The term tear trough is used to refer to the dark and sunken appearance of the skin below the eye. A groove is usually apparent from the inner corner of the eye that extends down and out across the cheek.
Tear troughs develop as we age due to skin changes in the orbit surrounding the eyes. This includes loss of elasticity, tone and thinning of the skin. Specific lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive sun exposure can exacerbate this process.
Clients who are troubled by dark eye circles and minimal ‘bags’ below the eye can benefit from this procedure. Those with a groove as described above can also expect a considerable improvement in the appearance of their under-eye area.
For clients with larger ‘bags’ under the eyes this treatment may not be suitable, in such cases we are happy to advise regarding alternative treatment options
At Richmond Cosmetic Clinic, we stock a range of excellent dermal filler products that are suitable for use in this delicate area of the face. The procedure is performed using a needle or a microcannula, depending on client’s preference. Prior to addressing the tear trough area some clients choose to undergo treatments for other concerns surrounding the eye area such as crow’s feet and loss of cheek volume in order to achieve optimal aesthetic results.
The use of a microcannula to inject the treatment area helps reduce the occurrence of bruising and swelling hence there is minimal downtime following this procedure and complications are rare. The majority of clients are able to return to normal activity the next if not the same day. The treated area can appear slightly swollen for a few days following treatment and occasionally mild bruising may occur. The procedure itself is usually well tolerated, and any discomfort afterwards can be adequately managed with oral paracetamol.
At Richmond Cosmetic Clinic, our doctor will advise you on the best product that will suit you. It can vary depending on the thickness of your skin and the depth of the tear troughs. Commonly used dermal fillers for tear trough correction include Restylane LYFT®, Teosyal Redensity 2® and Juvederm Volbella®.
There is a small possibility of bruising and swelling that settles within a few days. There are case reports of blindness, a very rare complications of tear trough treatment. Use of microcannula for tear trough treatment significantly reduces the complication rate.
The procedure is performed by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk)