Nasolacrimal groove

A deep nasolacrimal groove makes the face look tired and aged. How to reduce it? Will fillers, massage, cosmetics help? Now let’s figure it out.

What is a nasolacrimal sulcus?

The nasolacrimal groove, or nasolacrimal, as cosmetologists call it for short, is a shallow depression that begins at the inner corner of the eye and ends near the arch of the cheekbones. Why does such a cosmetic defect appear? Many face it after 40 years, primarily due to skin aging. But for some, the fold appears at a young age. Before deciding to correct the nasolacrimal sulcus, you need to visit a specialist: he will establish the cause of its appearance, and then select the necessary technique. If the furrow is just beginning to appear, it is in your power to reconsider your care and try to tighten the skin in this area with the help of masks and other cosmetics.

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Why does the nasolacrimal groove appear

In fact, everyone has a tear trough. For its appearance, the septa is responsible – the nasal septum, which separates the interstitial cavities and clusters of cells. With age, the skin in this place loses firmness and elasticity, and the furrow becomes more noticeable, even if you don’t look in the mirror. But there are, of course, other reasons as well.

  • Unhealthy Lifestyle: nasolaris becomes noticeable if you do not get enough sleep, regularly smoke or abuse alcohol.

  • Genetic predisposition: if your mother and grandmother faced the same problem, then these are structural features of the face.

  • Sharp jumps in weight – weight loss or gain.

  • Wrong or inadequate skin care: if you want to delay the appearance of the nasolacrimal groove, do not forget about moisturizing and nourishing the epidermis, and when applying a cream or washing off cosmetics, try to do it along the massage lines without stretching the skin.

How to clean: tear trough correction

All methods of correction of the nasolacrimal sulcus can be divided into two large groups – surgical and non-surgical. It is better to start with conservative ones, and resort to surgery only in especially neglected cases.

Non-surgical

  • Mesotherapy – this is the introduction of drugs using intradermal microinjections. They contain vitamins, microelements, amino acids, oligoelements, lipolytics, peptides and, in case of nasolacrimal sulcus correction, hyaluronic acid. This procedure is a rather preventive measure and is suitable only for those whose nasolacrimal sulcus has just begun to appear.

  • Contour plastic – another thing. It is carried out using fillers with hyaluronic acid. Unlike drugs that are used in mesotherapy, fillers are much denser and use a cannula (hollow tube) to administer them. It is very thin, elastic and flexible, so it can penetrate into the most inaccessible places. When meeting with a vessel, nerve or ligament, it bypasses them, gently pushing the tissues apart. With the help of a cannula, fillers are introduced into the periorbital zone, limited by the lower eyelid and nasopharyngeal region. As a result, the nasolacrimal groove becomes barely noticeable, and the bruises under the eyes completely disappear. The result lasts up to a year, then the procedure will have to be repeated.

  • Injection lipofilling differs from the operating one only in that adipose tissue is introduced not through an incision, but through punctures, for which cannulas are also used. Such lipofilling is much less traumatic – however, it is suitable only for patients with a thin face. Over time, part of the fat is absorbed and after a year or two the procedure will have to be repeated.

  • RF lifting is the impact of high-frequency electromagnetic impulses. They stimulate an increase in the number of fibroblasts and the production of collagen and elastin. RF frequencies operating in the range from 300 MHz to 4 kHz heat the tissues so that microtraumas are formed in the process, in response to which the body starts the recovery process. Such natural rejuvenation lasts another six months after the procedure, and the effect obtained lasts up to five years.

  • Thermage differs from RF-lifting in that tissues under the influence of electromagnetic waves are heated not up to 42 degrees, but up to 60. The effect after such a procedure is more pronounced, but the risk of micro scarring is quite high.

  • Ultrasonic lifting – during this procedure, ultrasonic waves penetrate to a depth of up to 5 mm and cause point thermal contraction. Simply micro-burns in the thickness of the skin. As a result, an internal frame is formed in the tissues, tightening not only the skin itself, but also subcutaneous fat, facial muscles, fascia, collagen and elastin fibers. The effect of ultrasonic lifting increases within two months and lasts for several years.

Surgical

  • Operational lipofilling is needed when low skin tone and “fat dips” are to blame for the appearance of the nasolacrimal sulcus. Most often, doctors recommend this procedure to young patients who have not yet developed other cosmetic defects, such as ptosis. The essence of lipofilling is the transfer of a part of adipose tissue from an “unnecessary” place to a “necessary” one. Adipose tissue taken from the abdomen or thigh fills the area of ​​the nasolacrimal sulcus, due to which the fold is smoothed out. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and takes less than an hour. Usually, fatty tissue is delivered to the right place through a small incision in the conjunctiva (this method is also called transconjunctival blepharoplasty), in more complex cases, access is provided through a skin incision.

  • Blepharoplasty surgeons recommend when, in addition to a pronounced nasolacrimal sulcus, there are other defects (ptosis of the upper eyelids, hernia of the lower eyelid, many wrinkles). In this case, it is necessary to separate the adipose tissue of the lower eyelids and lower it under the skin in the area of ​​the nasolacrimal groove simultaneously with other interventions typical for standard blepharoplasty.

Safety measures

Of course, each of these methods has its drawbacks. With lipofilling, a heterogeneous distribution of fatty tissue is possible, contour plastic surgery can provoke compression of nerves and blood vessels, and RF-lifting can cause subcutaneous scars. But if the specialist is good, and the materials for the procedures are of high quality, there are almost no side effects.

How to make the nasolacrimal groove less noticeable at home

The effect after the procedures is maintained by doing facial gymnastics, doing massage, taping, using moisturizing and nourishing cosmetics.

Exercises

They are very simple, but in order to achieve a result, it is important to perform them regularly.

  1. Hold your breath and try to stretch the tip of your nose (without the help of your hands) to the right and then to the left. Between “approaches” (there should be at least ten of them), you need to exhale and hold your breath again.

  2. Take in as much air as possible through your mouth, hold your breath, pull your lips in. After 10 seconds, exhale and relax your facial muscles as much as possible. Repeat seven times.

  3. Open your mouth wide and place your index fingers on the nasolacrimal folds. After 10 seconds, slowly close your lips while moving your fingers towards your nose. Repeat five times.

Massage

Cosmetologists advise massaging the nasolacrimal groove not with your hands, but … with spoons. Skin stretching will be minimal, and the effect will be more pronounced. Before starting the massage, you need to cleanse the skin and apply a rich nourishing cream that will additionally protect the skin from stretching.

The algorithm is simple: press spoons (it is better to choose dessert ones) to the nasolacrimal groove, and then move them in zigzag movements towards the temples. We got to the temples – press them a couple of times with spoons, and then walk in a zigzag from the temples to the ears. Everything about everything – ten minutes.

Competent cosmetic care for the skin around the eyes

In the description of these cosmetics, you will not see the words “reduce / remove the nasolacrimal groove.” But they perfectly moisturize and smooth the skin, thereby helping to maintain its beauty and youth. Here are the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, eye care products that can and should be used to prevent the appearance of nasolacrimal.

Patches

Fabric patches under the eyes “Moisturizing + fresh look”, Garnier

Excellent consumables. They successfully fight bags and dark circles under the eyes – and all thanks to the formula, which is enriched with hyaluronic acid and orange juice. Want to get a more noticeable cooling effect? Keep patches in the refrigerator before use. And apply exactly for 15 minutes – as directed on the package.

Fabric patches under the eyes “Moisturizing + youthful glow” with green tea and hyaluronic acid, Garnier

All the same hyaluronic acid saturates the skin around the eyes with moisture and smoothes it, the mask helps to look younger. Patches are applied for 15 minutes and not only reduce crow’s feet, but also reduce bags and dark circles under the eyes.

Sheet mask for the skin around the eyes “Moisturizing + elasticity”, Garnier

These patches are also applied for 15 minutes – while you do not have to lie down, you can walk, run, jump, do household chores. You work and the mask works: coconut water and hyaluronic acid are included in the formula that moisturizes and refreshes the skin, removing signs of fatigue and dark circles under the eyes.

Creams

Cream for the skin around the eyes “Protection against wrinkles 35+”, Garnier

Plant cells of youth and tea polyphenols have a beneficial effect on the skin. The cream smoothes the skin, stimulating cellular renewal.

Moisture Expert Eye Cream, L’Oréal Paris

Thanks to the moisturizing complex and vitamin E in the composition, the cream provides a triple effect – moisturizes the skin, smoothes, refreshes.

Cream for the skin around the eyes “Revitalift Filler [+ Hyaluronic Acid]”, L’Oréal Paris

The formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid, actively moisturizes the skin, stimulating its cellular renewal. Wrinkles are reduced, bags under the eyes are reduced.

Awakening balm for the eye contour Aqualia Thermal “Dynamic Hydration”, Vichy

The product contains several moisturizing ingredients. Not surprisingly, after using the balm, the skin is immediately saturated with moisture and retains it throughout the day.

Firming care for the eye contour against the signs of aging Slow Age, Vichy

The tool helps to minimize the effect of negative environmental factors, fights oxidative stress. It contains powerful antioxidants baicalin and ginkgo biloba, probiotic Bifidus and caffeine. The formula fills the skin with moisture, beauty and radiance.

Antioxidant gel for the skin around the eyes AOX + Eye Gel, SkinCeuticals

The combination of antioxidants transforms the skin around the eyes, the gel reduces bags under the eyes and wrinkles.

Cream for the skin around the eyes, reducing wrinkles and preventing their appearance, Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream, Kiehl’s

Contains calcium and copper, necessary to maintain metabolic processes in the skin. The cream significantly increases the elasticity and firmness of the delicate skin around the eyes, makes it smooth and visibly reduces wrinkles, and also prevents the appearance of new ones.

Concentrated Anti-Aging Eye Contour Redermic [R] Yeux, La Roche-Posay

The formula of the cream with retinol and caffeine effectively fights the signs of aging. It erases signs of fatigue, reduces wrinkles, makes the nasolacrimal groove and bags under the eyes less noticeable.

Cream for the skin around the eyes Re-Plasty AGE RECOVERY Eye Strap, Helena Rubinstein

Thanks to the powerful anti-aging components proxylan and hyaluronic acid, the cream strengthens and tightens the skin, fights wrinkles. Instant visible effect – fresher and more radiant skin.

Masks and compresses: home remedies

Of course, in terms of convenience and efficiency, they cannot compete with ready-made products. But if these were not at hand, why not try? The main task of home masks and compresses is to moisturize the skin around the eyes and relieve puffiness.

Tea compress

Place two used tea bags in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Cleanse your skin with mineral water, put a small pillow under your head, close your eyes and cover them with tea bags. Lie down for 20 minutes, remove the packets and apply your favorite cream.

Potato mask

Peel a raw potato, grate it on a fine grater, wrap it in gauze and put it on closed eyelids for 10 minutes.

Rosehip compress

Brew the wild rose without damaging the berries. Cool the decoction. Place in the refrigerator for a short while. Soak cotton pads and cover your eyelids with them for fifteen minutes.

The best combination is beauty products, salon treatments and home remedies.

Prevention of the appearance of the nasolacrimal sulcus

Hiking, swimming, more vegetables and fruits in the diet, less sugar and salt, at least 1,5 liters of water per day, well-chosen care and an orthopedic pillow – all this together helps to preserve the beauty and youth of the skin, including in the delicate area around eyes. Do not neglect such simple but effective methods.

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