Tear trough fillers have become one of the most highly requested cosmetic treatments because more people want to look fresh and rejuvenated. When done properly, this non-invasive treatment brightens up the under-eye area. With tear trough filler, fine lines are smoothed, and the volume of this hollow area is increased. However, like all cosmetic treatments, tear-through fillers carry risks. As such, if you’re interested in one, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, this article covers it all.
What is a Tear Trough Filler?
Tear trough fillers are injectable solutions used to tackle depressions beneath the eyes. This solution is usually composed of hyaluronic acid; a gel-like substance that provides the affected region with enough fluid. The tear trough refers to the space between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek. This area tends to look dark and sunken on some people, giving the appearance of tiredness or aging. To resolve this, people get fillers for their tear troughs. It is the go-to treatment for those who have dark circles, deep hollows, or a sunken look in the under-eye area.
Tear Trough Filler Before and After: What to Expect
Seeing what the skin looks like before and after the tear trough filler treatments can give you a realistic idea of what to expect from the procedure. Successful outcomes can dramatically improve your appearance, in ways such as:
- Improved Volume and Contour:Filler adds volume to sunken areas, creating a more youthful and vibrant look.
- Reduction of Dark Circles:By lifting the skin, fillers can reduce the shadowing effect that creates dark circles.
- Smoother Skin Texture:Tear trough fillers can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in the under-eye area.
Why Do People Opt for Tear Trough Fillers Over Other Alternatives?
Celebrities and regular people alike often go for tear trough fillers to appear fresher and more youthful. Being quick and relatively painless, it’s a procedure that promises minimal downtime. Also, when done by an accomplished professional, tear trough fillers can look very natural.
In addition, treating hollow tear troughs using fillers is quite safe and much less risky than surgeries in the area.
How is a Tear Trough Filler Treatment Carried Out?
Before you undergo the procedure, you have to thoroughly consult with a qualified medical practitioner. The discussion should cover what you want to achieve from the procedure. The provider will then examine your skin, especially the tear trough area, and decide on the appropriate filler to be used for your treatment.
The entire procedure of a tear trough filler usually takes about 45 minutes and consists of the following steps:
- Preparation:This involves the doctor cleaning the area of treatment. Next, they should apply a localized numbing cream to reduce any form of discomfort. The doctor then goes ahead and marks various spots below the eyes where the injection needs to be given.
- Injection:The doctor injects filler into the tear trough area using a fine needle or cannula. They will most likely apply the filler in small amounts so that it distributes evenly.
- Molding:Then, the practitioner withdraws the needle slowly. Afterward, the area receives a gentle massage for an even, natural distribution of the filler.
Aftercare and Follow-up Process
After the process, you may be given post-procedure aftercare. This may include avoiding strenuous activities and medications for some days. You may also receive instructions to avoid sleeping on your face for some time, and perhaps to lightly massage and/or ice lumpy areas.
You may want to schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate the results with the doctor and make any necessary adjustments.
It may take about 1-2 weeks for the results to become fully visible. During that time, there is a chance of experiencing some initial side effects, which include bruising, redness, and swelling.
Tear Trough Fillers Swelling Stages
Swelling is, for the most part, a normal phase of recovery. However, you need to understand what to expect. Thus, you can determine if your filler is healing as it should or if something has gone wrong.
Stage 1: Immediately After Treatment
You may be somewhat red, sensitive, and swollen immediately after your procedure. This is considered normal and generally resolves within a few hours.
Stage 2: First 48 Hours
Swelling and bruising may be at their peak at this point. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated will help keep such symptoms at a minimum. Severe swelling, unevenness, or sharp pain could indicate further complications.
Stage 3: 1 Week After Injection
By this stage, most of the swelling should have gone down. It should be much easier to get an idea of what your final results will look and feel like. If it seems lumpy or the swelling worsens with time, that may mean something has gone wrong with the procedure and you might need some additional treatment to correct it.
In some instances, swelling persists because the filler has migrated from its correct position or was incorrectly placed. The important thing is to follow up during the weeks after the procedure to uncover any complications on time.
Why Do Tear Trough Fillers Go Wrong?
Although this procedure is quite simple, a tear trough filler gone wrong might occur due to many factors. For instance, a practitioner might use the wrong technique to perform the treatment, the wrong choice of filler, or even bad equipment. Failure to pay attention to the bodily differences of a client could also result in complications. That's why it is very important to choose a qualified practitioner with extensive experience and to consult with them appropriately to minimize risks.
What is the Complication Rate of Tear Trough Fillers?
As earlier stated, tear trough fillers do have a complication rate, though they are mostly safe. According to statistics within the industry, complication rates are usually relatively low, but some common ones include:
- Bruising and Swelling:These are common side effects and usually resolve in a few days.
- Lumps/bumps:This happens due to inappropriate placement of filler material or the use of the wrong type of filler. Instead of being smooth and full, the area becomes uneven or asymmetrical.
- Tyndall effect:A bluish tint that appears underneath the skin because the filler was located too close to the skin's surface.
- Under-eye bags:Injecting too much of the filler material, misplaced placement or poor placement can lead to an unnatural appearance of 'bags' below the eyes. This usually causes a puffy or bloated appearance.
- Vascular complications:These sometimes occur due to the filler material blocking a blood vessel and lead to undermining of skin and even blindness.
If you think that you are developing a complication, you must see a doctor immediately.
Tear Trough Filler Gone Wrong: Warning Signs to Watch For
While some of these side effects will invariably be expected, others may be warning bells that you are a victim of a tear trough filler gone wrong. Watch out for the following warning signals:
- Severe Pain or Discomfort:When the pain does not improve over time, there is cause to raise a red flag.
- Discoloration:A bluish or grayish tint may give notice of what is called the Tyndall effect, where one can see the filler under the skin.
- Lumps or nodules:Poor placement can create palpable lumps under the skin. Any firm lumps that do not soften after a few weeks may require professional intervention.
- Blurred vision or change in vision:This could mean that the filler is blocking some blood vessels, which is a serious emergency and needs medical attention as soon as possible.
- Long-term swelling or asymmetry:Puffy, swollen, or asymmetric eyes after the normal period of healing mean that your filler needs to be dissolved or corrected.
If any of the above symptoms occur, it becomes vital for you to seek an opinion from a competent aesthetic professional.
How Do You Fix a Botched Tear Trough Filler?
First and foremost, if you think your tear trough filler has been botched, it is nothing to freak out over. Of course, there are ways in which this can be fixed to give you back your look. First things first, you will need to see a board-certified professional who deals with tear trough fillers. They will be able to assess the situation and make recommendations on what should be done.
With hyaluronic acid fillers, there is an enzyme, hyaluronidase, that dissolves the filler and rights the wrong. It works extremely fast and effectively to degrade the filler so you can start fresh.
In some cases, minor issues can be treated by gentle massaging or small adjustments that help to redistribute the fillers. These must also be performed by a professional since bad handling can make it worse. For other skin irregularities like the Tyndall effect, laser therapy can be employed to degrade the filler or improve skin texture.
For a more serious problem, like filler migration or perhaps an issue involving non-dissolvable filler, surgical removal might be necessary.
How Long Does It Take to Dissolve Tear Trough Filler?
In case tear trough filler gone wrong, you might wonder how much time it may take to dissolve. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be dissolved by the action of hyaluronidase. Though one should begin seeing the effects of hyaluronidase within 24-48 hours, its action to completely dissolve the filler takes a few days to a week.
Can You Dissolve All Types of Fillers?
Not every filler is the same, so if your tear trough filler is not based on hyaluronic acid (for example, permanent fillers like silicone), then dissolving might be impossible. In that case, surgical removal may become necessary. So, it is vital to choose the right type of filler and a reputable practitioner for your treatment.
Can You Fix Tear Trough Without Filler?
Perhaps you have experienced a tear trough filler gone wrong or you just don't like the treatment, there are ways to repair tear troughs without the use of fillers.
- Topical Treatments:Some skincare solutions like retinoids or peptide serums may be helpful to improve skin texture and diminish the look of dark circles.
- Laser and Light Therapies:Lasers and light therapies also assist in texture improvement, stimulating the production of collagen (a protein helping to build up your skin) and reducing discoloration around the under-eye area.
- Microneedling:This can be very helpful by tightening the skin to make it look healthier and give a more youthful appearance. Microneedling can be used to deal with tear trough issues effectively when done along with other treatments.
- Surgical Options:A surgery like a lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), among others, is for those seeking a more permanent solution to tear trough deformities.
Tear Trough Filler Gone Wrong; Celebrity Stories
Most of the time, people want to get a cosmetic procedure because it is popular among celebrity idols. But even those celebrities are not immune to cosmetic procedures gone wrong. Many celebrities have experienced botched tear trough fillers, from an overfilled tear trough filler treatment to uneven results. One example is HGTV’s Christina Hall who had to dissolve her filler.
Another celebrity who faced issues with her under-eye fillers was Lily Ghalichi, an entrepreneur, influencer, and reality TV star. She made it known on her social media in 2021 that her fillers came with complications that could have blinded her.
It's important to learn from these celebrity experiences. This way, you can make more informed decisions about your tear trough filler treatment.
Conclusion
A filler around the under-eye area can give you a brighter and fuller look. Despite that, a tear trough filler gone wrong is distressing. But once you know what to look for and how to fix problems, the best possible outcome can be achieved.
Always go to an accredited professional to discuss complications that may arise, and do not be afraid to get any corrections in the case of a problem. Your safety and satisfaction should always be paramount in any cosmetic procedure.
You should also make sure the right instruments are used for your treatment to avoid complications. Diaminy Aesthetics is here to supply you with the best instruments whatever you might need.
