BOTOX®

BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin A) injections are used to diminish fine wrinkles between the eyebrows, as well as to lessen the appearance of crow's feet. BOTOX®, an FDA-approved agent, inhibits the function of the muscles that cause the wrinkles, causing a smoothing of the skin, and elimination of wrinkles in many patients. The injections are not permanent. They usually last about 3 to 4 months, although with repeated treatments, they can sometimes last for 6 months. BOTOX® treatments can be combined with other modalities such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing to improve results in the region between the eyebrows. For patients with fine wrinkles, results can be seen soon after injection.

Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is designed to remove excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can correct drooping upper lids that tend to sag with time and the puffy bags below the eyes. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes and can be performed in the office using local anesthesia. Stitches can be removed after three or four days. Blepharoplasty can be done as a single procedure, or in conjunction with other facial surgery such as a facelift or a browlift.

Ptosis

Ptosis (pronounced toe' sis), or drooping of the upper eyelid, may occur for several reasons such as: disease, injury, birth defect, previous eye surgery and age. In most cases, it is caused by either a weakness of the levator muscle (muscle that raises the lid), or a problem with the nerve that sends messages to the muscle.

Children born with ptosis may require surgical correction of the lid if it covers the pupil. In some cases, it may be associated with a crossed or misaligned eye (strabismus). Left untreated, ptosis may prevent vision from developing properly, resulting in amblyopia, or lazy eye.

Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery by an ophthalmologist specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In most cases, surgery is performed to strengthen or tighten the levator muscle and lift the eyelid. If the levator muscle is especially weak, the lid and eyebrow may be lifted. Ptosis can usually be performed with local anesthesia except with young children.

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