Cosmetic Eye Conditions and Treatments
Baggy & puffy eyelids
Baggy eyelids (dermatochalasis) are usually due to the normal aging process. Allergies, recurrent swelling, sun exposure, and genetics also contribute to the laxity of the eyelid skin. Frequently, these changes are associated with upper eyelid ptosis and droopy eyebrows as well. Excessive or puffy eyelid skin may make you look tired and sleepy, as well as much older. When severe, the baggy upper eyelid can block the upper part of your vision and interfere with daily activities. If significant, insurance companies will often pay for the procedure. For mild cases of baggy upper lids and for puffy lower lids, the surgery would be considered cosmetic and is typically not covered unless there is chronic eyelid irritation due to the redundant skin.In the upper lids, redundant skin is removed via hidden upper eyelid crease incisions (blepharoplasty). If the upper eyelid is droopy, the pulley muscle (levator) may be tightened at the same time. Likewise, if the eye brow/forehead is also droopy and is contributing to the superior visual field loss, the brow may be lifted at the same time as well.For the lower lids, some redundant skin can be removed, and fat in the lower eyelids can be removed or repositioned through an incision just underneath the eyelashes or via a hidden incision under the inside portion of the lower eyelid.
Additional information:
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift- Eyelid Rejuvenation - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Blepharoplasty Photos - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Eyebrow and Forehead Lift Photos - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Botox® and Facial Fillers
There are many options to treat facial wrinkles, including Botox® and facial fillers. Botox®, a substance that helps to relax muscles, is often used to treat the dynamic wrinkles that result from muscle contraction. In contrast, facial fillers (a sugar-like substance found in skin) are often injected into areas of static wrinkles to help restore the volume loss stemming from the aging process.The most common areas where Botox® is used include the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), areas between the eye brows (glabellar frown lines), or in the forehead to improve the horizontal lines. It can also be used to reshape and elevate the eyebrow or treat vertical lip lines or down turning of the lips, as well as fixing any pre-existing facial asymmetries.The most common areas where facial fillers are used on the face include the smiles lines or parentheses (nasolabial folds), hollowness in the lower eyelids (tear trough area and nasojugal fold), the lines below the corners of the lips (marionette lines), and the cheeks and lips.The effect of Botox® typically lasts for 3-4 months whereas semi-permanent fillers may last for 6 months to 2 years.
Additional information:
Fillers - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Botox® and facial fillers - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Droopy eyelids (ptosis)
Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”), is the term for droopy eyelids. Droopy eyelids are usually due to the normal aging process, whereby the pulley muscle (levator) that opens the lid becomes stretched out and the eyelid falls, covering part of the pupil. In children, the pulley muscle (levator) may develop abnormally, causing blockage of the vision. On occasion, droopy eyelids may be signs of a more serious medical condition, such as muscular problems (i.e. myasthenia gravis or other neurological problems (third-nerve palsy) or Horner’s syndrome.Patient with ptosis often have problems keep the eyelids open, and constantly raise the forehead or arch the eyebrows, or even tilt the head back in order to see, leading to fatigue. When severe, the droopy eyelids can block the upper part of your vision and interfere with daily activities. Untreated children with ptosis may develop amblyopia (lazy eye), astigmatism, or blurred vision, leading to developmental delay.If the droopy eyelid is significant, insurance companies will often cover the surgical procedure. Ptosis repairs are very successful in improving visual field function. The surgery is typically performed under local sedation on an outpatient basis.
Additional information:
Ptosis (Droopy Upper Eyelid) - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Ptosis-Eyelids that droop - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Ptosis photo gallery - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Eyebrow Lifts
Droopy eyebrows or forehead typically results from the aging process, but can also arise from Bell’s palsy, stroke, tumors, infections, or trauma resulting in facial nerve injury. When the brow and forehead droops, it may crowd more skin down over the upper eyelids. In addition to causing the upper eyelids to block part of the superior visual field, the droopy brows may also make you look tired or angry. If significant visual field loss exists, insurance companies will often pay for the procedure. For milder cases, the surgery would be considered cosmetic and is typically not covered. For mild cases of droopy eyebrows, non-surgical treatment can be performed with Botox® and fillers to lift the brow. For more for more significant cases, outpatient surgery is often performed. It is sometimes combined with upper lid blepharoplasty or upper eyelid ptosis repair, depending on its contribution to the superior visual field obstruction.
Additional information:
Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift-Eyelid Rejuvenation - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Eyebrow and Forehead Lift - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Eye lash enhancement (Latisse®)
Latisse®, (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes. This treatment allows the lashes to grow longer, fuller, and darker. Topical solution is applied to the upper eyelashes each night and full results are seen after 12-16 weeks. If you stop using Latisse®, your eyelashes are expected to return to the original appearance after several weeks to months.
Additional information: www.latisse.com
Eyelid lift
The medical term for an eyelid lift is blepharoplasty. This procedure can remove puffiness or bags under the eyes. It can also correct droopy eyelids. In this procedure, the physician surgically removes excess fat, muscle, and skin from both the upper and lower eyelids to redefine the shape of the eye.
Additional Information:
Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift-Eyelid Rejuvenation - American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Eyelid lift