Tear Trough Deformity
What is a Tear Trough Deformity ?
The eye sockets contain fat which forms a cushion for the eyeball. This peri-orbital fat is held in the eye socket by a thin orbital septum within the eyelids. As we age, the orbital septum weakens and allows the fat to bulge into the lower lids. This bulging casts a shadow below the bulge and gives us the appearance of under-eye bags. The hollow area of shadowing below the eye is the "Tear Trough".
A tear trough deformity is a deep indentation between the eye and the nose. Technically known as the nasojugal fold, this natural indentation becomes very noticeable if it gets too deep. Some people have tear troughs naturally (see negative vector orbit), while others develop them with aging. Either way, it creates a dark shadow which is cosmetically distracting. The best treatment is to build up this area of hollowing and bring this skin into the light and stop the shadow formation. This filling can be accomplished with injectable fillers (Restylane, Juvederm), fat injections, or by placement of a Flowers Tear Trough Implant.
A Flowers Tear Trough Implant inserted under the eyes will augment the cheek bone (infraorbital rim) and eliminate the shadowing. This is the most lasting and predictable treatment for tear trough deformity. Read more...
Tear Trough Treatments
These patient photos were taken in San Diego who received tear trough treatment at Changes Plastic Surgery.
Tear Trough Treatment with Restylane
Example of tear trough treatment with Restylane.
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Tear Trough Treatment with Juvederm
Example of tear trough treatment with Juvederm.
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Tear Trough Treatment with Fat Grafting
Examples of tear trough treatment with Fat Grafting.
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Tear Trough Treatment with Implants
Examples of tear trough treatment with implants. More patient photos in our photo gallery.
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The Negative Vector Orbit
When young patients seek advice regarding lower eyelid bags, it rarely is due to "bags", but is usually due to an anatomic imbalance called a "Negative Vector Orbit." Patients with this condition describe themselves as having "bags" since they were very young, and that the bags are worsening with time. The anatomic finding is usually an underformed (hypoplastic) cheek bone under the eye giving you a "prominent eye" appearance (the opposite of a deep set eye). When the eyeball and the normal fat of the lower lid (periorbital fat) protrude farther than the cheek bone, they cast a shadow, giving the appearance of dark circles under the eyelids. An example of negative vector orbits can be seen in actors Susan Sarandon and Marty Feldman. Most facial models have positive vector orbits. Catherine Zeta Jones is a nice example.
These procedures are performed by your triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert Lee, who has been voted by the San Diego Medical Society "Top Doctor" for the past 6 years running. Read more about Dr. Lee's qualifications on his CV.