As we age, the effects of time begin to take their
toll. Wrinkles, bags and frown lines appear around the eyes, giving a tired appearance. Poor diet, smoking and
sun exposure further accelerate the aging process. We offer a variety of cosmetic services to help you regain your youthful
appearance. T'he current trend in cosmetic surgery is toward minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery periods.
Many of today's surgical procedures require less downtime than in the past, and are performed in an outpatient setting.
Botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections are performed in the office setting, offering rapid results with little or no
time away from your busy schedule.
Dr. Chen prefers natural looking results and recommends
a conservative approach to surgery. Because no two patients are alike, he develops an individualized treatment
plan for all of his patients. And because you have so many options to choose from, we recommend that you schedule
a consultation with Dr. Chen to determine what is best for you.
Endoscopic Browlift
Often the droopiness of the upper
eyelids is due to excess skin, but drooping of the eyebrows is a contributing factor. This occurs as a result of a sagging
of the forehead. An endoscopic brow lift (or forehead lift) can be performed to elevate the brows, producing a fresher, more
alert appearance.
The endoscopic browlift is performed
through a series of small (typically 1-1.5 inch) incisions hidden behind the hair line. An endoscope (a fiber optic light
with an attached video camera) and specialized instruments are used to mobilize the forehead. The brow is then lifted and
fixated to the bone with a series of anchors. This procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, and is not covered by
insurance.
The endoscopic browlift avoids the larger, more
visible incisions associated with more traditional methods of browlifting, which means a more rapid recovery period.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid rejuvenation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic
procedures today. With time and the effects of gravity, the eyes begin to look droopy, giving the appearance of fatigue. Blepharoplasty
can be performed to restore the eyelid platform in the upper lids, and to improve the baggy appearance of the lower lids.
This procedure can make the eyes appear fresher and more alert.
The incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eyelid and usually heal without noticeable scarring. Modern
surgical techniques can help to reduce intraoperative bleeding, postoperative bruising and swelling. Excess skin and fatty
tissue is removed, and sutures are placed in the skin to close the incision.
Botox
Botox is purified Botulinum toxin, which was approved in 1989 for
blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is an uncontrollable blinking and forcible closure of the eyelids. It is more commonly known
as Benign Essential Blepharospasm. The condition may worsen over time. Often a cause is not found. If severe a patient can
be prevented from driving a car or even walking due to their inability to keep the eyes open.
Several types of treatment are available. Injections of Botox will usually control the symptoms for several months.
Botox treatments need to be repeated periodically. Often Botox treatments are combined with medications or surgery. Surgery
can be performed if Botox injections or medications are inadequate. Surgery removes some of the muscles that spasm allowing
the eyelids to remain open more easily.
Subsequently, it
was discovered that Botox could reduce wrinkles by weakening the underlying muscles which contract and cause the skin to wrinkle.
Wrinkles produced in this manner are referred to as “dynamic wrinkles.” Botox is effective for the treatment of
frown lines around the eyes and furrows in the forehead. Injections are performed as an office procedure. Typically, the effect
lasts 3-6 months and repeat treatments are needed. The cost depends upon the number of areas treated.
Botox Cosmetic is frequently used for the treatment of frown lines, and can be
performed in the office. Other brands of botulinum toxin include: Dysport, Vistabel, Neurobloc and Myobloc.
Botox is not effective for the treatment of “static wrinkles”
or wrinkles present with the facial muscles resting. Static wrinkles are better treated with Laser Skin Resurfacing or, if
the wrinkles are deep, a filler such as Restyane, or Juvederm. Often, combining these procedures has a greater effect than
using a single procedure.
Tissue Fillers Restylane, Juvederm and other tissue fillers are popular
because they can be implanted in the office and require little or no downtime. Bovine collagen has been available for many
years has been replaced by hyaluronic acid gel fillers, which is a substance contained within the tissues of our own bodies.
Tissue fillers that can be injected under the skin to fill in wrinkles, acne scars and other skin surface defects. It is especially
useful for augmenting the lips to give a fuller appearance and to reduce the small vertical lines near the lip that often
cause lipstick to smear.
Restylane is composed of hyaluronic
acid, a substance naturally ocurring in our bodies. Therefore, skin testing for allergy is not required. Restylane also tends
to last longer, and therefore requires less frequent "touchups" than collagen. Because of these advantages, Restylane
has surpassed collagen in terms of popularity. Restylane injections are performed in the office, with virtually no "downtime".
The material is gradually reabsorbed by the body and "touchups" are needed twice yearly. Costs depend upon the amount
required for treatment.
A newer use for Restylane is to
combine blepharoplasty with tissue fillers to soften deep circles under the eyelids. Dr. Chen constantly searches for the
latest technology available for eyelid and facial rejuvenation.
