How to Know If You Need Eyelid Surgery – Or Just a Better Eye Cream
Like many men and women, you’re probably familiar with the wide array of available products that claim to reduce the effects of aging on the skin, especially around the eyes. You might even have an arsenal of such products currently lining the shelves of your medicine cabinet. If you feel like you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to really get rid of the wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles around your eyes, you might be considering eyelid surgery. While this is a viable option for some men and women, for others, first take a thorough look at your eye cream. You might be able to get more from it.
What Is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery and Is it Right for Me?
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed on either the top or the bottom eyelids or both, depending on the individual. Through this cosmetic procedure, your surgeon can dramatically improve the appearance of loose or sagging skin around the eyes, puffiness that can result from fatty deposits in the upper eyelid, and bags under the eyes. Eyelid surgery can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, such as crow’s feet. This surgery is offered at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology on an outpatient basis.
If drooping eyelids or folds of skin near your eyes are hindering your vision, you may be an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery. Provided he or she is physically and mentally in good health, anyone can be a candidate for this procedure. Keep in mind, however, that it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about your results. While eyelid surgery can turn back the clock, so to speak, on your wrinkles, giving your eyes a younger, fresher look, it isn’t a magic wand. Whatever your reason for considering eyelid surgery, it’s best to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and situation. (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Alternative Solution: What to Look for in an Eye Cream
Even if you’ve already tried using various eye creams to combat sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, you may not be getting the results you want because of the creams you’re choosing. When shopping for an anti-aging eye cream, there are a few things to consider that most dermatologists recommend.
First, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, make sure you’re starting with a good daily sunscreen and moisturizer. Protecting your skin from sun damage is a great preventative measure you can take every day to slow the aging of your skin. Equally important is keeping your skin moisturized with a light, gentle product that won’t irritate. So if you don’t already have a favorite daily sunscreen-and-moisturizing product, do your skin a favor, get one and use it daily. (The American Academy of Dermatology)
What Exactly Is Retinol?
Secondly, if you’re not using a retinoid cream to stave off wrinkles, swelling, and under eye bags, this could be one of the reasons your results aren’t satisfactory. Retinol is derived from vitamin A, which is known for its ability to stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, two key factors in keeping your skin looking healthy and young. So by using a cream that contains retinol, you can actually coax your skin to begin to rejuvenate itself.
That said, it’s worth noting that while certain anti-aging ingredients like retinol and the UV-blocking ingredients in sunscreen can help to slow the aging process, no cream is sufficiently magical to completely stop it. So while you can see very real and significant results from choosing the right anti-aging eye cream, you shouldn’t expect it to erase all lines and wrinkles overnight. It will take some time to see your results once you first start using a retinoid cream. (Clinical Interventions in Aging)
Why Choose Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for Eyelid Surgery?
Knowing what to look for in a great anti-aging cream can, indeed, maximize its effects, but no topically applied product can offer the same results as surgical procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Whether aging has caused vision problems for you due to drooping eyelids, or creams have been unsatisfactory in reducing wrinkles and lines, you may be thinking about eyelid surgery and should consult a professional to learn more. Please also browse our photo gallery of “before and after” images.
At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil is fully committed to providing an educational and comfortable experience to every patient. With years of professional schooling and experience in his field, Dr. Heil offers knowledgeable, professional advice to those considering eyelid surgery or other cosmetic procedures to help minimize the signs of aging. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with him, please contact Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh at (412) 835-5550. Additionally, we now have an office in Wexford, and can be reached there at (724) 933-1800.
The Bottom Line
There are many positive aspects of maturity, but obstruction of vision, wrinkles and undereye circles aren’t among them. The good news is that science is improving anti-aging topical products, to postpone and reduce the appearance of bothersome lines and wrinkles. If you find that your areas of concern just aren’t responding to eye creams, look into the state of the art of eyelid surgery in Pittsburgh. Especially when heavy eyelids are limiting your field of vision, eyelid surgery is a desirable intervention. Consider visiting our newest facility to gain perspective on what we offer at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology.
