Tear troughs, also known as under-eye hollows or under-eye bags, refer to the depressions or hollow areas that can develop beneath the eyes. They are often characterised by a shadowed appearance or a dark line extending from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheek.
Tear troughs can be caused by various factors, including:
- Volume loss: As we age, the natural fat pads and collagen beneath the eyes can diminish, leading to a sunken appearance and the formation of tear troughs.
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing tear troughs, even at a younger age.
- Lifestyle and habits: Factors such as inadequate sleep, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition can contribute to the development of tear troughs and exacerbate their appearance.
Fortunately, there are several options available to address tear
troughs:
Gel Therapy
The tear trough area reduces the appearance of hollows. This procedure
is minimally invasive and can provide immediate results that last for
up to 2 years, depending on the specific filler used.
Dr. Young usually does a staged treatment of these areas and uses multiple Gels to achieve the optimal result. In addition, this area is usually not treated in isolation as there is generally mid-face and temporal volume loss. ( Pioneered by Dr Young)- Please note this area is advanced. That requires anatomical knowledge and judgment on the best treatment option.
- Have you also experienced volume loss below your eyebrows? The "a-frame" deformity also can be improved by dermal fillers.
Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) therapy: This procedure involves drawing a small amount of the
patient's blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma and injecting it
into the tear troughs. PRP contains growth factors that can stimulate
collagen production and improve the appearance of under-eye hollows.
Fat transfer:( not performed by Dr. Young)
Fat transfer may be recommended in cases where tear troughs are more severe or accompanied by other signs of facial volume loss. This procedure involves
removing fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and
injecting it into the tear troughs to restore volume.
Surgical options:( not performed by Dr. Young)
In some cases, surgical procedures like lower blepharoplasty may be considered to address significant tear troughs. This involves removing excess skin, repositioning fat, and tightening the underlying tissues to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.