We frequently get asked about lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the upper and lower eyelids. These areas are so visible, and really encompass the focal point when we look at one another. As with any other area, time and the environment gradually chip away at the firmness of youth. The result? An aged appearance, lines, wrinkles, perhaps some puffiness, and excess skin.
Botox Cosmetic and Xeomin may be the answer - a great choice for smoothing lines and wrinkles between the brows (frown lines), on the forehead, and crow's feet (smile lines next to the eyes). Botox works by calming the tiny muscles in the face that pull on the skin. Less pull, smoother skin.
But what about the upper and lower eye lids, and the areas below the eyes? We don't have much use for Botox in the lids themselves, and it won't do anything for bulging or wrinkled skin directly beneath the eyes.
What is one to do? We're delighted to now offer the blepharoplasty procedure, also known as an eyelift (two syllables, not five - rolls off the tongue better). This procedure can be done under local anesthesia, and can involve the upper lids alone, or the upper and lower lids together.
The upper eyelift is a great way to reduce the folded, excessive skin of the upper eye lid. The procedure involves very carefully marking, and removing, a strip of upper lid skin and muscle, followed by a small amount of fat. A few small stitches are placed, and that's that.
Check out the before (left) and after (right, 2 weeks after) photos of a recent upper lid eyelift.
In some cases, lower lid wrinkling can be treated with a simple skin pinch technique, in which a small sliver of skin is carefully removed just beneath the lower eyelashes. This has the effect of pulling the skin edges together more tightly, leading to a smoother appearance beneath the eye.
We've all seen puffy areas, or bags, beneath the eyes. This unattractive contour can be softened with fat removal using a techniqe that does not require any stitches.
So, blepharoplasty can refer to several techniques, can include different areas, and is done under local anesthesia. What's the catch? Glad you asked. First of all, the eye itself is left alone. We're really talking about the surrounding skin, muscle, and fat. Bruising and swelling do occur, and may last a week or slightly longer. Luckily, it is confined to the eye area, and can be disguised with glasses if need be. Any stitches are removed within 5 days.
With an uneventful recovery, you could be back to work within a week, with a smoother, less wrinkled, and more youthful appearance.
Want to learn more? Are you wondering whether an eyelift procedure might be right for you? Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.
