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Tear trough filler or Blepharoplasty?
So you know you have under-eye area loss of volume and you're looking into your treatment options. You've found that the top two treatments are tear trough filler and lower blepharoplasty. Every page you read talks about how amazing one of the treatments is, and they truly are amazing! But, you're asking yourself "Which is the best option for me?"
While both treatments aim to achieve the same result they are very, very, different. You'll want to know the facts to make sure you don't make a choice you'll regret. With that said, keep reading to find out:
Everything you need to know about Tear Trough Filler.
Everything you need to know about Lower Blepharoplasty.
How to decide which treatment is a better fit for you?
Tear Trough Filler
What is it?
Tear trough filler is the use of a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) based filler to reduce the appearance of tear troughs. It is a non-surgical procedure, and your under-eye area will appear smooth and flat after the treatment.
How is it performed?
Your doctor will first disinfect the under eyes and apply numbing cream if you choose to have it. A small pre-injection hole is made to the outside of the under-eyes and a cannula is inserted through the hole and under the tear troughs. Your doctor will then inject filler through the cannula while slowly pulling it out. A gentle finger massage is then performed over the tear troughs to spread the filler evenly and avoid bumps.
How long do results last?
You can expect the results of tear trough filler to last around 12 months on average. This can vary from person to person as our bodies break down filler at different speeds.
How much does it cost?
Tear trough filler prices usually start at £350 per ml of filler, and this should include a follow-up session. Costs will go up depending on how much filler you need, with 2ml of filler likely to cost you upwards of £600. More severe tear troughs will often need more filler.
What could go wrong?
The most common complication with tear trough fillers is lumpy filler or overfilling, though this can be dissolved and the procedure repeated if you prefer. Other minor complications include bruising, undesirable result, and headache.
More serious complications are very rare and include infection, severe pain, vision impairment or blindness, and a delayed allergic reaction to the filler. Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms after your tear trough fillers.
Finding an experienced medical injector significantly reduces your risk of complications. They will be trained in the correct techniques and methods to reduce the likelihood of complications. Such an example could be using a cannula rather than a needle, to almost entirely eliminate the risk of blindness/vision impairment.
Lower Blepharoplasty
What is it?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyes. For tear trough treatment you would have what's called a lower blepharoplasty, and this could be either a fat repositioning or a fat grafting procedure.
How is it performed?
The procedure differs depending on whether you have:
Fat Repositioning
Your surgeon will make a small incision just under the eyelashes of your lower eyelid once you are under general anaesthetic. They will then shift the fat pads to fill in the tear troughs and stitch them in place, as well as stitch the lower eyelid closed.
Fat Grafting
Your surgeon will perform liposuction, while you are under general anaesthetic, to retrieve fat cells from your belly, hips, or thighs. The fat cells are then purified and injected into the tear troughs in a very similar way to tear trough fillers.
How long do results last?
Fat repositioning procedure results on average last around 5 years, while fat grafting procedure results should last a minimum of 3 years.
While these procedures are not permanent, they do last a very long time and often treat other concerns such as loose and sagging skin around the eyes. The results will diminish as you continue to age, however, most people do not repeat lower blepharoplasty surgeries. Often a brow lift is performed when results begin to fade.
How much does it cost?
You can expect your lower blepharoplasty in London to cost a minimum of ~£2000 before any consultation fees and follow-up care, which will vary depending on your surgeon and your recovery. Surgeons with more experience and a good reputation will often charge considerably more.
What could go wrong?
Lower blepharoplasty complications are uncommon but they can be very severe. Like all surgeries, there is an inherent risk of infection, reactions to anaesthesia, and heavy bleeding. In some cases, the lower lid does not form contact with the eyeball properly (ectropion) and requires further surgery. Bad outcomes often require corrective surgery, and sometimes scarring can be extensive.
Your surgeon will minimise the risk of these complications where possible, and sometimes that means not carrying out the procedure.
If you're considering facial treatments, it's essential to understand potential risks too. Explore more about the risks associated with a HydraFacial.
Which Is a Better Fit For You?
We'd wager that you're leaning towards one of the treatments now that you've done the necessary learning.
Don't like the risks that come with surgery? The blepharoplasty might not be for you.
You'd rather have results that last several years? Tear trough fillers may not be your best option.
You don't actually mind your tear troughs so much now? Save this blog for later!
And that's exactly how it should be. It's a good idea to trust your intuition when it comes to tear trough treatments and avoid being pressured into a decision by somebody else, whoever they are. It's true that one of the procedures may be more effective for you, and your practitioner should make a recommendation for the most effective procedure, but it is ultimately your choice.
Hopefully, this blog post has given you some insight into the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment, and you may have an idea of which you would prefer. But, we understand that you may be looking for a professional assessment now. Click the button below and fill out the form for your own assessment and treatment recommendation with Dr Hala.
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