Getting a tear trough filler without cheek support can cause under-eye puffiness and leave your cheeks looking flat. For natural-looking results, it is often necessary to combine cheek filler and under-eye filler. Consulting with a licensed cosmetic dermatologist like our doctors here at Utah Facial Plastics is recommended to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Tear trough formation, or hollowing under the eyes is either caused by age or genetics. It affects some as early as mid to late thirties, but is more common due to genetics affecting those at an even younger age. Hollowing under the eyes can cause one to appear older than they are or the most common complaint, always looking tired and weary.
The beginning stages of hollowing starts to look like there’s a shadow, sometimes combined with a bag that makes the tear trough look deeper. As the hollowing becomes more moderate to severe, the under-eye area appears to be darker, and the individual looks more tired. As we continue to age, we also lose volume and facial fat shifts downward in the cheek area.
Lower Eye and Cheek Rejuvenation Options
Filler, fat grafting, or surgery are great options to correct hollowing and restore facial volume that a person once had. The current anatomy of the face is important to evaluate before treatment to make sure the correct solution is done for a natural outcome. If tear troughs are corrected with filler without cheek support, the under eyes can actually look even worse than before. With no cheek support the under-eyes can appear puffier and can leave the cheeks looking flat. In a lot of cases, it is necessary to combine cheek filler and under-eye filler together to achieve the most natural looking results.
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid (naturally found in the skin) based filler which lasts approximately 6-9 months, but can sometimes last longer when placed in this area. It is a great option for this area and primarily what we use to treat tear troughs. To minimize bruising and swelling, our nurse injectors use a cannula to place the product. The product is carefully injected throughout the under the eye area until the hollows are filled in.
If cheek support is required, volume can be added with another filler recommended for cheeks like Juvederm Voluma at the same time as the tear trough filler treatment. Voluma is a thicker hyaluronic acid-based filler that is FDA-approved for use in the cheek area. Volume deficiency is typically treated a little differently than tear trough filler because the cheek is backed by the cheekbone and much thicker skin than the eyelid. This thicker filler is placed on the bone which aids in rebuilding the structure that has been lost during the aging process. Voluma also lasts much longer than Restylane, lasting up to two years.
Instead of drastic surgical interventions, this non-surgical approach allows for a harmonious enhancement that blends seamlessly with your existing facial features. Tear trough fillers help achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance by diminishing signs of fatigue, dark circles, hollows, and fine lines around the eyes.
Moreover, the use of fine needles and the presence of lidocaine in many dermal fillers contribute to a more comfortable experience for patients during the treatment. Topical numbing creams can also be applied before the procedure to minimize any discomfort.
Once the tear troughs are in the more moderate to severe stages, surgery is usually the best way to rejuvenate the under-eye area. If filler is utilized in these more severe cases, the tear troughs can begin to look even puffier than before and can lead to an “overfilled” face. Majority of fillers are never a permanent option and do need to be maintained to keep the desired results. On the other hand, lower eyelid surgery can last anywhere from years to decades.
Here’s a comparison between traditional tear trough filler treatments and tear trough filler without cheek support:
| Traditional Tear Trough Filler | Tear Trough Filler Without Cheek Support |
|---|---|
| Targets both tear trough and cheek area | Focuses exclusively on the tear trough |
| May involve augmenting cheek volume | Does not modify or affect cheek volume |
| Suitable for those seeking overall facial enhancement | Suitable for individuals with isolated under-eye concerns |
| Provides a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect | Offers a targeted approach specific to tear trough deformity |
How Long Does Tear Trough Filler Last?
Advantages of Tear Trough Fillers
Tear trough fillers, whether with or without cheek support, offer several compelling advantages compared to other under-eye rejuvenation options. Let’s delve into some key benefits of this nonsurgical treatment:
- Non-invasive: Unlike surgical procedures, tear trough fillers are minimally invasive and require no incisions or sutures. This means shorter recovery time and minimal scarring, making it an appealing option for those seeking immediate results without the downtime associated with surgery.
- Natural-looking results: Skilled practitioners can achieve natural-looking results by carefully injecting the fillers in small amounts, ensuring that the under-eye area appears refreshed and rejuvenated, rather than overfilled or unnatural.
- Quick procedure: Tear trough filler treatments are typically quick procedures that can be completed during a single visit to the practitioner’s office. This makes it convenient for individuals with busy schedules who seek noticeable improvements without committing to extensive downtime.
- Limited side effects: While every medical procedure carries some risks, tear trough fillers are generally considered safe when performed by experienced professionals. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, pain, and bruising at the injection site, which typically subside within one to two weeks.
- Longevity: Tear trough fillers can provide long-lasting outcomes, with results lasting up to a year before an additional treatment is needed. This extended duration of effectiveness makes tear trough fillers a cost-effective alternative to invasive surgical procedures.
Challenges of Tear Trough Fillers Without Cheek Support
Tear trough fillers have gained popularity as a non-surgical solution for under eye rejuvenation. However, when performed without proper consideration for cheek support, several challenges can arise. One of the main challenges is the potential for suboptimal results.
Without adequate cheek support, the tear trough area may not be effectively lifted and filled, leading to an unnatural appearance. This can result in an uneven or lumpy contour, exacerbating rather than improving the appearance of under eye hollows or dark circles.
Moreover, without the support from the cheeks, tear trough filler treatments may not address other aging concerns such as mid-face volume loss or nasolabial folds. The holistic approach of combining tear trough and cheek fillers is often recommended to achieve better outcomes and a more harmonious facial appearance.
Another challenge arises from the delicate nature of the under-eye area. The skin in this area is thinner and less forgiving compared to other parts of the face. Precise injection techniques are crucial to avoid complications like bruising, overfilling, or unwanted side effects such as the Tyndall effect (a blue tint due to light scattering).
Additionally, achieving optimal symmetry can be challenging without a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the effects of aging on each individual’s unique facial structure. Treating tear troughs without considering underlying anatomy and variation in patient presentation can lead to unsatisfactory results.
For instance, consider a patient with prominent malar fat pads who undergoes tear trough filler without addressing their mid-face volume loss. This could potentially create disharmony between the lower eyelid and cheeks since one area is enhanced while the other remains hollowed out.
Related Resources
- Tear Trough Rejuvenation (Under Eye Wrinkles)
- What is Restylane Kysse?
- Juvederm Volux: A New Filler For a More Defined Jawline
- What Is The Difference Between Juvederm, Voluma
- Your Complete Guide to Fillers
- How To Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags
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