Aging Eyes
Aging Eyes: BOTOX® Cosmetic Vs. Blepharoplasty
The eyes are one of the first facial features to show the effects of aging. Fine lines at the corners of the eyes soon become deeper and spread outward, forming full-fledged crow’s feet. The premature aging of the eyes is due to several factors. The skin on the eyes is notoriously thin and weak. It also works constantly throughout the day. Think about it, every time you blink, smile, frown, and even when you sleep you are putting a strain on the skin around your eyes. This, combined with sun exposure and the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin, often leads one to consider cosmetic treatments. Two treatment options for aging eyes are BOTOX® Cosmetic and blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery. While both of these procedures will result in brighter, more youthful, rejuvenated eyes, they are not interchangeable, and before you choose which one is for you, you should know all of the facts.
If You Are Looking For . . .
A Non-Invasive Treatment
When looking at the differences between BOTOX® Cosmetic and blepharoplasty, the first thing you will notice is that one is a surgical procedure, the other one is not. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates aging eyes by surgically removing excess skin and repositioning fat in the upper and lower eyelids. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a non-invasive treatment that smooths out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes by injecting a derivative of botulinum toxin type A to relax and loosen the underlying muscles and tissues around the eyes so that wrinkles do not form. If you are looking for a quick treatment that does not require much downtime, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be right for you.
A Permanent Option
While everyone likes the idea of a non-invasive procedure, one of the drawbacks of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that it is only a temporary treatment, and wrinkles, as you well know, are not temporary. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections generally last between three and six months. At that time, you’ll have to decide whether you want to repeat the treatment, or whether you will let the fine lines and wrinkles creep back in. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, is long lasting. Eyelid surgery can last several years before aging once again becomes noticeable, and even after that, your eyes will always look more rejuvenated than if you never had the procedure.
Help for Brow and Forehead Lines
Blepharoplasty addresses only the upper and lower eyelids. BOTOX® Cosmetic, on the other hand, can reduce lines not only around the eyes but also between the brows and along the forehead.
Help with Bags Under the Eyes
While BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used for more areas of the face, it cannot create the same lasting results as blepharoplasty when it comes to the upper and lower eyelids. As you age, dark, puffy bags start to form beneath your eyes. These bags contribute to an aged and tired appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic cannot address these bags, and so if your concern stems from what is above and below the eye, blepharoplasty is the treatment for you.
If you’ve had enough of your aging eyes, contact us today!
Aging Eyes: Blepharoplasty Vs. Brow Lift
For patients whose eye concerns are too extensive for BOTOX® Cosmetic, surgery is the ideal choice. There are two main causes for an aged look around the eye, and two surgical options available to correct it. Blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery are performed to counteract and reduce the visible signs of aging on the upper face. Determining the correct procedure for you comes down to identifying whether the underlying cause of your facial aging is drooping eyelids or drooping brows.
If You Are Looking For . . .
Relief from Heavy Upper Eyelids
Sagging upper eyelids affect your appearance by limiting the range of emotions your eyes can express. When sagging occurs, your eyes will constantly appear tired, stressed, or angry. Drooping eyelids can also interfere with your vision, making everyday activities like driving difficult or even dangerous. Both blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery can address sagging eyelids and to determine the right option, you must decipher the cause. Blepharoplasty is the ideal choice if the excess skin is localized to the upper eyelid. Candidates experience minimal aging on the forehead and the youthful placement of the eyebrows. Brow lift surgery is the ideal choice when skin laxity on the forehead causes the brows to droop, which in turn places extra pressure on the upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery can both be performed as standalone procedures; however, some patients benefit more from a combination of these treatments. Dr. Hiatt will evaluate your skin during your consultation to determine the procedure or combination that is right for you.
Relief for Under-Eye Bags
Puffy bags and dark circles begin to develop as you age, similar to the bags that can be seen after a restless night’s sleep. Because of these bags, many individuals feel as though they look tired or haggard. If dark circles and bags under the eye are your primary concern, blepharoplasty is the procedure for you. Brow lift surgery only addresses the area above the eye; it will have no effect on the area beneath it. Lower blepharoplasty removes or redistributes the excess fat and loose skin that contribute to these bags and circles. Lower blepharoplasty will allow you to regain a more awake and alert appearance.
Relief for Forehead Lines
Forehead lines are surgically corrected with brow lift surgery. A brow lift uses a hidden incision along the hairline to remove excess skin and reposition the sagging tissues that create horizontal creases along the forehead. Not only will your brows be returned to a youthful, heightened position, but your forehead will become smoother and tighter.
If you have had enough of the tired and aged appearance of your eyes, contact Dr. Hiatt today by calling (480) 844-1410.