Are Cosmetic Eye Procedures Right for Me? | Healthy Aging Month

We all want to look our best. In some cases, to achieve the look you want, you may have considered cosmetic eye procedures.

​Usually, cosmetic eye procedures are performed to improve some of the signs of aging, such as lines or wrinkles. Understanding your options, along with the associated benefits and risks, is the first step in deciding if a cosmetic eye procedure is right for you.

Types of Cosmetic Eye Procedures

The type of cosmetic eye procedure that may work best for you depends on the issue you are trying to correct. A few of the most common cosmetic eye procedures are as follows:
 
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a type of cosmetic eye surgery that involves removing excess skin or fat from the upper or lower lids. Vision can even be affected in people that have a large amount of excess skin on the upper lid. In most cases though, blepharoplasty is done for cosmetic purposes.
 
Blepharoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. After you are given numbing medication, the surgeon will make a cut along the eyelid, removes excess fat and skin, and closes the incision. If you are also having the lower lid done, another cut is made below the lower lash line, and excess skin and fat are removed before closing.
 
BOTOX®
BOTOX has become very popular in the last decade or two. BOTOX can treat wrinkles and lines around the eyes. Made from Clostridium botulinum, a type of bacteria, BOTOX is injected into the muscles around the eyes, where it blocks nerve impulses. It temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscles.
 
By weakening the muscles, it prevents the muscle activity that causes wrinkles. BOTOX is also used to treat lines and wrinkles on other areas of the face, including the forehead.
 
The results of BOTOX can vary, and they are not permanent. Results usually wear off in about three or four months. BOTOX is approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles and is safe for most people.
 
Restylane®
Another cosmetic eye procedure to consider is Restylane. Restylane is a gel made from non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. It is injected into the folds and lines around the eyes to combat wrinkles. Restylane is also used to fill in wrinkles in other parts of the face, such as around the mouth. Similar to BOTOX, Restylane is not permanent. The results last between about six and nine months. Restylane is FDA approved to treat lines and wrinkles.
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Risks & Benefits of Cosmetic Eye Procedures

As with many types of cosmetic procedures, along with the benefits, there can be risks. It’s important to understand the possible complications and decide if the benefits are worth or outweigh the risks.
 
The obvious benefit of having a cosmetic eye procedure is feeling better about your appearance, which can increase your confidence and impact other areas of your life.
 
The risks and side effects may vary, depending on the type of procedure performed. Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure. As with any type of surgery though, there are potential risks. Although uncommon, risks of blepharoplasty include bleeding, infection, and excessive tearing.
 
Complications from BOTOX and Restylane are uncommon, but they can occur as well. Potential side effects from BOTOX include redness, inflammation, and pain at the injection site. Another possible side effect of BOTOX is droopy eyelids. Restylane’s side effects and risks may include pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.
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How to Determine If a Cosmetic Eye Procedure Is Right For You?

With all the options you have, how do you decide if you should have a cosmetic eye procedure and what your best option is? Consider the following tips:

1. Discuss the pros and cons with your eye doctor: Having this information can help you determine if you’re ready for surgery. Making a spur of the moment decision to have a cosmetic eye procedure is not advisable. Get the information you need to make an informed decision, think it over, and discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor before making a decision.
2. Have realistic expectations: Having a cosmetic eye procedure will not turn back the clock 20 years, and it may not solve all of your concerns. However, having a cosmetic eye procedure to address the things you dislike can make you feel more confident and improve your appearance.
3. Consider qualifications: Low-cost BOTOX offers are not your best bet when it comes to cosmetic eye procedures. It’s essential to have a doctor that understands the muscles of the face and eye, such as an oculoplastic surgeon. Seeking a qualified oculoplastic surgeon decreases the risk of complications. Remember, to a large extent, results depend on the skill of the provider.

 
Before having any type of cosmetic eye procedure, it’s important to have a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a visual inspection of your eyelid and area around your eye. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and / or appearance, please call our office at 508-746-8600 to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors. If you have been seen by your eye doctor and are ready for an appointment with the oculoplastic surgeon, please discuss this when you call.  
 
We hope you enjoyed our blog this week. Please check back soon as we cover ‘Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy & Recurrent Corneal Erosions’ as part of Healthy Aging Month.