The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery recently released a press release stating that the eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging. While blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is the preferred surgical procedure to ease the bags, dark circles, and drooping lids associated with aging eyes, there are non-surgical methods, too.
Botox
The FDA approved Botox Cosmetic as a treatment for frown lines in 2002, and millions of people have undergone these safe injections ever since. The injections help relax the muscle to help alleviate creases, lines, and wrinkles. As a result, Botox is also helpful in smoothing out crow’s feet, a treatment which it more recently received FDA approval for. The medication also helps elevate the brow. Every patient is different, so you might find Botox’s results last upwards of six months or that you need touch-up injections three or four times a year.
Botox Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscle, not the skin. Most patients experience a little tenderness at the injection site, but it’s no different to the tenderness you feel after a tetanus shot. Bruising may also occur. While rare, other side effects include flu-like symptoms, headaches, and temporary issues with blurred vision.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Belotero and Restylane are both dermal fillers used to help fill in the hollows that form under the eyes as you age. They also help smooth the skin to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet. Made from hyaluronic acid, an acid found within your body, the fillers are safe and carry very little risk of any allergic reaction. It also helps promote the production of collagen within your skin, so your skin quality continues to improve after the injections.
There is little pain during the injections because the facial plastic surgeon uses a topical or local anesthetic before administering the injections. You can return to normal activities as soon as you leave the office. For the next few days, you might have some redness or mild swelling at the injection site. Tenderness and bruising are other common complaints. All of these symptoms ease within seven days.
These two fillers last for approximately six months to a year, so expect to go for touch-up injections once or twice a year.
Skin Resurfacing Techniques
CO2 laser resurfacing involves the use of carbon dioxide lasers that target water in the surface of the skin. By causing the water molecules to dry up, the dull, damaged skin layers peel away leaving younger skin in their place. This helps smooth out crow’s feet and also removes age spots and freckles.
Head to The Naderi Center for Rhinoplasty & Cosmetic Surgery to learn more about non-surgical treatments for your aging eyes. It’s helpful to have new patient forms filled out prior to your appointment with Dr. Jessica Kulak, a Virginia and Maryland aging face specialist. Dr. Kulak is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who spends the majority of her time on facial rejuvenation procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulak call (301) 222-2020 in Maryland or (703) 481-0002 in Virginia.
