Are you unhappy with the appearance of your under eyes? The eyes are the first to show the signs of aging as the thinning and sagging of facial skin leaves the under eyes prone to hollowing and dark circles. Changes Plastic Surgery in San Diego is a leader in providing under eye fillers and surgical options to enhance the appearance of the eyes.

In our youth in most cases, we find that there was no visible demarcation between the lower lid and cheek, but instead a smooth, gently convex curve extending downward from the lower lid margin. Through aging, as tissues thin and sag, hollowing occurs in the area between the lower eyelid and cheek. This is called a tear trough and derives its name from the path that a tear travels from the tear duct down the side of the nose. The fold that appears with the hollowing is referred to as a “nasojugal fold” and is the deep indentation running down from the eye to the nose.

What Is a Tear Trough Deformity

A tear trough deformity occurs when the depression or “hollow” extends horizontally across the entire junction of the lower lid and cheek. At first, this indentation may appear small and often goes unnoticed. But as the skin ages or worsens, the indentation can grow to create a large, dark shadow under an individual’s eyelids.

What Are the Primary Causes of Tear Troughs?

A tear trough deformity can happen to anyone, at any time. It usually is the result of skin and muscle laxity that may occur for a number of reasons.
​​​​​​​A tear trough deformity can happen to anyone, at any time. It usually is the result of skin and muscle laxity that may occur for a number of reasons. For instance, genetics, diet, stress, sun exposure, and various lifestyle factors may cause a younger person to suffer deep tear troughs. Comparatively, an older individual becomes more likely to encounter deep tear troughs due to aging.

Young patients seeking advice on “eye bags” may actually be suffering from a “Negative Vector Orbit”. Negative Vector Orbits are usually caused by an under-formed cheekbone under your eye that gives you a “prominent eye” appearance in which the eyeball and normal fat of the lower eyelid protrudes farther than the cheekbone. This casts a shadow and gives the appearance of dark circles under the eyelids.

How Can I Correct Tear Troughs

To correct tear troughs, the treatment involves filling the tear trough area to elevate the indented or depressed area until it is flush with the lower lid and cheek.

At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa we use a variety of methods to correct tear troughs:

Restylane– Restylane is the preferred under-eye filler used at Changes Plastic Surgery. Restylane is comprised of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body and provides plumpness to the skin. In one office visit, Restylane can be injected into the tear trough hollows to fill the area and bring the darkness into the light. Restylane injected into the area can minimize the appearance of under-eye bags for up to one year.

Fat injections – Fat grafting provides longer-lasting correction for under eye hollowing and bags. Fat is extracted from an area of the body (usually the stomach or thighs) by micro-liposuction. After purifying the fat, it is injected into the tear trough area to restore the convex curve from the lower lid to the cheek.

Flowers Tear Trough Implant – For patients with severe hollowing or an anatomically negative vector orbit, the most reliable and effective way to correct tear troughs is the insertion of tear trough implants. A Flowers Tear Trough Implant is surgically placed underneath the lower eyelid and secured to the cheekbone providing a permanent structure for lifting the area and reducing the hollow and dark circles.

Ultimately, a wide range of treatment options is available to help you improve deep tear trough hollows. Each option is both safe and effective, making it easy to find a treatment that fulfills your personal needs.

Am I a Good Candidate for Tear Trough Correction?

Just about anyone over the age of 20 years can reap the benefits of tear trough correction. A consultation with a ChangesPlastic Surgery provider will present you with options for your particular condition.

Why Should I Choose Changes Plastic Surgery for Tear Trough Correction?

Changes Plastic Surgery surgeons and nurse injectors are experts at identifying the cause of under-eye hollowing and offering appropriate choices for improving the area. The eye area is delicate and treatment to this area should be performed by certified, experienced professionals.

If you have been unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, Changes Plastic Surgery has the means to give you a more youthful and rested look. And any time you have questions or concerns, one of our friendly, expert team members will be happy to provide you with the support you deserve.

To learn more about how we can help you with eye bag removal, please contact us today at (858) 264-3800.

Read more about tear trough deformity and negative vector orbit in our Blog: Tear Trough Treatment-Correcting a Beautiful Deformity.