What is the tear trough ?
This poetic expression (referring to the path of tears) describes the line between the cheekbone and nostril wing that continues from the dark circle. It is the same line, whose orbital (upper) section forms the dark circle and whose malar (lower, cheekbone) section forms the tear trough.
Its development creates a sad, tired appearance and makes the eyes look downturned. A shadow (a hollow always creates a shadow) develops in the middle third of the face, making it less bright.
Its appearance is accompanied by a break in the cheekbone curve, development of the nasolabial fold and sometimes marionette lines and jowls.
Highlights – hyaluronic acid for the tear trough in Geneva
In aesthetic medicine, tear trough treatment is increasingly requested by patients wanting to regain a youthful, rested appearance.
Hyaluronic acid injections in the tear trough are an effective, risk-free solution to combat signs of
ageing.
Patients particularly appreciate the immediate results and quick recovery. Before-and-after photographs of the tear trough show significant improvement, contributing to this procedure's growing popularity in Geneva.
What causes
the tear trough to
develop?
The tear trough develops mainly through age-related physiological processes, particularly changes in malar fat. Over time, deep malar fat diminishes and superficial malar fat descends. This creates a gap corresponding to the tear trough.
From the age of 25, the body's collagen production declines. This substance plays an essential role in the skin and tissues. Sometimes called an « anti-ageing protein », collagen gives skin tissues support, suppleness and elasticity. Collagen improves skin quality, making it smooth and firm, two visible signs of youth. Declining collagen production causes skin quality to deteriorate and elasticity to diminish. The central face tends to sag.
Degrees of tear trough
severity
The tear trough, caused by facial fat descent and/or loss, gradually worsens.
Malar fat loss progresses through nine different stages.
Three degrees of hollowing severity are identified :
- Stage 1 : volume loss limited to the medial tear trough.
- Stage 2 : significant lateral orbital volume loss in addition to medial orbital loss.
- Stage 3 : a circumferential depression along the orbital rim, medially and laterally.
At the mild stage, the tear trough may appear as a slight shadow beneath the eyes, often noticeable only with tiredness or insufficient sleep.
At the moderate stage, this depression becomes more visible, causing more pronounced hollows and a permanently tired appearance, even when rested.
At the severe stage, the tear trough is deeply marked, with significant hollows giving the face an aged, gaunt appearance.
How can the tear trough be treated without surgery ?
The tear trough is treated with hyaluronic acid injections.
There are two techniques : filling the hollow and lifting the malar fat.
Sometimes, injections for dark circles and the cheekbones, can be combined, depending on the patient's needs and wishes.
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines improve with the lifting technique, but additional injections in these areas (if needed) can be performed during the same session.
Filling the tear trough with hyaluronic acid injections can reduce under-eye shadows and restore the cheekbone curve. The face looks fresher and rejuvenated.
How can the tear trough be
removed ? The medical lift
The medical lift technique, invented by Brazilian plastic surgeon Mauricio de Maio, is a variation of the MD Codes.
The injection is performed with a needle, using very firm hyaluronic acid with lifting capacity, placed deeply against the bone. Injection points must be adapted to each face, making it important to consult an experienced doctor.
The lifting technique and tear trough filling with hyaluronic acid injections can be combined, but Dr Romano always performs the lifting technique before filling the hollow. This is essential to avoid puffiness and achieve a beautiful, natural result.
How can the tear trough be
filled with hyaluronic acid
injections ?
Filling the tear trough hollow with hyaluronic acid is performed using a cannula, as needle injections are dangerous.
The hyaluronic acid must be placed deeply against the bone and be minimally hydrophilic, two essential factors for avoiding the permanent swelling typical of an unsuccessful injection.
Which hyaluronic acid should be used for the tear trough ?
- If the face is thinning and tending towards a skeletal appearance : highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid is placed in the tear trough triangle. The injection is deep, against the bone.
- If the face looks heavy and lax, with fat descent : the aim is to lift the sagging fat, so Dr Romano performs a medical lift by injecting very dense hyaluronic acid.
Before/after results of hyaluronic acid in the tear trough
Hyaluronic acid injection results in the tear trough are immediate, with improvement visible from the first session. Patients notice a significant reduction in hollows, giving the face a more rested, rejuvenated appearance. The skin looks smoother and more hydrated, with naturally restored volume.
The middle and lower thirds of the face are lifted : nasolabial folds, marionette lines and jowls improve. This is more than simply filling a hollow, it is a treatment to rejuvenate the face and eye area.
After-effects are minimal, with mild, temporary side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising, which generally disappear within a few days. Patients can resume usual activities immediately after the session.
Results last between six and twelve months, depending on individual characteristics and the product used.
Periodic top-ups should be scheduled to maintain the result.
Tear trough injections : price
In Geneva, the price of a hyaluronic acid injection to treat the tear trough is CHF 600 per syringe. Filling the tear trough may require several syringes of hyaluronic acid. The price therefore depends on the number injected. This varies according to several criteria : the stage of progression, facial characteristics and anatomy. During the initial consultation, Dr Romano determines the most suitable protocol and provides a quotation.
Frequently asked questions about the tear trough
Why treat the tear trough ?
Tear trough treatment restores a rested, rejuvenated appearance to the face, reduces dark circles and improves skin quality and hydration in this area.
Are tear trough treatment results immediate ?
Yes, hyaluronic acid filler injection results are immediate. Improvement is visible from the first session.
How long does a tear trough treatment session take ?
Treatment is quick, taking around five minutes. Daily activities can be resumed immediately afterwards.
How long do tear trough treatment results last ?
Hyaluronic acid injection results can last between six and twelve months. This depends on skin type, lifestyle and the product used. Maintenance sessions are needed.
How can the tear trough be reduced naturally ?
To reduce the tear trough naturally, adopt a skincare routine including good hydration and creams containing ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid. Gentle massage can also stimulate circulation and reduce the appearance of hollows.
What are the risks of tear trough injections ?
Like any medical procedure, tear trough injections carry certain risks. These may include allergic reactions, infections, bruising, swelling or asymmetry. Consulting an experienced doctor is essential to avoid these risks and achieve an optimal result.
What is the difference between the tear trough and dark circles ?
The tear trough occupies the lower part of the hollow between the cheekbones and nostril wings. Dark circles occupy the upper part of this hollow.
How does tear trough filling with hyaluronic acid work ?
Hyaluronic acid injections fill hollows by restoring lost volume and hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, making it safe and effective for this use.
Is tear trough treatment painful ?
Treatment is generally painless thanks to very fine needles and anaesthetic products.
Are there side effects of tear trough treatment ?
Side effects are rare and minor : slight redness, swelling and bruising. They usually disappear within a few days.
Who can benefit from tear trough treatment ?
Tear trough treatment is suitable for anyone wanting to reduce age-related hollowing and regain a rested appearance. A personalised consultation will determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
How can make-up conceal the tear trough ?
To conceal the tear trough, start by applying a moisturising make-up primer. Then use a creamy concealer slightly lighter than your natural skin tone to fill the depression. Gently blend with a sponge or brush for a natural finish.
Articles about the tear trough
- How much does a hyaluronic acid injection for the tear trough cost ?
- Before/after tear trough injections : results
- Tear trough filling with hyaluronic acid : reviews
- How can the tear trough be reduced naturally ?
- How does tear trough filling with hyaluronic acid work ?
- Who can benefit from tear trough treatment ?
- How can you choose an experienced doctor for tear trough treatment ?
- What is the tear trough and why does it develop ?
- How long do tear trough treatment results last ?
- At what age does the tear trough start developing ?
- What are the risks of tear trough injections ?
- Can the tear trough be prevented ?
- Are there alternatives to injections for treating the tear trough ?
- Are tear trough treatment results immediate ?
- What is the difference between the tear trough and dark circles ?
- Is tear trough treatment painful ?
- What are the main causes of tear trough development ?
- Which aesthetic treatments are available to correct the tear trough ?
