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UNDERSTAND YOUR EYE REJUVENATION OPTIONS: AN OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON CAN HELP

Eyelid procedures are among the most popular elective plastic surgeries in the U.S. It’s no wonder—getting rid of droopy eyelids or saying goodbye to the bags under your eyes can certainly make you feel and look rejuvenated.

If you’re thinking about a cosmetic procedure involving the delicate areas around your eyes, you’ll want to carefully consider the type of surgeon and procedures you prefer. Oculoplastic surgeons are specially trained to correct problems around the eyes, both functional and cosmetic, while ensuring the safety of your eyes and vision. They can also explain a broad range of non-surgical and surgical methods of rejuvenation, including injectables (Botox and fillers), lasers, peels, and/or eyelid lifts.

H. Joon Kim, MD, a specialist in oculoplastic and facial plastic surgery at the John A. Moran Eye Center, describes the most common cosmetic procedures performed by oculoplastic surgeons:

NEUROTOXIN TREATMENTS

Neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, along with hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane and Juvederm), are non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore youthful volume to the face.

BLEPHAROPLASTY

This is one of the most common eyelid procedures performed by an oculoplastic surgeon. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty—often called an “eyelid lift”—reduces excess skin and fat in the upper lids. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty reduces the appearance of “under-eye bags.” Both procedures can help the face feel more refreshed and less tired, with the added benefit of potentially improving your field of vision.

ADVICE FROM AN OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON

Most procedures, other than injectables, require local or general anesthesia and may last several hours, so consider safety and access to a surgical facility.
Referrals from people who are happy with their results are always a good start when searching for a surgeon. Get a few names and schedule consultations. Be honest about your expectations and ask the doctor to be honest about recommendations, procedures, and outcomes.
Perhaps most importantly, ask how many eyelifts (or whatever procedure you’re considering) your surgeon has done. Experience is one of the best indicators of results.

“You can find reputable cosmetic surgeons in any city, but oculoplastic surgeons in a university medical setting perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. This gives them a level of specialization and expertise to ensure the best results, whether you’re doing something as simple as Botox or a more complicated procedure.”H. Joon Kim, MD Oculoplastic and Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist, John A. Moran Eye Center

Kim goes on to say that oculoplastc surgeons also have experience working with patients with various eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eyes.

The bottom line: If you are considering having any work done around your eyes, try a physician who specializes in them.

SHOULD YOU VACUUM YOUR PORES?

BUT DOES IT WORK?

For those who are the “do it yourself” type, home vacuums are available on the market for as little as $10. However, you shouldn’t expect to see the same results as you would by going to see an experienced provider using a medical-grade device.

“At-home pore vacuuming devices have only shown to help with blackheads that are already loosened in the skin,” says Dana Rice, master esthetician in the Department of Dermatology at University of Utah Health. “They can cause damage to the skin with excessive exfoliation and suction.”

Rice highly recommends having this done at a reputable location by an experienced technician using an FDA-approved device.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

Poor results are one of the risks of vacuuming your pores yourself or having it done by someone without experience. If too little suction is used, the treatment may be less effective or ineffective. However, if too much suction is applied to the skin, you can suffer from bruising, skin irritation, micro tears of the skin, or telangiectasias—broken blood vessels in the skin.

“Depending on the severity, you may need to have the broken blood vessels treated with a laser to improve the appearance,” Rice says.

WANT EXPERT ADVICE?

Of course, you can clean your pores without treating your face like a carpet.

“In a professional setting, vacuum suction levels and the products used can be appropriately determined with each patient,” Rice says. “Patients with thin skin, rosacea, or sensitive skin should have this treatment performed with a lower vacuum suction to prevent irritation or damage to the skin.”

Rice explains that using topical products containing salicylic, glycolic acid, and retinoids can exfoliate and penetrate deep into the pores to aid in the removal of dead skin cells. You can also manually remove blackheads.

“A comedone extractor can be used at home to remove blackheads safely, as long as proper technique is used,” Rice says. “Extractions can also be performed by an experienced esthetician.”

The same products you would use to help improve blackheads can also help prevent them as well. Also, make sure that the products you are using are labeled non-comedogenic.

Lastly, Rice highly suggests using oil-free makeup, which can help keep pores clear.