute to the formation of tear troughs –

• The eye sockets become larger and the shape changes due to loss of bone
• Loss of fat in the middle part of the face resulting in loss of support and sagging
• The skin becomes thinner and less elastic

How are tear troughs treated?

When treating the tear troughs, it is important to support and treat the middle part of the face first. This will support the tear troughs and so a better result will be achieved when the tear troughs are injected. It is also important to improve the quality of the skin to enhance the result.

Before treatment, a local anaesthetic cream is applied for 15 – 20 minutes before treatment. The area is then cleaned and the small amounts of a light hyaluronic acid dermal filler is then injected precisely. The area is then massaged. You will be able to see the results immediately. After treatment, you will be given specific after care instructions and also advised not to apply make-up for up to 6 hours to reduce the risk of infection.

What type of filler is used?

We use Juvederm Vobella, which is the latest advanced technology hyaluronic acid filler. This filler maintains its shape and position for up to 12 months. Juvederm is the top filler in USA and is also FDA approved which means it is safe and effective. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body which hydrates skin and lubricates joints. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural substance, an allergy test is not needed. The fillers are reversible and will gradually break down over time.

What are the potential side-effects?

There may be swelling, bruising and redness after the treatment which can last for 1 – 2 weeks. Hence, please avoid this treatment before a social event.

Is the treatment reversible?

The filler can be dissolved with another injection if required. However, this is rarely required but it is good to know that this is possible.

How long will results last?

Results last for 12-18 months but this can depend upon several factors. This includes, the volume of filler injected, and life-style factors such as sunlight and smoking which affects how quickly the body breaks down the filler. When the results fade, the treatment can be repeated.

Who is not suitable for treatment?

Some patients are not suitable for the treatment. Patients with excessive amounts of crepey skin or fatty deposits are not suitable and may need to consider surgical treatment.