Today’s latest fashion accessory is the face mask. While it’s important to stay covered, you still want to look your best. Luckily, there are some procedures designed just for the area of the face above the mask (ATM) – your eyes, brows, and upper cheeks.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, an eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help rejuvenate your eye area. Most eyelid surgeries are completely cosmetic, but if there is so much skin that it is resting on your lashes, you’ll be sent for a visual field study. If it’s determined that the skin is causing a problem with your vision, insurance may cover your procedure.
Surgery can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids and can treat a number of issues. As you age, the tissue layer that holds the fat back that surrounds your eyes relaxes and the fat bulges out, causing bags under your eyes and in the upper lids as well. Surgery can remove the sagging skin that makes you look tired and sometimes impairs vision. The fatty deposits that cause bags underneath the eyes can be reduced as well as the excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. The results can provide a more rested and youthful appearance.
Dr. Poulter is very conscientious of where incisions are placed. For an upper eyelid surgery, the incision goes in the eyelid crease, so you do not see it at all when the eye is open. The lower lid incision is just below the lashes and is well-hidden.
A component of the upper lid fullness can also be a droopy eyebrow. If the brows are too low, a brow lift may be needed to complete the improvement of the upper lids helping you look younger and more refreshed. It lifts the eyebrows and reduces lines and furrows on the forehead by treating the forehead and brow muscles. The incision can be placed in the hairline to shorten a longer forehead or further back in the hair to hide it completely.
Although an eyelid surgery or brow lift may be needed based on individual goals, many ATM procedures can be done with just injectables. Fillers like Juvederm, Volbella or Vollure can be used to fill in the smile lines around the eyes. They can also be used for the “11” lines that can form in between the brows. Filler can be used in the cheeks as well, which can help the eyes appear more open because the eyelid muscles don’t have to constrict as hard. As a result, the eyes are more open and look better. If the eyelids aren’t too saggy, fillers can also be used in the tear troughs – the deep crease between the lower eyelid and upper cheek.
Botox can be used in the forehead to help smooth vertical frown lines and horizontal forehead wrinkles by relaxing the forehead muscles. However, these muscles help elevate the brow – muscle function that is needed for correct brow appearance, so everyone’s treatment is individualized to keep from creating a heavy brow and upper lid fullness. Dr. Poulter also places Botox between the eyes and on the sides. This produces a mini chemical brow lift. Having a board-certified plastic surgeon provide your filler and Botox injections can help ensure that you get the result you are seeking and discuss when it is necessary to take the next step towards surgery.
We also carry the newest SkinMedica products designed just for the area around the eyes. Instant Bright eye cream lightens the eyelids and tightens the skin a bit to help improve the eye’s appearance. It can be used directly on the upper and lower lids, with improvement seen within an hour of application for some patients. The Instant Bright medicated eye masks soothe and hydrate the undereye area, helping to reduce puffiness and helping the eyes look more youthful.
Some people only need Botox and fillers to achieve their aesthetic goals; some require surgery to get the improvement they seek for their eyes. While Dr. Poulter prefers to start with the less invasive methods, he also wants to be a good steward of your cosmetic dollar. During your consultation, he will take into account your goals and how you want to appear, and then develop an individual treatment plan to work for you.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
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