Which filler is best for tear troughs?
The better question is which type of filler suits the tear trough, since the published guidance speaks to type and technique. It favors a particular kind of filler and a particular way of placing it.
What the research favors
A review indexed by the National Library of Medicine (PMC) gives specific advice: "The proper technique for a direct approach of tear trough area and palpebro-malar area is to use HA fillers of mid to low density, elasticity, and cohesiveness, and additionally, with a mid to low water retention capacity. HA should be administered in small boluses with a 25/27 G blunt cannula, performing always an aspiration". In plain terms, the paper points to hyaluronic acid products on the lighter side, placed in small amounts through a blunt cannula.
Why a lighter product is the pick
The same review spells out the reasoning: "Use low-viscosity instead of high-viscosity hyaluronic acid (HA) or non-biodegradable agents, as it can be safely injected with fewer adverse effects." The cause is the product's thickness and the effect is fewer adverse effects.
Where to read more
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has an overview of dermal fillers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has its own page on dermal fillers as soft tissue fillers.
Questions to ask your provider
- Which type of hyaluronic acid filler do you plan to use under my eyes, and is it low-viscosity?
- Will you use a blunt cannula or a needle?
- Do you aspirate before injecting?
- Why is this product the right match for my tear troughs?
One last observation
Asking about the product type tells you more than asking for a brand name. If a West Sacramento provider cannot explain why their choice suits the tear trough, that gap is worth noting before you book.