Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Alternatives

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is an effective way to eliminate the signs of age or stress from your face. However, some people may not be candidates for the procedure. In these cases, there are many alternatives for giving the face a younger, more refreshed look. Below are the most common alternatives to traditional eyelid surgery.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

For a less invasive alternative to blepharoplasty, many patients turn to laser skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing eliminates damaged outer skin layers and stimulates the production of collagen around the eyes. A controlled beam of laser light removes the surface skin and reveals the unblemished skin underneath, resulting in a younger, healthier appearance. The natural effects of age, sun damage, and even some skin disorders can all be treated with laser skin resurfacing. Learn more about laser skin resurfacing.

Eyes by Thermage®

Eyes by Thermage® is one of the latest cosmetic treatment breakthroughs. Using a radiofrequency tip, doctors can stimulate the growth of new collagen around the eyes and tighten up the existing skin. The procedure helps to soften crow's feet, reduce hooding of the brow, and eliminate under-eye bags in a way that is completely non-invasive.

Learn more about Thermage®.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dermal Fillers

One of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures of the last decade, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a quick and effective treatment that involves virtually no recovery time. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments usually take less than 15 minutes and are much less invasive than traditional eyelid surgery. Injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily prevent the muscles around the eyes from contracting and creating wrinkles in the skin. The results of the procedures can last for up to four months.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is just one of many injectable cosmetic treatments available. Collagen fillers such as CosmoDerm™ / CosmoPlast™ can also temporarily erase wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid gels such as Restylane® and Hylaform® are augmentation materials that use no animal proteins, thus reducing the risk of allergic reaction.

Brow Lift Surgery

Many patients request eyelid surgery when a traditional brow lift may be a better alternative. This is particularly true of male patients. Sometimes referred to as a forehead or eyebrow lift, brow lift surgery is one of the least painful and least complex cosmetic surgery procedures. Like blepharoplasty, brow lift can raise drooping upper eyelids; however, the procedure also raises sagging eyebrows and minimizes the appearance of frown and forehead lines.

Connect with a Facial Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

For those who are not candidates for blepharoplasty, there are many alternatives that can provide similar results. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, laser skin resurfacing, and brow lift are just a few of the eyelid surgery alternatives available. To find out more about which procedure may be right for you, use DocShop's online directory to find a facial plastic surgeon in your area today.