darkcirclesPatients come in to see me all the time with complaints of darkness and deep ruts under the eyes making them look and sometimes feel older than they are. This is something that can be treated non-surgically during a quick office procedure and have you looking and feeling better about your appearance in as little as a lunch hour.

Dermal Fillers are an injectable product that can be used on the face, neck and even the hands to improve the appearance of wrinkles and restore areas where there is a volume loss. One of the areas that we treat the most is the tear trough or under eye area. While some under eye darkness and deep crevices are hereditary and are not caused by aging, in most cases it can be linked to the aging process.   As we age, our face begins to descend and collagen production slows creating hollowness under the eyes and an overall decrease in facial volume. Fat pockets in our cheeks and below the eyes that give a round and youthful appearance to the face begin to shift leaving you looking depleted and aged. The good news: you do not have to just age gracefully anymore!

At Oculus Plastic Surgery we offer an assortment of filler products and in some cases a combination of several products are used to augment the tear troughs. The desired filler product is mixed with an anesthetic and injected directly into the skin under the eyes. Most patients feel the initial stick but because of the anesthetic the procedure is virtually painless. Our patients describe the procedure as a stick, followed by a feeling of slight pressure and then it is over before you know it. The entire procedure, including your evaluation with myself when we work together to decide the amount and type of product that will be used and the administration of the injections themselves, takes approximately 20 minutes. When the procedure is finished you will be able see the improvement in the appearance of your tear troughs immediately and can go directly back your day enjoying your new look with no down time.

This patient had a Tear Trough Augmentation using injectable fillers and is enjoying a beautiful result

The benefit of this procedure of course being that the recovery time and discomfort are  minimal and the procedure is quick.  The results last from one to two years and can be added to, as needed, if you desire more of a correction. As with any injection there are risks to consider such as tenderness, swelling and bruising at or around the injection site. If any bruising or swelling does occur it typically resolves itself in a few days and can be easily covered with concealer. With that said there are some things that you can do to help you achieve optimal results.  I caution my patients that using products that thin the blood which includes but is not limited to aspirin, products that contain aspirin and some dietary supplements can increase the likelihood of bruising and suggest discontinuing use* of these products for two weeks prior to your procedure.  Taking a combination of  supplements called Arnica Montana and Bromelain for a few days before and after your procedure can help speed healing and help the body to resolve any bruising faster while providing an anti-inflammatory effect.  These products are offered in a kit and can be purchased at Oculus Skin Care Centre to be used in conjunction with any surgical procedures to help in this way.

Tear trough augmentation is a common procedure in our practice and people really enjoy the dramatic and youthful results that it provides.  Call Oculus Plastic Surgery to make your appointment today to decide if this is the right procedure for you.  I look forward to meeting you soon!

When considering any cosmetic procedure, especially one in such a delicate area, it is wise to consult an expert.  Dr. Cole is quadruple board certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and is a specially trained expert in the delicate tissues surrounding the eye area.

*Do not stop taking any medication without consent from the prescribing physician.