Droopy Eyelids
By Mary E. Hurley, M.D., North Dallas Dermatology, North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine
I have droopy eyelids and feel like I need to have plastic surgery. Is there anything I can do to avoid having to go under the knife?
While nothing can quite compete with the dramatic effects of plastic surgery, there are risks involved with any surgical procedure, including the risks associated with general anesthesia. There are many new advances in the field of cosmetic dermatology that can buy time until you really need surgery.
For the upper lid area, there are several procedures that can be performed to give a nonsurgical upper brow lift. For example, Botox™ Cosmetic injections can be used to raise the brow. A filler, such as Juvederm™ or Restylane™, can be used in the brow area to heighten the brow. In addition, fractional laser resurfacing on the upper lid has been shown in clinical studies to give about 1- 2 mm of upper brow elevation (known as the “Madonna lift”). These procedures can often be combined together for a synergistic effect without the downtime and risks of surgery.
For the lower lid and the periorbital area, similar procedures can be performed: Botox™ Cosmetic can be used around the eyes in the crow’s feet, Restylane™ can be used under the eyes in the tear trough area to fill in hollows and fractional laser surfacing can also be used to smooth and tighten lax skin.
Another type of filler called Sculptra™ can be injected around the eye area to fill in sunken depressions under the eyes (the “tear troughs”), soften fine lines and crow’s feet and raise the brows. This is an all-natural product that is derived from sugar cane (an alpha hydroxy acid) that works slowly to stimulate your own body’s natural production of collagen. The results occur slowly over four to six months and can last up to two years. The texture of the skin also becomes smoother. You can watch your skin grow younger!
As part of any good daily skin care regimen, especially given the delicate skin in the eye area, don’t forget about using a good eye cream. Look for special ingredients to target the desired effect such as dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.
Dr. Mary Hurley is a board-certified dermatologist, president and medical director of North Dallas Dermatology in Dallas and can be reached at 214-420-7070. For more tips from Dr. Hurley, visit www.northdallasderm.com.
