Eye Lift Without Surgery -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: People who opt for eye lift surgery may do so for cosmetic or medical reasons. The procedure is useful for removing bags beneath the eyes that make people appear old, tired and haggard. It is also good for removing excess skin, fat, and muscle above the eye that may impair a person’s vision. After surgery, most patients find the skin around the eye has a smoother, fresher, more youthful appearance.

TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS: Eye lift surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is usually performed by an oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive surgery of the eye. Blepharoplasties can also be performed by qualified general plastic surgeons, ear-nose-and-throat doctors, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists. The surgery can last from one to three hours, and patients are always numbed with a local anesthetic. The procedure begins when the surgeon makes an incision and removes fat and excess sagging skin from the eye. The incision is then closed up tightly with sutures in a way that minimizes the risk of scarring. Blepharoplasty may be risky for people with thyroid problems, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, circulatory disorders, and diabetes. Patients with glaucoma and detached retinas are also encouraged to consult their ophthalmologist before going under the knife. The best candidates for eyelid surgery are people with realistic expectations who are psychologically stable and physically healthy. Side effects of this procedure include double or blurred vision, temporary swelling near the corner of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to wind, and asymmetry in healing or scarring. After surgery, some people may have temporary or permanent difficulty closing their eyes when going to sleep at night. Others may experience ectropion, a condition that causes the lower eyelids to sag and generally requires further surgical intervention. Surgeons remove a patient’s stitches two days to a week after surgery, and most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work seven to 10 days following the procedure.

NEW TREATMENT: The Aluma Skin Renewal System is a revolutionary eye lift treatment that requires no invasive surgery and takes only 15 minutes to administer. Experts say it is a safe, gentle, pain-free way to remove wrinkles and excess skin from around the eyes. “It’s become now a very safe treatment,” says Eliot Battle, Jr., M.D., a dermatologist at Cultura Cosmetic Medical Spa in Washington, D.C. “We can treat lower lids all the way upwards. We can treat the fat pads and improve dark circles. We can also improve firmness of the eye area and crow’s feet.” The process begins when a technician uses a special device to direct radio frequency energy at the skin. As collagen in the skin heats up, it comes apart and makes room for new collagen to develop in its place. This new collagen makes the skin look firmer, tighter, and younger. No recovery time is necessary with this simple procedure, though it may take a few treatments for patients to see dramatic results. “For patients looking for other alternatives [to surgery] and for patients who want a slight improvement, it’s a perfect fit.” Patient Sally Lang underwent the procedure to eliminate fine lines and look younger. “Once I hit 40, I started noticing deeper lines in my nasal labial fold, and my eyes looked tired sagging every day,” Lang says. Overall, she is pleased with her results, saying, “I’m happy now. [After the procedure] I don’t get comments like, ‘You look tired’. I’m amazed. I’m shocked this really works,” Lang says.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Hiba Kakki
Cultura Cosmetic Medical Spa
(202) 237-9292