The eyes are the most noticeable feature on anyone’s face. As a matter of fact, there is a logarithmic decrease in the attention people pay to the other features as they move their gaze away from the eyes. With so much attention placed on our eyes, having features like under eye hollows can be a source of insecurity in many people.
Under eye hollows are an eye sore that make the eyes look lusterless. They can occur at any time, sometimes as early as the mid-twenties. The change becomes more significant as we age. With time, the ligaments around the eyes become looser due to volume change. The result is a contour deformity in which the orbital fat in the lower eyelids protrudes and the cheeks droop.
This is due to the loss of tissue between the droopy cheek and eyelid fat. Up until recently, removing orbital fat from the lower eyelid used to be a viable treatment option. This decreased the lower eyelid’s bulging contour, and made it level with the orbital rim.
Although it was possible to get desirable results this way, there were a lot of complications associated with this technique:
- It imparted a hollow look.
- The eyelids looked pulled down.
More importantly, this technique does not reverse the side effects of the aging process, which is mostly due to a change in volume. This is one of the reasons fillers like Restylane are a much better fit to address aging in the lower eyelid area. Restylane is a non-invasive dermal filler that shows excellent results in treating under eye hollows.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Collagen used to be the primary filler of choice, but since it needed a skin allergy test and did not last that long, hyaluronic fillers like Restylane began to take over the scene. Restylane is a complex protein and sugar molecule whose structure resembles that of a wire brush.
Each of the individual wires in the molecule is hydrophilic and is able to attract a lot of water, thereby increasing the volume in the tissues. The sugar/protein is produced by bacteria that is processed by manufacturers into a safe to use product.
The relative simplicity of the procedure is one of its biggest draws. It takes 15 minutes, does not require anesthesia, and you can get it done on a lunch break. The results last for 2 years or more after which you might need to schedule a follow-up appointment for another session. Unlike Botox, there is no muscle paralysis involved.
Before undergoing the procedure, you should always make sure that you go to a trained and board-certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience with the procedure. It takes considerable skill to inject Restylane under the eyes the right way.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
In the weeks leading up to your appointment, you should stop taking certain medications, including aspirin, vitamin E, ibuprofen, and any other medication that can cause bruising. You will also need to stop smoking for a few weeks before and after the procedure for optimal results.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE
If you want a simple and effective way to restore your youthful good looks, give us a call to schedule a consultation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Jeffrey Joseph, a board-certified ophthalmic reconstructive plastic surgeon, will answer any of the questions you have and guide you on your journey to aesthetically pleasing eyes.