Overview

The eyes are often the first place to really be affected by the signs of ageing. The tear trough is the area beneath the eye and the upper cheek, as we age the area loses volume and the skin becomes thinner and starts to droop. This results in the tear trough becoming deeper and darker in appearance and eye bags can start to appear. A similar problem can occur in younger people due to fat hypoplasia and genetic factors. 

Whilst invasive surgical procedures used to be the go-to treatment for eyes affected by ageing, for those who are not ready to consider surgical options it is possible to achieve real improvements with non-surgical treatment. Advances in non-surgical cosmetic procedures mean that it’s possible to rejuvenate the eyes without considerable down-time using dermal fillers. Tear trough fillers are a very effective way to treat the appearance of dark circles and reduce under eye holows.

  • The majority of brands are made from hyaluronic acid
  • Immediate results
  • Single treatment
  • Minimal downtime
  • Lasts 6-18 months depending on the product used and site of treatment

Before and after gallery

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Tear Trough/ Eye Bag Correction

Tear troughs were treated with 1ml Teosyal Redensity 2 to improve the appearance of dark circles and hollows under the eyes.

Elizabeth Rimmer

Elizabeth Rimmer at London Professional Aesthetics
Elizabeth Rimmer at London Professional Aesthetics

Your chosen practitioner will administer a dermal filler using a series of micro-injections along the tear trough hollows and gently massage the area to ensure the gel is evenly distributed. The treated area may be slightly red and swollen for a few days which can easily be disguised with makeup 24 hours after procedure.

The majority of dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar chain molecule found in all skin and soft tissues throughout the body, identical across species. It attracts and binds water in the skin, providing volume and hydration, but also ‘cushioning’ and supporting collagen and elastin fibres and providing a medium, or carrier, for chemical messages between the cells.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a clear sterile gel in a syringe for injection into the skin providing instant correction.

Dermal fillers are manufactured, usually through fermentation and cross linking with proteins to produce a clear, sterile gel for injection into the skin. In the UK, there are over 160 brands on the market due in some part to weak regulation.

Not all hyaluronic acids are the same and legitimate brands are NOT available for general sale on the internet and should only be administered by trained clinicians.  Each brand has a range of ‘tissue tailored’ products designed for specific results. One size does not fit all.

Leading and well established brands include, but are not limited to;

  • Juvederm™ (FDA 2006)
  • Restylane™ (FDA 2003)
  • Belotero™ (FDA 2011)
  • Teosyal™
  • Emervel™

Results are immediate.

The fillers used to treat tear troughs are temporary and will be broken down by the body naturally after time. Results last anywhere between 6 – 18 months depending on the type of dermal filler used, and your medical practitioner should be able to advise you on which is right for you.

There are a number of medical conditions and or medicines that may affect the decision to treat or the treatment plan. A full medical history and assessment of your expectations is necessary in advance of any decision to treat.

With any injectable treatment;

  • Treatment is not recommended if you are suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).
  • If you have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic.
  • If you are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin.
  • If you are taking steroids or have autoimmune disease.
  • If you have any bleeding disorders.
  •  If you suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are currently or have recently completed a course of Roacutane (Isotretinoin acne treatment) in the last 18 months.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution

  • Injections on the face can trigger the cold sore virus. If you are a sufferer, you must advise your clinician in advance of treatment. If you have recently had treatment with any other dermal filler.
  • If you are planning to attend a special event when a bruise, should it occur, would be unacceptable to you. Some over the counter medicines and supplements can also affect bleeding (make you more prone to bruising) as can alcohol- which should be avoided the day before and after treatment.
  • Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sun beds, sauna should be avoided for 48 hours, or as advised by your clinician, after treatment. Safety has not been established for those skins susceptible to keloid scarring.

If, having had treatment, you are at all concerned about symptoms you were not expecting or not happy with, please contact the practitioner for advice. If necessary an appointment will be made for you to be seen. 

  • Your practitioner will provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and promote speedy recovery from any expected side effects.
  • Most people are able to continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, possibly swelling- particularly in the lips.
  • Possibly bruising.
  • Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day.
  • Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours
  •  You will be advised to avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sunbathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment.

Most leading brands also contain a local anaesthetic and most clinicians will apply topical anaesthetic cream, or ice, prior to treatment to numb the skin. Treatment need not be painful.

All treatments carry a degree of risk.

All risks and complications will be discussed with you at consultation and prior to any treatment being agreed. Dermal fillers should be administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training. Side effects include, but are not limited to;

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Itching
  • Tenderness

The above are temporary and usually resolve within the first few days, swelling is often marked the next morning but settles within hours, bruising can take a week to 10 days to resolve and can sometimes persist for longer.

Longevity does vary between products, and between individuals, but most will last between 6 months and 18 months.

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