Eyelid Surgery, or Blepharoplasty: An Introduction

Rejuvenating your eyes can be that little step that goes a long way. When we talk about looking young, looking fresh and new and energized, it’s all about the eyes. When you’ve been up all night after a late shift, when you’re tired, it’s the eyes that give it away.

Sometimes you see people who are in their forties or fifties with the eyes of a thirty year old. Usually, when we see these people, we think they simply have good genes and got lucky, and that’s why their eyes don’t look so old. In reality, if you could get most of these people to reveal their secret, they might confess that they took matters into their own hands and had a little help. Perhaps they had an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty surgery.

Blepharoplasty

The first question you have may be “What is blepharoplasty?” This is a surgical procedure to tighten the skin and readjust the contours of the fat bags. It is usually performed at a hospital or surgicenter with IV sedation (twilight). This can take 1-2 hours depending on if it is upper eyelids and/or lower eyelids. Recovery involves placing ice packs, keeping the head elevated, putting on ointment on the incisions or eyedrops in the eyes for about one week. Bruising and swelling can last 10-14 days. A supplement may be recommended to help speed up the bruising and swelling. Non surgical blepharoplasty may be recommended using a filler like Restylane® to fill the hollows under the eyes and get rid of the tired look. Filling the hollows can camouflage the fat bags by smoothing the contour of the eye area.

Surgical Blepharoplasty 

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed by excising the excess skin and volumizing the brow fat pad for youthful contours using various techniques. If the eyelids are drooping, ptosis can be addressed at the same time using various lifting techniques. If there are fat bulges these can be addressed as well.

Lower blepharoplasty can be performed with multiple techniques:

Fat Transposition Blepharoplasty: The most exciting new advance is fat transposition blepharoplasty. This technique takes the bulging fat and repositions it in the hollow area below it through and incision in the back of the eyelid. This smooths the contours and does not change the eyelid shape or position. This has been a revolutionary advance in eyelid surgery and is great for both women and men. Skin changes can be addressed with a laser, a skin peel or a skin pinch. These techniques will be discussed with you at the consultation.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty: The eyelid fat is sculpted and minimized through a hidden incision. This is a great technique for a young person with genetic eyelid bags, tight skin without hollowing underneath. The skin can be addressed with lasers, peels or a skin pinch procedure.

Smoothing the Lid cheek junction: The eyelid is adjusted layer by layer. The fat is addressed through the back of the eyelid and the skin and muscle are each individually addressed. The junction between the eyelid and cheek are smoothed out rejuvenating the eyelid area.

Anterior approach. An incision is created under the eyelashes to sleek and tighten the skin and muscles. This is a great procedure for mature patients with a lot of excess soft tissue.

Canthoplasty: The lower eyelid is supported with a variety of techniques to allow for optimal positioning of the eyelid. This can smooth the contour of the eyelid and can correct or prevent eyelid malpositions.

There many non invasive methods of rejuvenating the skin around the eyes such as Botox/Dysport, Restylane, Pelleve, Micropen microneedling, lasers and peels. These methods go a long way towards eyelid rejuvenation, but for many, blepharoplasty may be the best answer. Especially if there is an excess of fat or baggy skin, blepharoplasty may be the right choice for you.

As long as you undergo the procedure in a hospital or surgicenter with an experienced and board certified surgeon, blepharoplasty can be very low risk. Small incisions are carefully hidden in anatomic lines in the eyelid or in the underside of the eyelid which are not visible. After the healing process is complete, people may ask if you had your haircut or went on vacation. They may not be able to identify what is different about you, but they know you look great.

If you wish to undergo blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with an Oculoplastic Surgeon or a surgeon with extensive experience around the eyes. She will be able to examine you and discuss with you the best options for eyelid rejuvenation both surgical and non-surgical. .

non-surgical eyelid lift

Understanding Non Surgical Rejuvenation of the Eyes with Restylane and How It Can Help Make You Look Younger

Over time, bags and wrinkles can form around the eyes making a person look years older than how they feel. Soft tissue changes and atrophy allow prolapsed fat to become more visible causing bags to form both under and above the eye. This can give the eyes a puffy look which often can be the first sign of aging.  There are several corrective options for people suffering from wrinkles, excess skin folds, bags and bulges around the eye area. Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as an eyelid lift, can make a world of difference in both the appearance and functionality of the eyes.

For those who do not desire surgery, non-surgical blepharoplasty with Restylane is a great option. It can subtract years from one’s appearance, and this procedure is overall considered to be safe and effective. Non-surgical blepharoplasty can rejuvenate either the upper or lower eyelids creating an overall refreshed look with little downtime.

Restylane is a dermal filler injection designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and provide extra volume around the eye area. This material is FDA approved in the lips and smile lines (although the eye area is considered “off-label”) and is a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as NASHA. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in every living organism in the skin, joints and eyes which is why it has been so widely accepted by patients seeking rejuvenation. Restylane is a clear gel that restores extra volume and corrects wrinkles and bags while improving the overall contour of the eye area. Improved appearance around the eye area can be seen immediately after having a Restylane injection, and the results generally last up to six months although some may see longer lasting results. The gel injection slowly dissolves in the body over time naturally. Another great fact about hyaluronic acid fillers is that if there is undesired product, it can be reversed with a special medicine called hyaluronidase.

Some swelling can be seen the first day and ice after treatment is recommended.

Restylane is produced using a special type of bacteria in a laboratory environment by a natural fermentation process. Unlike some other dermal fillers, Restylane contains no animal derived products. The lack of animal products in Restylane means that the product does not require skin tests or allergy tests before being administered for the first time. It is safe for use in people who have allergies or sensitivities to eggs or other animal foods. The safety of Restylane has been thoroughly tested, and the product is sold in over 65 countries. It has been successfully and safely applied in over 10 million procedures. The results from Restylane injections create a youthful look without the recovery of other blepharoplasty options.

The use of Restylane injections to correct wrinkles, puffiness and bags on and around the eyelids is a popular treatment because of the excellent, long lasting results that quickly leave the face refreshed and looking years younger. Schedule an appointment with a board certified Oculoplastic surgeon or other physician with expertise in treating this area to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Eyelid Rejuvenation Treatments: Surgical and Non-Surgical

You may notice that your eyelids are making you look tired and aged. Often times wrinkles and bags around the eyes are the first sign of “maturing”. There are various ways to rejuvenate the eye area such as surgical or non-surgical treatment. Patients have noticed significant improvements in appearance, and they have felt more confident afterward.

Eyelid Rejuvenation — Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment

Sagging skin on the upper lids can be treated with an eyelift, also called blepharoplasty. This procedure involves making hidden incisions that excise extra skin from above the eye. Patients remark that the eyelids feel lighter and they are able to wear eyeshadow again.

For bags under the eyes and wrinkling of the skin, a lower blepharoplasty is recommended. Various techniques are utilized. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty (TCB) is performed via the inside of the eyelid which hides the incision, a fat transposition blepharoplasty where the fat is maintained and placed into an area of hollowing below the fat and transcutaneous techniques that hide the incision below the lashes which tighten the skin, and smooth the area between the eyelid and cheek.

Non-Surgical Eye Treatment

Sometimes a less invasive option can be considered. Under eye treatments with Restylane, a hyaluronic acid filler, has become popular since 2005. The aesthetic trend is going towards minimally invasive treatments with a faster recovery. This hyaluronic acid substance is used to fill areas that have become hollow over time because of skin thinning, fat atrophy and other factors. The skin around the eyes may appear tighter and less creased. Additionally, Restylane can camouflage some under eyelid bags in certain patients. Filler mimics the hyaluronic acid that exists naturally in our joints, eyes and other areas in the body. Traditionally, hyaluronic acid fillers have been used in the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and lips. Restylane is FDA approved in these areas, but has not been officially studied in the eye area (considered off-label). Additionally, a benefit of using an hyaluronic acid filler is that it can be dissolved if needed.

The longevity of treatment depends on how much muscle movement is in the facial area and the individual’s metabolism. One filling session can provide improved appearance for about six to twelve months.

Preparing for Treatment

Whether you seek surgical or non-surgical treatment for signs of aging in your eye area, you can meet with a specialist who can speak with you to find out your areas of concern. She can examine you and assess your aesthetic needs and if you are a good candidate for various procedures. During this consultation, you will discuss the possible benefits of the different types of cosmetic eyelid and facial treatments available, as well as any risks and alternatives to treatment. Together you can find a plan that can help you achieve realistic aesthetic goals.

Non Surgical Face Rejuvenation NYC

Non Surgical Rejuvenation Using Botox and Pelleve

If you’re tired of looking at fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging, then you might be wondering what options are out there to help give you that youthful appearance once again. At the same time, you may be wanting to avoid surgery which can be more serious with a longer recovery..

Fortunately, there are plenty of non-surgical rejuvenation options available these days, including Botox, Pellevé®, and Restylane.

Botox®

Botox® is a drug that’s injected directly into the skin as a means of temporarily paralyzing muscles, which has the effect of reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Most commonly, Botox® injections are used to achieve a more youthful appearance in the face.

Getting Botox® injections takes just a few minutes in most cases, and effects can be seen as early as 48 hours but evolve over 5-7 days, depending on the patient. The effects typically last 3-4 months, so patients will need to be retreated.

Overall, Botox® can be a great option for those who want an effective, quick method of reducing the appearance of fine facial lines and dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles associated with movement) without having to go under the knife. Still, as with any injection, there are some possible side effects, so it’s best to meet with your physician first to discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to treatment.

Pellevé®

The Pellevé® treatment is another method of non-surgical skin rejuvenation that’s recently gained popularity among those looking to take years off their appearances. This particular treatment option is great for those who have a fear of injections because it doesn’t involve any kind of injection or surgery.

Specifically, a Pellevé® treatment involves the application of a gel to the treatment area (usually the face and/or neck). A highly trained and experienced clinician will spread the gel around the area, during which time the patient will feel a warming sensation in the skin. As such, this treatment is completely painless, and some patients even claim that it feels like getting a warm facial massage.

Plus, a Pellevé® treatment typically takes just 30-60 minutes to complete, making it a painless and quick way to smooth out wrinkles in skin.

Restylane® and other facial fillers

Restylane® is a treatment that’s proven to help reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected beneath the skin and can also be used to add fullness to certain areas of the face, such as the lips and the smile lines (nasolabial folds)  More recently, it has been used to fill the hollows underneath the eyes (tear trough) and even camouflage bags of the lower eyelids.

Typically a Restylane® injection can last for about 6-12 months depending on the movement of the area and each individual’s metabolism. After that time, treatments may be repeated as needed.  Results will vary from patient to patient.

As you can see, there are plenty of non-surgical options out there for giving your skin that young, smooth and vibrant appearance once again. Before you make a decision, however, just be sure to consult with a board-certified specialist who has extensive experience in facial aesthetics. This way, you can determine which options will be best for you based on your needs and find the safest most effective treatments for you.

Pelleve

Still not sure Pellevé® is right for you?

What if you could turn back the clock without pain, without surgery, without a long recovery needing social downtime, without looking done? What if you could tighten the loose crepey skin around the eyes, elevate your eyebrows, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, tighten your jawline, firm your neck. Your wishes have come true…

Pellevé® is a revolutionary radio frequency energy based device for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation which is not a laser. Anesthesia creams and injections are not needed. Many patients say that the treatment not only is painless, but it is relaxing and feels like a hot stone massage. Your skin may be slightly pink at the end of treatment, but it quickly fades and you can still return to work that day or go out to dinner the same night.

Pellevé® works in several ways. It targets heat into the deep layers of the skin without damaging the top layer of the skin. The heat tightens and contracts these deeper layers, causing the skin to produce new collagen, improving its firmness. The result is a naturally fresher looking you.

There is no recovery, no wound care, no ointments or vinegar soaks like what is needed with lasers. Your friends will say you look more rested, refreshed and younger, but will not know why. Pellevé® offers a more pleasant and natural experience than many other treatments with results you can feel confident about.

Results can be seen immediately after one treatment, however for optimal results a series of three treatments are recommended one month apart. A touch up may be needed at about eight months or when you are ready for an update. A full facial treatment takes less than an hour and an eye treatment takes less than 30 minutes. You can bounce back to your normal life with minimal to no downtime.

Pellevé® is a treatment for both women and men patients that are new to facial aesthetics that don’t want to look “done”, too tight or “windblown”. It is ideal for those who don’t like the idea of injections. Ideal candidates are between 35-60 with wrinkles around the eyes, early sagging brows, eyelid, forehead, and mouth wrinkles, mild to moderate skin laxity (looseness) and jowls. Pellevé® is especially effective around the thin skin of the eyes. To get maximum effect best results, hydrate the skin by drinking lots of water ahead of time. Please remove all metal jewelry and makeup before your Pellevé® session .

Make an appointment today with Dr. Kroll to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Pellevé® can be used in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments such as a superficial chemical peel with minimal downtime utilizing NeoCutis® products, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Botox® or Dysport®. Your secret is safe.

This blog does not represent medical advice and does not provide any guarantees of results. A consultation in person with Dr. Kroll, or your aesthetic physician, is recommended to review your medical history and the risks, benefits and alternatives to treatment. She will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

NY Eyelid Specialist - Dr. Debra Kroll

NY Eyelid Specialist – Dr. Debra Kroll