The rise of effective, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments has revolutionized the cosmetic field over the past 10 to 20 years. Among these treatments, dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic injections have made a significant impact, offering patients a refreshed and youthful appearance without the need for surgery.
So, if you want to rejuvenate the area around your eyes, which is better: injectables or blepharoplasty? While treatments around the eyes with injectables can be highly effective, determining the best procedure for you involves a thorough consultation. During this process, a facial plastic surgeon evaluates your goals and concerns and physically examines the area around the eyes to decide whether injectables or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are more suitable.
When to Use Injectables
When the delicate skin around the eyes starts losing its elasticity, upper eyelids start to sag and crow’s feet can develop at the corners of the eyes. Aging and genetics can also contribute to the presence of dark circles or bags under the eyes. Strategically placed BOTOX injections can temporarily smooth crow’s feet and give a subtle lift to the brows, taking a few years off your appearance. For under-eye bags and dark circles, fillers such as Restylane® can smooth this area and reduce shadows.
One of the benefits of getting injectable treatments is little to no downtime. The injections take only a few minutes to complete and most patients can return to work or their other activities immediately after leaving our office.
When to Choose Eyelid Surgery
Upper and lower blepharoplasty create long-lasting results for men and women who believe they look tired or older than they feel due to the appearance of their eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and can remove or reposition fat pads around the eyes. In some severe cases, droopy eyelids can even impair a person’s peripheral vision.
Lower eyelid surgery minimizes the look of under-eye bags by repositioning or removing fat and tightening excess skin. In both procedures, the surgeon makes incisions that are concealed, so there are no worries about scarring. Some patients can benefit from having both lower and upper eyelid surgery performed during the same operation. A procedure can take from 1 to 3 hours. Recovery following eyelid surgery usually requires taking at least a week off from work and avoiding strenuous exercise for up to a month.
The advantage of eyelid surgery compared to fillers is that the results are more dramatic and can last for years. The aging process continues, of course, but patients appear much more youthful and refreshed after surgery.
Take the Next Step
Patients who get eyelid surgery range from men and women in their 20s or 30s to patients 60 or older. If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your eyelids, there really is no reason to wait.
If you’ve been considering either nonsurgical or surgical eyelid procedures, we invite you to call our office today at (515) 277-5555 or request a consultation.
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