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Beautiful Brunette woman with smooth skin after under eye filler

Tear Trough Filler in NYC with Dr. David Cangello

Tear Trough Filler in NYC with Dr. David Cangello

As we age, the skin under the eyes can become thinner, and subcutaneous fat volume is lost, causing the tear trough area to appear more prominent in what’s known as a tear trough deformity.1 Some individuals have a congenital (meaning they are born with) a lack of facial fat volume in the area of the tear trough which causes an under-eye hollow. The tear trough refers to the sunken area that forms beneath the lower eyelids, directly below the under-eye bags, and extends towards the cheeks. This is a common cosmetic concern and can make individuals look tired or older than they actually are.

The tear trough deformity can occur due to a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, loss of facial fat, loss of skin elasticity, and laxity of facial ligaments which occurs with aging, causing the fat which normally covers the tear trough area to descend, thus creating a hollow in the position that it was once in. The area beneath the eyes is particularly prone to losing volume, as the skin there is thinner and more delicate than other parts of the face. As the volume decreases, the skin can start to sag, creating a hollow or trough-like appearance.

Treatments for tear trough deformity include dermal fillers, which are injected into the area to plump up the skin and restore volume loss. Other treatments may include fat transfer, or if the under-eye hollows are accompanied by under-eye bags, the fat causing the bags can be transposed into the under-eye hollow with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure. During your consultation with Dr. David Cangello, he will determine the best treatment approach that will achieve beautiful and natural results.

What Is Tear Trough Filler?

Tear trough filler is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a hyaluronic acid-based filler (HA) into the area under the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows, and bags in the lower eyelid.2 This area, known as the tear trough, can be a common area of concern for people who want to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

There are several types of tear trough filler that can be used to address the under-eye hollows and dark circles. The type of filler used in your treatment will depend on your specific needs and goals, as well as your skin type and anatomy. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane® or Belotero, are commonly used for tear trough filler as they are safe, effective, and provide natural-looking results.

Dr. David Cangello is a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments and can recommend the best option for tear trough filler based on your individual needs, goals, and medical history, and will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to achieve your desired results.

Benefits of Tear Trough Filler

Tear trough filler can be an effective and convenient option for those looking to improve the appearance of the under-eye area without undergoing surgery. Tear trough filler is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can provide a range of benefits to those seeking to improve the appearance of the under-eye area. Some of the benefits of tear trough filler include:

  • May reduce the appearance of dark circles
  • Camouflages under-eye bags and puffiness by filling out the depression below (the tear trough) so that the lower eyelid blends more seamlessly with the cheek
  • Restores volume to the under-eye area
  • Non-surgical
  • Requires little to no downtime
  • Provides quick results
  • Long-lasting

Candidates For Tear Trough Filler

Good candidates for tear trough filler are typically individuals who are bothered by the appearance of under-eye hollows or dark circles and are seeking a non-surgical solution. This procedure is suitable for those who have healthy skin and no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.3 Good candidates also have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with tear trough filler, and understand that the treatment can provide improvement but not perfection. Filler is only useful for dark circles caused by the effect of shadowing caused by loss of volume in the tear trough area. Dark under-eye circles that are caused by pigmentation of the skin or by blood vessels beneath the skin must be treated with laser.

Tear trough filler is often recommended for individuals who have good skin elasticity and are seeking a more rested and rejuvenated appearance. Those with severe skin laxity, excess skin, or fat in the under-eye area may be better suited to surgical options like eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

Preparing For Tear Trough Filler

Preparing for a tear trough filler appointment is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Before the procedure, you should discuss your medical history and any medications you are taking with Dr. Cangello, as well as any allergies or sensitivities you may have. In the days leading up to your appointment, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil, as this can increase the risk of bruising. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid alcohol and caffeine in the days leading up to your appointment, as they can also increase the risk of bruising. On the day of your appointment, it is best to arrive with a clean and makeup-free face.

Tear Trough Filler Procedure

This cosmetic procedure involves injecting the filler into the under-eye area using a small cannula, and results can typically be seen immediately. The effects of tear trough filler can last for several months, although this can vary depending on the individual and the type of filler used.

Tear Trough Filler Recovery

After getting tear trough filler, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week and can be managed with ice packs or over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen. You should avoid rubbing or massaging the area for at least 24 hours after the procedure, as this can cause the filler to shift or become dislodged. It is also recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications or supplements for at least 24 hours after the procedure. While the results of tear trough filler are immediate, it may take a few days for the full effects to be visible as any swelling or bruising subsides. Lastly, following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Cangello will ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications.

FAQs About Tear Trough Filler

Dermal fillers are a type of injectable cosmetic treatment that is used for facial enhancement, like adding volume and smoothing out wrinkles, and contouring facial features. They can be used on many areas of the face and are made from a variety of materials, including HA fillers, a type of filler that can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Dermal fillers are typically injected into the skin using a fine needle.

The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual and the amount of filler used.

The level of discomfort experienced during a tear trough filler treatment can vary depending on your pain tolerance and the technique used by the injector. However, since the skin is prepped with a numbing agent, most people describe the procedure as being relatively comfortable with only minor discomfort. Since Dr. Cangello uses a cannula for injection, no pain is felt.

There is usually little to no downtime associated with tear trough filler, and patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some mild swelling, bruising, or redness around the injection site may occur but usually subsides within a few days to a week.

The results of tear trough filler can last for several months, typically around 6-12 months. The duration of the results can vary depending on the individual, the type of filler used, and other factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and age.

While tear trough filler treatment is considered safe, it does as with any cosmetic procedure, carry some potential risks and side effects which may include but are not limited to: swelling, bruising, redness, itching, and infection. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be managed with ice packs or over-the-counter pain medications.

The cost of tear trough filler injections can vary depending on several factors, including the type and amount of filler used. It is important to note that multiple syringes may be needed to achieve the desired results, and the number of syringes required will depend on your specific needs and goals.

Yes, many patients choose to combine tear trough filler with other injectables such as Botox® for more comprehensive non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Cangello’s New York City office is where your tear trough filler appointment will take place.

Patient Experiences

“He is amazing! Made me feel super comfortable as soon as I met him. He is got a lot of patience, explains every little detail and is a great listener. Not to mention his work is absolutely amazing. Got fillers and I can tell he was very experienced and made the effort to make me feel good and look fantastic!”

—J.K.


1 Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Management of Tear Trough with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A Clinical-Practice Dual Approach. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8127324/. Accessed February 21, 2023.
2 J Cutan Aesthet Surg. Dermal Fillers for the Treatment of Tear Trough Deformity: A Review of Anatomy, Treatment Techniques, and their Outcomes. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560162/. Accessed February 21, 2023.
3 J Cosmet Dermatol. Recommendations for the treatment of tear trough deformity with cross‐linked hyaluronic acid filler. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7818415/. Accessed February 21, 2023.
4 PRS Global Open. A Prospective Study on Safety, Complications and Satisfaction Analysis for Tear Trough Rejuvenation Using Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7209844/. Accessed February 21, 2023.

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