Oculoplastic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures: What to Expect

There are many positive aspects of getting older, including more wisdom and better perspective, but many people may agree that wrinkles and sagging skin are not one of the perks of aging.
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Although you cannot turn back the hands of time, the good news is there are procedures that are available that can reduce sagging skin, wrinkles, and lines. Continue reading to learn about some options. 

Oculoplastic Surgery: Blepharoplasty 

As we get older, the skin around our eyelids can lose its elasticity, which results in sagging skin and wrinkles. The eyelids may also droop and make the eyes look tired. Muscles around the eyes may also become weaker, which also contributes to sagging. In some cases, the sagging skin hangs down so low over the eyes, it interferes with vision.

One option in oculoplastic surgery is a treatment called blepharoplasty. It is a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin, and fat, and fixes the droopy eyes. 

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Before the surgery, you are given a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort. Medication to help you relax is also an option. Your surgeon makes a small incision and excess skin and fat are removed. The procedure may involve the upper lid, lower lid, or both. Typically, self-dissolving stitches are used to close the cut.

Blepharoplasty is considered safe for most people and complications are not common but can include infection, bleeding, and swelling. 
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​Botox Injections

Not all procedures to improve wrinkles or sagging skin require surgery. Botox involves tiny injections of a neurotoxin to temporarily paralyze the muscle near the injection site.

Botox is FDA approved to treat certain medical conditions, such as migraines and overactive bladder. It can also be used to treat conditions that involve the eye, such as spasms of the eyelid and strabismus. Botox is probably best known for its cosmetic benefits.

As we age, wrinkles are particularly common around the eyes. These little lines appear most often when we smile and are called crow’s feet. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that contract when you smile, which decreases the wrinkles. Botox is also often used in the vertical lines between the eyes and horizontal lines on the forehead.

Botox injections are quick and do not require any downtime for recovery. The surgeon may numb the area first with a topical medication or ice. The doctor then administers a series of injections into the muscle. The injections are usually not painful, and bleeding does not often occur or is very minimal.
It usually takes Botox about a week or two to take effect fully.  The results typically last up to about four months.
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Restylane Injections  

Another option to improve wrinkles is Restylane injections. Restylane is a biodegradable gel containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is made naturally by your body. But production slows down as we age. Injections of Restylane fill in the folds and spaces of the face that may have lost volume due to aging. It can also fill in wrinkles.

The results of a Restylane injection are usually seen right away. Although it may vary depending on the area of the face you have treated, Restylane injections typically last between six months to a year.

Similar to Botox injections, a numbing agent may be applied to the skin before the procedure. Tiny injections are then administered. The procedure is quick and also does not require any downtime to recover.

Since it is made by your body, Restylane is usually well tolerated. Side effects are minimal but may include minor bruising that decreases after a few days. Swelling and redness at the injection site are also possible.

With all the options you have to diminish wrinkles, you may be unsure of what procedure would be best. Our oculoplastic surgeon can help you make a decision on what is your best bet to get the look you want by reviewing your goals and the procedures available.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. David Chen, please phone our office at 508-746-8600.