Major facts about under-eye tear filler
The tear trough is a major concern in a lot of individuals. A prominent tear trough is characterized by a sunken appearance of the eye that results in the casting of a dark shadow over the lower eyelid, giving a person a fatigued appearance despite adequate rest.
Tear trough could be an inherited trait. Some individuals say tear trough makes them look older, some other individuals noticed that their tear trough becomes more prominent with age, this is because facial tissues lose volume as you get older.
A lot of medications and treatments have been originated and tried for the cure of this condition but under eye tear trough filler has been proven to be the most effective option.
The purpose of tear trough filler is to reduce the depth of a tear trough. The procedure is usually carried out by well trained medical practitioners/professors.
Dermal filler is injected into the area, smoothing out lines, restoring lost volume, plumping up the skin making it look fuller and tighter. This method is considered a non-surgical method of facial rejuvenation.
Although tear trough fillers are effective, understanding the procedure and potential hazards before getting the treatment is crucial.
Most tear trough filler products are made up of hyaluronic acid as one of their major constituents. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that naturally exists in your body and when injected into the skin, it increases fullness and decreases indentations.
ARE TEAR TROUGH FILLERS SAFE?
This is a very popular question people tend to ask after all it’s a procedure done underneath the eye which proves it’s a delicate procedure.
Tear trough filler is an off-label treatment and isn’t FDA approved but they are relatively safe.
Dermal fillers have been approved by the FDA for use only in your cheek, lips, hands and nasolabial folds, but doctors often use injectables in off-label ways. The tear trough carries the same risk of necrosis as your lips although it is less frequently talked about.
They’re relatively safe and also less invasive than tear trough surgeries.
Sometimes, tear trough fillers are used with other procedures like laser resurfacing, botox injection, fat grafting, and fat repositioning.
WHAT FACTORS QUALIFIES YOU FOR A TEAR TROUGH FILLER
To be an ideal candidate for a tear trough filler, you need;
- To be healthy and have a thick skin
- Have realistic expectations
- Have mild to moderate sagging under your eyes
- Understand the treatment is temporary
You do not need a trough filler if you;
- Have excess skin beneath your eyes
- Have a very thin skin
- Your tear troughs are very deep
- You presently have a skin infection in the area
- You have a medical condition that could make you more prone to complications
HOW LONG DO TROUGH FILLERS LAST
Under-eye trough fillers are not permanent but they can last for a long period of time (between one and two years). This isn’t a definitive answer because absorption varies from person to person.
HOW IS UNDEREYE TEAR TROUGH FILLER PERFORMED?
An examination around your lower eyelids is often the first thing done in preparation for this procedure. The medical professionals also check the texture and thickness of your skin and try to determine what type of decimal filler is best for your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect;
- Your skin will be disinfected by a well trained medical professional to prevent any form of injection. A topical anesthetic may also be applied to the area to prevent bruising or an icepack may be placed on your lower eyelids, this numbs the area and decreases the risk of bruising.
- A syringe containing the filler is prepared. The syringe is then injected into the skin beneath your lower eyelids.
- As the syringe is being pulled out, the injected area is slightly massaged to spread the filler. The procedure is repeated beneath the other eyelid.
HOW SOON ARE YOU TO EXPECT RESULTS?
The procedure doesn’t require you to go home and take the rest of the day off, you could go on with other activities you had planned out as long as they are not intense.
The area under your eyelids will look fuller right away. However, it can take one to two weeks to see the full results according to anecdotal reports.
Following the post-treatment instructions is also very important. These instructions include;
- Avoid intense activity for 24 hours to 28 hours
- Apply ice during the first 48 hours
- Avoid sleeping face down
- Massage any lumpy areas with your fingers
COMPLICATIONS THAT MAY ARISE IF THE PROCEDURE IS DONE WRONGLY
Tear troughs are complex areas to treat and should only be attempted by experienced medical practitioners. Possible complications that may arise after a wrong procedure includes;
- Skin Discoloration: A blue-green discoloration occurs under the eyes after the filler. This is referred to as “The Tyndal effect”. It is a phenomenon that occurs when the filler is injected too superficially under the skin. The filler should be placed deep under the skin instead as it being placed superficially can give a blue/ green discoloration
The solution to the problem: Filler placed too superficially should be dissolved. An enzyme could be used to break down the filler and the patient should return after a week so the filler can be placed in the correct position.
- Overfilled tear troughs: Overfilling the tear trough can lead to lumps often noticeable when smiling or when viewed from above.
The solution to the problem: Filler should be dissolved and performed again because an overfilled tear trough does not look good.
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- Swelling under the eyes after the filler: A swelling in the mid-cheek or under the eye may occur in some patients. This may be due to the fact that the filler was placed above the orbicularis retaining ligament or too superficially under the skin.
The solution to the problem: The filler should be dissolved and re-injected again after a week. The dermal filler should be placed under the retaining ligament deep under the skin to reduce the chance of swelling.
Other complications of tear trough fillers include;
- Headache
- Allergic reactions
- Persistent pain
- Filler forming into lumps
- Granuloma
- Vascular side effects
- Permanent blindness due to central retinal artery occlusion
You are likable to feel some pain on a normal after the procedure is done, but if the pain gets more complicated after two weeks, it is important you see a doctor. For example;
- Worsening redness or swelling
- Persistent numbness
- Worsening bruising
- Signs of Infection
- Severe pain
- Vision changes
- Red or painful lumps
- Delayed allergic reaction to the product
SUMMARY
If your eyes appear sunken and give you a fatigue appearance and you don’t feel comfortable with them, tear trough fillers may be an option. The procedure doesn’t require surgery and has been proven to be safe when performed by well-trained medical professionals.
The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid beneath your lower eyelids making the area appear fuller.
The side effects are temporary but if they last longer and get more intense, report back to a doctor to prevent further complications.
The procedure can last for a period of one to two years after then you may need to repeat the procedure.