Botox Injections For Medical Eyelid Conditions
Brian Herschorn, MD
Brooklyn Oculoplastic Surgeon
Botox (botulinim toxin) is a protein that has powerful muscle-relaxing capabilities. It has dramatically improved the lives of people with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. These conditions cause involuntary closure of the eyelids which can result in excessive blinking and difficulty opening the eyes. Patients with severe blepharospasm sometimes cannot open the eyes at all. The treatment involves Botox injections around the eyelids in a simple office procedure. The muscle-relaxing effect typically lasts 3 months. Because Botox treatment is done for a medical condition in these cases, most medical insurances will cover the cost of the Botox injections.
Botox Treatments For Cosmetic Eyelid Conditions
Botox injections can also be used to treat several cosmetic abnormalities, such as wrinkles and frown lines. Wrinkles on the face are caused by muscular contractions underneath the facial surface. A Botox treatment performed underneath these muscles causes the wrinkles subside. The most common wrinkles seen in the face include forehead lines, lines between the eyebrows, and crows feet, which are wrinkles at the outer portion of the eyelids. Treatment of these problems by our Brooklyn Botox treatment specialist can help preserve a youthful appearance.
Want to know more about BOTOX injections? Contact our Botox treatment specialists
Dermal Fillers
Wrinkle Smoothing | Lip Sculpting | Facial Contouring
Dermal fillers are being used more and more to help reverse the changes associated with aging. Because the goal is to return the dermis to its original youthful state, dermal fillers can give a more natural appearance than surgical face lifts. Dermal fillers are being used to reduce or eliminate wrinkles, raise scar depressions, enhance lips, and replace soft-tissue volume loss.
Types of Dermal Fillers:
There are several classes of dermal fillers marketed in the US today. These include: collagen based fillers (i.e. EVOLENCE), hyaluronic acid based fillers (i.e. Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm), and calcium hydroxyl apatite fillers such as Radiesse.
BOTOX Injections Can Remove Facial Wrinkles
The ideal dermal filler should be easy to administer, provide reproducible cosmetic results, remain in the dermis for a significant period of time, and have a superior safety profile. Injection of fillers usually requires the use of either a topical numbing cream or a local injection of anesthetic. The the dermal filler is injected usinf a very fine needle into each wrinkle or scar that requires treatment. Some mild burning and stinging may occur. This is normal and quickly resolves.
Depending upon the filler used, the results can last from three months to greater than 1 year. The formulation of new collagen can last at least 6 months with no need for skin testing, like the old generation of collagen fillers. Restylane & Juvederm can last a from six months to one year. Radiesse can provide results that last greater than 3 years.
Want to know more about Dermal Fillers? Contact our Cosmetic specialist
Eyelid Surgery Can Repair Droopy and Baggy Eyelids
Other eyelid conditions such as droopy eyelids (ptosis) and baggy eyelids (dermatochalasis) can also negatively affect appearance. These conditions are sometimes severe enough to cause blockage of the vision. Under these circumstances, most medical insurances and Medicare will cover the surgery to correct these conditions. These insurances usually require photographs and visual field testing to determine the extent of vision loss from these conditions. The surgery to correct eyelid droopiness is called ptosis repair (otherwise known as a lid lift). The surgery to remove the excess skin from the eyelids causing a baggy appearance is called blepharoplasty.
Call our Bay Ridge offices today to schedule an eyelid surgery consultation
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty Can Reduce Baggy Eyelids
Our Brooklyn oculoplastics (eyelid surgery)surgery specialists can perform blepharoplasty on a cosmetic basis to help preserve a youthful appearance. As people get older, the fatty tissue that cushions the eye within the eye socket tends to push out toward the eyelids, causing a baggy appearance. Blepharoplasty surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the eyelid, restoring the normal contours of the lid. The blepharoplasty procedure is performed in under one hour using local anesthesia. The eyelid incision is typically oriented horizontally to blend with the natural creases in the eyelid and avoid scarring. After the extra skin and fatty tissue is removed, a thin stitch is placed to bring the skin together. This stitch is removed after one week in a painless office procedure.
Is blepharoplasty the best solution for you? Call us for a consultation