When you think about fighting wrinkles and other signs of aging in the eye area, what comes to mind? It might be that the first thing you think about is surgery, like an eyelid lift. For the right person, eyelid surgery can be the best way to reduce droopiness and under eye bags. But it’s not the only way to brighten up the eye area. If you’re not ready for surgery or want to pursue less invasive treatment options, you have a variety of options to choose from.
Fraxel for the Upper and Lower Eyelids
Fraxel is a type of non-ablative laser treatment. It helps to minimize wrinkles, smooth out uneven skin texture and reduce the appearance of scars. It can also help to brighten the eye area by reducing crepiness in the lower eyelids and upper eyelids.
Although the idea of putting a laser anywhere near your eyes might seem alarming, rest assured that Fraxel is gentle enough for use near the eyes. Unlike other stronger lasers, Fraxel doesn’t damage the outer layer of skin so it’s considerably gentler. You’ll also be given special lenses or goggles to wear during your treatment to protect your eyes.
Botox for Crow’s Feet
Squinting, laughing, crying — any activity that has you repeatedly closing or squeezing your eyes shut can lead to the development of crow’s feet at the corners. Those are the lines that look like the footprints made by little birds. Crow’s feet are a type of dynamic wrinkle, meaning that they form because of muscle movement in a particular area. Over the years, the lines can become more deeply etched into the skin.
One of the FDA-approved uses for Botox injections is to help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. The injection provides results that typically last for three months. After that time, you can repeat the treatment to keep the lines away.
Botox works by blocking the signals sent by your nerves to certain muscles on the face. When those muscles don’t get the signal, they don’t make the movement that helps to create the wrinkles. After a few days of not making the movements connected to certain wrinkles, the lines fade from view. Although Botox keeps you from making specific movements, it doesn’t “freeze” your entire face. You’ll still be able to make most expressions.
Fillers for Dark Circles
Several types of dermal fillers can be used under the eyes to fill in hollowness or banish dark circles, which develop as the skin in the under eye area thins out. Often, hyaluronic acid fillers are the injection of choice for under the eyes. That’s because they are made from an ingredient naturally produced by the body and aren’t likely to form bumps or unevenness.
Your surgeon might also use Radiesse, a heavier dermal filler, to fill in hollows under the eyes or to minimize dark circles. Radiesse is usually used for deeper lines or hollows while hyaluronic acid fillers are typically used to treat more superficial lines.
How long the results last depends on the filler used. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically provide results for several months, while Radiesse usually lasts longer, sometimes for up to a year.
Latisse for Fuller Lashes
Thin or sparse eyelashes can also add years to your appearance. Some people have few eyelashes from the time they are young while others might lose their lashes as they get older. While you can try false lashes or mascara to add volume to existing lashes, a longer-lasting option is to try Latisse.
Latisse is available by prescription only. It’s designed to encourage the growth of new eyelashes on the upper eyelid. To use it, you apply a single drop each night to the lash line on the upper eyelid. Usually, it can take up to four months for you to see visible results from the treatment. However, some people notice fuller lashes after a month or so.
Dr. Paul Vitenas offers a full range of non-surgical eye area treatments at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, Texas. To learn more about your options and to choose the one that is best for you, call 281-810-9083 to schedule a consultation today.