As we age, we acquire lines around our eyes that show how much we’ve smiled, laughed and lived. While many accept these changes to their appearance, others may feel self-conscious or believe that the way they look doesn’t match the way they feel. If you’re considering cosmetic eye surgery to reduce the signs of aging, below is everything you need to know to get started.
Fillers
Under-eye filler, also called injectable hyaluronic acid, replaces and restores volume in under-eye hollows. These injections are administered under the eye to fill the indentation caused by a fat pad bulging above. A topical numbing cream is used, and the injections can be performed with a needle, using a series of injections, or with a blunt-tipped cannula, which treats multiple areas through a single injection.
Recovery varies from person to person. Some leave the office with no swelling or bruising and see immediate results, while others bruise for one to two weeks before results appear. Results typically last at least a year.
Botox
Botox injections, made from the botulism toxin, are used to treat frown lines and crow’s feet. They work by temporarily paralyzing the muscles under the skin, making it harder to contract the muscles that create the lines. Botox can also be used to elevate the eyebrows and open the eyes.
You can resume regular activities right after the procedure. The only expectation to this is you should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours, as this can result in bruising or even shifting of the Botox to other areas of the face. Botox wears off at a rate of about 30% each month, meaning in three months 90% will have worn off.
Lasers
Ablative lasers like the CO2 laser use high levels of concentrated energy to treat fine lines and wrinkles, tighten sagging skin and eliminate sun spots. This skin-resurfacing technique delivers short, pulsing beams of light into problem spots, removing the wrinkled or discolored areas one thin layer at a time. While healing, the skin regrows firmer and smoother.
The skin will be red and swollen, like a bad sunburn, for a few weeks after the procedure. During this time it is essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and moisturize with a gentle topical like Aquaphor or Vaseline. Results last at least two years, depending on factors like genetics, UV exposure and skin maintenance.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Pinnacle ENT Associates today.