The signs of aging can show up on the under-eyes. This can dramatically impact your appearance. You may notice fine lines, wrinkles, hollowness, skin sagging, and dark circles. These issues can make you look tired and much older than you are. Leaving the under-eyes untreated can impact your confidence. There are several treatment options to address the signs of aging under the eyes. Below you will find the differences between under-eye filler vs lower blepharoplasty. As you navigate the information, you will see which option is right for you.
Under-Eye Filler vs Lower Blepharoplasty
The area under the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging. This can vary from person to person and start at varying ages. However, fine lines, wrinkles, hollowness, puffiness, and loose skin are common. This can show up as early as your twenties if you engage in unhealthy lifestyle habits. Two popular treatment options address the signs of aging under the eyes. If you are considering treatment, review the following information comparing under-eye filler vs blepharoplasty to help guide you.
Under-Eye Filler
Under-eye filler uses hyaluronic acid injections to restore lost volume under the eyes. It is also referred to as tear trough filler. Patients who notice hollowness under the eyes benefit the most from this treatment. As you age, the fat pads beneath the eyes shrink and shift downwards. This creates a sunken appearance under the eyes. It also casts showdown along the lower lid. This can make you look tired even when you are well-rested. It can also make you look much older than you are.
Under-eye filler treatment is performed in-office and does not require any sedation. However, you will be provided options to ensure you are comfortable during the treatment. A needle is used to administer the filler underneath the skin. The benefit of filler treatment is that you can get back to your routine the same day. You may notice some mild redness and swelling. This is completely normal and will gradually subside within a few days.
Under-eye filler is best suited for patients who have mild to moderate hollowness. It may not be the best option if excess skin or fat prolapse is present. Many younger patients start with under-eye filler. It is an effective conservative cosmetic treatment option. This is a temporary option. The longevity of treatment varies from person to person. Because of this, maintenance treatments are needed to maintain your results. The best way to know if you are a good candidate for treatment is to schedule a consultation with a skilled eyelid surgeon.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address the advanced signs of aging under the eyes. The surgery removes excess fat and skin under the eyes. The skin is tightened, and sometimes the fat is redistributed to smooth out the under-eye area. This improves the overall contour beneath the eyes. It smooths out the transition from the upper cheek to the lower eyelid.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day. However, it is a surgical procedure. Local anesthesia with sedation is used to ensure your comfort. In some cases, general anesthesia is used. This will be discussed at your consultation so you know what to expect on the day of surgery. There are two surgical approaches to lower blepharoplasty. One involves an incision on the underside of the lower eyelid. The other involves an incision just below the lash line. The surgical approach that is right for you depends on the primary issue being addressed and your skin laxity.
When comparing under-eye filler and blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery is best suited for patients who have significant skin laxity, prominent fat prolapse, or both. When non-surgical treatment options are no longer successful, lower blepharoplasty is a top choice. It is a permanent solution to the signs of aging under the eyes. However, it does not stop the aging process. Caring for your skin and health after surgery is necessary to prolong your results. A surgeon can help you understand if you meet the candidacy requirements.
Scheduling Your Consultation
If you are unhappy with the look of your under-eyes, there are effective treatment options that address the issue. Many people notice reduced self-confidence as signs of aging appear in the area. Moving forward with treatment begins with a consultation with a skilled and experienced eyelid surgeon. They can determine what treatment or procedure is right for you.
The consultation process begins with an assessment of your natural eye structure and skin laxity. The surgeon will also assess your medical history and current health. You will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals and concerns. The surgeon will create a treatment plan that is right for your unique needs. In some cases, you may only need under-eye fillers. However, more advanced cases may require surgical intervention.
Top Eyelid Surgeon for Blepharoplasty
The eyes can change dramatically due to natural aging and poor lifestyle habits. If you want to improve the look of your eyes, contact the team at Dr. Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!