Is Tear Trough Filler the right treatment for you?

1) How do patients commonly present to us?

Do you feel as though you look constantly tired and exhausted due to the sunken shadows and hollowness under the eyes? And no matter how much you sleep, hydrate yourself and use under eye creams, nothing seems to work? Well tear trough filler may be the answer to your problems!

2) What actually is a tear trough?

The tear trough is the indentation that sits in between the lower eye lid and the cheek. This hollowness develops overtime as a result of volume loss and bone resorption, due to the effects of ageing. The loss of volume under the eyes also gives the appearance of dark circles as light reflects off the face in different angles creating a shadowing effect. This becomes worse with age.

Tear trough filler can be safely injected to restore lost volume, which instantly brightens and rejuvenates the physical hollowness. The low-density filler is able to diffuse into the space, creating a plumping effect which enables the skin to be supported more firmly reducing the appearance of dark shadows and fine lines.

Cheek filler is often needed in conjunction with tear trough filler, as this acts as an important support for the midface. The overall effect of these treatments is a more rejuvenated and refreshed looking mid face which frames the eyes beautifully.

3) How do we assess your tear trough?

During your bespoke consultation at Surgicare Aesthetics our doctors all use the Lambros criteria to assess whether tear trough filler is the correct treatment modality for you.

Below outlines the criteria’s used to assess the tear troughs:

1. Definition of the hollow

A more defined hollow is more amenable to filler treatment

2. The orbital fat pad

If you suffer with excess fat around the lower eyes giving a “puffy eye” then tear trough filler may not be the best option, Morpheus8 or a surgical procedure called a blepharoplasty maybe a better fit, your doctor will be able to advise.

3. Skin quality

Firm and more elastic skin supports the filler better than thin or loose skin. Therefore, if you suffer with thin skin around the eyes then you will not be suitable for tear trough filler and possibly other treatments such as Morpheus8 may be more beneficial as this can tighten and rejuvenate the skin.

4. Pigmentation

Tear troughs are one factor that contribute to dark shadows under the eyes, however other factors such as lack of sleep, hydration, lifestyle, genetics and skin pigmentation can also play a part. If dark circles are caused by skin pigmentation, then tear trough filler will not correct this and other treatments such as medical grade skin care such as ZO may be better options or used in conjunction.

4) What are the side effects?

Tear trough filler is administered using a blunted instrument called a cannula. This has many benefits as it ensures filler is administered in a safe and controlled manner. The use of a cannula also minimises the effects of bruising as there is one entry point as opposed to using a needle which involves several entry points.

Common side effects include a sensation of ‘pulling and tugging’ during the procedure, swelling and bruising. The majority of swelling is very minimal, not obvious to the naked eyed, and will settle within 2 weeks once the filler has integrated into your normal tissue. After your procedure the post-operative care will be discussed in detail, followed up with a written copy

5) How long does tear trough filler last?

After the procedure the under eyes will appear fuller and brighter, however the full effects can take a couple of weeks to show, as it takes time for the filler to fully integrate into the deeper tissues. Tear trough filler can last 9-18 months, however this varies between individuals depending on their metabolism and lifestyle factors.

6) Are you suitable for tear trough filler?

We recommend you seek expert advice from one of our doctors to see if you are suitable. We believe in honesty and integrity and commonly will say no or provide alternative recommendations to patients if we think you are not the right candidate for tear trough filler. If you are interested in this treatment, please book a consultation with one of our doctors who advise you appropriately on your treatment needs.

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Do You Spend Your Working Life on Zoom?

Working From Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more than half the number of people in London working from home (57.2%). The majority of us have been familiar with using FaceTime or Skype video calling for social purposes, but the use of Zoom (or its equivalent) was rare, until March 2020. We now, more than ever, view our own faces constantly throughout the day, which can have significant consequences on self-esteem.

The Impact of Zoom

We have noticed a number of our patients describing concerns and imperfections of their own faces by staring at themselves the whole day on Zoom. Naturally, you may go onto comparing your own face to the perfect ‘Instagram filtered photos’ leading to real anxieties and for people to search for quick fixes. Seeking non-surgical injectables seems a plausible option, but is it the correct one?

Surgicare Advice

For us at Surgicare Aesthetics, as a group of ethical medical professionals, we would like to emphasise that it is our small imperfections that make us unique and beautiful. No one is symmetrically perfect, nor should they be.
During your 30-minute consultation with one of our doctors, we will always advise honestly and professionally, whilst respecting your individuality. Our aim is to treat your main long-term concerns and make you look the best version of yourself, not replicate a filtered Instagram photo.

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Planning for a Special Occasion

Many people as we come out of lockdown will be looking towards celebrating special occasions, whether it’s a wedding, a special birthday or the birth of a new baby, follow our top tips to help ensure you time it right.

Anti-wrinkle injections:

It sounds simple to most, but don’t forget they take at least 5 days to work and then 2 weeks until the full effects are seen, so ensure you have these at least 2 weeks before the big day. If your having anti-wrinkle injections for the first time, we suggest having these at least 3 weeks before, as you are more likely to need adjustments at your 2 week review appointment.

Dermal fillers:

Facial fillers all have an immediate effect, but the best results are usually seen at 1-2 weeks, when any side effects have settled and the filler has integrated fully into the soft tissues. For most fillers we would recommend no later than 3 weeks before a big event.

Special considerations:

Lips are an extremely vascular area and the chance of bruising and swelling is almost unavoidable, there is also an increased risk of haematomas in this area, a large collection of blood, which may take 3-4 weeks to completely resolve. We advise to plan lip fillers at least 1 month before any important event. Lip fillers last an average of 6 months.

The tear trough area is an extremely delicate area therefore we use a very light filler delivered with a cannula technique. Despite this there is always some degree of peri-orbital oedema (swelling) post procedure, this normally settles within the first week, however in some people it can take up to 4 weeks for the filler to completely integrate and swelling to completely settle. We would recommend doing this ideally 6 weeks before a special occasion. This treatment lasts an average of 12 months.

Fat dissolving injections:

We use aqualyx fat dissolving injections to target specific pockets of fat. Areas on the face can need between 1-3 sessions on average, and the body around 1-4 sessions. We recommend starting a course of treatment at least 3-6 months before any special occasion, alongside a healthy diet and exercise regime. Once fat cells are dissolved the results are permanent!

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Do I Have a Filler Migration?

Migration is most commonly associated with lip fillers. Its an unnatural appearance of fullness around the mouth, rather than the lips themselves, and a tell tale sign a person has had lip filler treatment. When filler makes its way into the skin around the lip it inherits a plateau effect causing projection instead of height. This can actually make the lips appear smaller when looking at the face front on. The temptation maybe to seek further treatments to correct this problem, but that in turns makes things worse and we often need to dissolve and start from scratch.

Although the average lip filler lasts around 6 months, this is hugely variable depending on the person, for this reason we will often book patients for a review to assess the need for treatment, rather than just re-treating at a set time. Other important factors we consider to minimise the risks are, using high quality products, having a cautious approach towards volumes used, and careful injection techniques that respect the vermillion border. If you’re worried you have lip filler migration book in for a consultation and we can assess you and talk through your options.

Top Tip: When having lip fillers, the key is to have patience and build up slowly to minimise the risk of migration, and help ensure long lasting lovely results.

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3 Things to Avoid Before Having Injectables

Before attending for your appointment there are certain things you can avoid doing to help your treatment go as smoothly as possible.

1. Stop your multivitamins for a few days before your treatment!

If they contain: Fish oils, Omega-3, Vitamin E, Ginseng or Ginko bilboa as they can all increase the risk of bruising. We generally advise to restart around 3 days after your treatment.

2. As long as it’s not a prescription do not take anything that affects blood clotting!

Such as aspirin, or ibuprofen. Many over the counter painkillers contain these, so check the label. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding during your treatment, and developing bruising afterwards. [Never stop your prescription medications before consulting with your own GP.]

3. Minimise alcohol the day before your appointment!

Alcohol causes vasodilation, which means your blood vessels near the skin increase in size and amount of blood volume. This in turn increases the risk of bleeding and developing bruises. We advise to avoid alcohol after your appointment, ideally for at least 24 hours.

Top Tip: Arnicare cream or tablets used on the day of and for 3 days post treatment can help to reduce bruising.

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Five Reasons to Get A Vitamin Drip!

1. The nutrients are not metabolised by your stomach or liver!

Intravenous nutritional therapy (IVNT) bypasses the gut and liver, so 100% of the nutrients are delivered to the cells. The formulations are designed to be actively taken up by the body’s cells, therefore providing optimum results quickly. As it is given through a small needle directly into the vein, higher doses of important nutrients can be administered that are not possible when taking tablets.

2. We are behind the rest of the world!

IVNT has been around for over 30 years in the US, Far East and in some parts of Europe, yet it is fairly new to the UK. The intended benefits are to improve health, wellbeing and boost vitality. UK Medical schools in general do not include training on nutrition and IVNT, as a consequence it is an underutilised tool in health and wellbeing promotion.

3. Surgicare Aesthetics have doctors trained in IVNT!

Our drips are administered by Dr Gakhal, after a thorough medical consultation. Dr Gakhal will administer, monitor and review your progress after commencing IVNT. We source all our vitamin drips from Intravita international, who are a UK registered Pharmacy. They specialise in manufacturing IV Vitamin Supplements and they are also an industry leader in training medical professionals. They have a safety record dating back to 2009.

4. Because who couldn’t use an energy boost?

Our featured drip this month is the IV Energiser drip. It contains a mixture of B Vitamins and Amino Acids. Vitamin B5, which plays a role in breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy. Glycine is one of 3 Amino Acids that the body uses to make Creatine. Creatine provides your muscles with energy to provide quick short bursts of activity such as weight lifting and sprinting. Taurine boosts physical performance by helping the flow of glucose to the muscles.

5. There are no ‘nasties’ in the drips!

Each formulation contains a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They are preservative free, which was very important to us, as preservatives can increase the risk of allergy. They don’t contain traces of animals, so are vegan friendly, and are also free of genetically- modified organisms, hexane and sugar.

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