Non-Surgical Cosmetic Skin Treatments
In addition to surgical cosmetic procedures, including upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty and eyebrow lift, our oculoplastic surgeons have years of experience with non surgical cosmetic procedures. These include cosmetic injectables such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse. These products can subtly erase fine lines and wrinkles. Skin can be smoothed and facial volume can be replenished. These are usually office procedures with minimal downtime and healing.
BOTOX
Botox cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States for men and women. It was first used to treat eyelid and facial spasms, or blepharospasm. Simply, when injected into muscles around the face, it blocks nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract. By reducing muscle contractions, wrinkles are relaxed, and lines, furrows, and creases fade or disappear completely. Botox is temporary, and lasts an average of 3-4 months for most patients. When it wears off, the muscles regain their natural ability to contract.
Botox injections are given in the office. They are well tolerated. For added comfort, we offer numbing cream and or ice prior to the injections. Depending on the patient, they can be placed to reduce wrinkles in the forehead, eyebrow area, crow’s feet, neck, around the mouth, and chin. The amount given is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
There is no downtime for this procedure. However, it takes 4-10 days for Botox to take full effect.
Juvederm
Juvéderm is a gel made of hyaluronic acid. This is a naturally occurring component in skin that helps add hydration and volume. Juvéderm can be injected into the skin to fill in lines and grooves. The most common sites are the smile lines, or nasolabial folds, as well as fine lines around the mouth. Juvederm is also an excellent product for lip enhancement. It is useful to subtly improve lip definition and contour, or to naturally augment and plump lips. Results last up to one year.
Restylane
Restylane is another hyaluronic acid gel. It binds to water molecules in the skin, adding volume where it is placed. It is useful to correct and fill in wrinkles, folds, and fine lines in the face. Natural looking results last up to one year.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a cosmetic injectable made of calcium hydroxyapatite. This is a substance similar to bone. Radiesse is used to correct deeper grooves and furrows. It is especially useful for nasolabial folds, and in cheek augmentation. Radiesse lasts up to one and a half years.
Latisse
Latisse is FDA approved for creating thicker, longer, and darker eyelashes. Latisse is similar to an ingredient used in eye drops that treat glaucoma. The generic name is bimatoprost. A side effect of these drops is longer and darker eyelashes. Latisse works during the growth phase of the eyelash cycle, extending it, allowing lashes to grow longer. It also stimulates each follicle to produce more than one lash, making lashes appear thicker and darker.
Latisse is applied with an applicator to the upper eyelashes at bedtime like eyeliner. A full treatment cycle is 16 weeks, as not all eyelashes are in the growth phase at the same time. Results can be seen at eight weeks, and more dramatic results by 16 weeks.
Possible side effects include itching or skin irritation. More rarely, there can be darkening of the iris in individuals with light colored eyes. This can be permanent. The irritation resolves with discontinuation of the product. Eyelashes also gradually return to their natural state when you stop using Latisse.