Age-related changes to the eyes and forehead area can dramatically affect the way you look over time. Procedures like blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery are designed to correct these changes and restore an appearance that reflects your lively self. This helpful guide explores some of the most effective surgical and non-surgical procedures to rejuvenate the eyes.
Eyelid Lift
One of the most frustrating age-related facial changes is sagging eyelid skin. The delicate skin surrounding the eyes loses elasticity over time. This causes the upper eyelids to gradually droop. In some cases the lower eyelid area will also sag and develop pockets of fat (“eyebags”). Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid lift surgery, can treat these common age-related changes. Eyelid lift surgery produces a refreshed appearance by removing excess skin and eliminating pockets of under-eye fat.
This procedure is a popular choice because of its transformational results, minimal scarring and relatively easy recovery. Most patients can return to work and social activities within two weeks after surgery.
Blepharoplasty is a good choice if you want to treat the following cosmetic concerns:
- Drooping upper and lower eyelids
- Excess eyelid skin
- Under-eye bags
Brow Lift
The brow area also experiences a loss of elasticity with age. This causes deep forehead creases to develop and the brows may droop. These cosmetic changes often produce a tired or angry expression. Men and women wanting to correct these age-related changes frequently choose brow lift surgery to restore a more youthful appearance. Younger patients with a naturally low brow are also great candidates for this procedure.
Brow lift surgery (sometimes called a “forehead lift”) is performed by making carefully concealed incisions along the hairline and then weakening the muscles that create frown lines. The brow is then lifted to a more youthful position. These surgical techniques smooth away bothersome forehead lines and lift the brow for a refreshed look.
Patients who exhibit the following are great candidates for brow lift surgery:
- Deep forehead lines
- Furrows and creases between the eyebrows
- Drooping eyebrows
- Naturally low brow position or forehead lines due to genetics
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin
These days surgery isn’t the only option for rejuvenating the eyes. Injectables such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin make it possible to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without incisions, heavy anesthetics or a lengthy recovery period. These injectables belong to a class of drugs known as neurotoxins. When injected they inhibit the nerve signals sent to muscles in the injected site. This causes movement-related wrinkles to soften because the muscle can no longer contract. In addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, these injectables can also create a subtle lifting effect for the eyebrows to achieve a refreshed appearance.
The effects of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin typically last between four and six months. A treatment session usually takes no more than 30 minutes and patients can immediately resume their regular activities. Patients may experience mild redness or swelling but there is no downtime required.
Ideal candidates for Botox, Dysport and Xeomin include people who:
- Want to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and similar movement-related wrinkles
- Are seeking a non-surgical solution for rejuvenating the eyes
Dermal Fillers and Facial Fat Transfer
Dermal fillers are also popular options for patients who want to rejuvenate the eye area without surgery. Fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance naturally found in the body that helps the skin stay plump and hydrated. The gel-like substance in dermal fillers plumps up volume in the skin to reduce surface depressions and lines. Fillers can also restore volume under the eyes to counteract the “hollowed-out” appearance that often occurs with aging. Some patients also choose to have filler injected into the temples to further rejuvenate the upper face and achieve a well-rested appearance.
Like Botox injections, dermal fillers take just minutes to administer and require no downtime. Their effects can last between three and twelve months depending on the type of filler used.
Facial fat transfer produces similar effects but the results are longer lasting. During a facial fat transfer procedure, fat is first removed from the patient’s body. It is then processed to remove impurities and injected into areas of the face lacking volume.
Facial fat transfer and dermal fillers are great options for those who:
- Exhibit a loss of volume around the eyes
- Have surface depressions and wrinkles on the forehead
- Don’t feel ready for more extensive facial cosmetic surgery
Although aging is inevitable there are many options to help you turn back time and refresh your eyes. Contact Dr. Eric Pugash today to schedule a consultation for blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery, or injectables in Vancouver, BC.