What is a Tear Trough Deformity?
A tear trough deformity is a deep indentation between the eye and nose. Some people have tear troughs naturally (such as the model shown here), while others develop a tear trough deformity with age. Either way, the dark shadow that appears can be cosmetically distracting.
When a tear trough deformity is seen in younger people, it is rarely under-eye bags that cause the deformity. Instead, the root cause is an anatomical imbalance called a “negative vector orbit.”
What Is a Negative Vector Orbit?
Individuals with a negative vector orbit have flatter, underdeveloped cheekbones, causing the eyeball to protrude further than the projection of the cheekbones. For example, consider Susan Sarandon, a world-famous actress who is a good example of someone with a negative vector orbit.
If Susan Sarandon were to desire correction of the resulting tear trough deformity, she would be a great candidate for the most lasting and predictable treatment, a tear trough implant.
Tear trough implants are surgically placed in the undereye hollow to add projection to the cheeks and create better anatomical balance. The implants consist of silicone and are inserted through a small incision. The implants are placed over the bone mass under the eyelid to augment its shape and create a more youthful appearance.
It’s hard to imagine that a successful model or actress could be seen as having a “deformity.” Maybe the better description would be a tear trough “condition” and “correction” is an option.
But if you are one that is bothered by deep undereye shadowing, whether, from aging or a negative vector orbit, Dr. Gilbert Lee at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa can restore both beauty and light to the tear troughs.
How to Correct a Tear Trough Deformity
Correcting a tear trough deformity involves building up the area of hollowing and bringing the skin into the light to stop the shadow formation. For most individuals, improving the appearance of a tear trough deformity can be achieved with injectable fillers such as:
- Belotero – This temporary injection is designed to smooth out and fill in moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds (folds or wrinkles that go from one side of the nose to the corner of the mouth).
- Juvederm – Serves as a group of injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that can correct a tear trough deformity, facial wrinkles, and folds.
- Restylane – Comprised of hyaluronic acid that provides plumpness to the skin, Restylane can be injected into the tear trough hollows and minimize the appearance of under-eye bags for up to one year.
At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, we provide Restylane under eye filler and other tear trough deformity treatments. All of our tear trough treatments are safe and can help you correct a tear trough deformity quickly and efficiently.
Are You a Candidate for Tear Trough Correction?
A candidate for tear trough treatment may display a “hollow look” that includes dark circles under the eyes or excess fat pockets beneath the lower eyelids.
Typically, the ideal candidate for tear trough treatment boasts good skin elasticity and adequate skin thickness. The orbital rim’s position relative to the tear trough also must be considered prior to receiving any tear trough correction.
Do you have undereye bags and suspect you might have a negative vector orbit? Send your photos to [email protected] for assessment and recommendations.
Copyright 2016 Jill Darrah for Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa
