So many people complain of dark circles under their eyes, in particular, in this geographic area as seasonal allergies render almost no remission of this problem. In fact, there has been, heretofore, no solution to this difficult problem, until a certain filler was modified for this purpose. Restylane is well suited to be placed carefully just beneath the skin, forming a layer to hide the dark, highly vascular muscle, beneath. With proficiency and expert technique, this filler does the job that nature forgot. In fact, the job is so well done that your lower lids never return to the thin-skinned pre-treatment state. There is always some product left to thicken the skin and treat the problem. That is not to say that there need be no repeats; in about 6 months more may be needed to restore the original correction.

In my practice, I see many patients, men and women, in their 20’s and older, who are very effected by the appearance of dark circles. Not everyone will receive a near perfect result, as in our photos, but given the proper selection and indications, these results should be typical. It is especially important to select a well-trained, experienced plastic surgeon who can document results you would like to achieve. Although this procedure is small, relative to surgery, it is very important to your appearance and self-confidence.

Now compare the results of the filler added to a 31 year old male who was constantly being accused of looking tired, with a 42 year old female for whom I performed a lower lid surgery of removing fat and tightening the skin and muscle. Her complaints were the exact same as his, but her problems were entirely different. She had bulging orbital fat, while he had a vacant, sunken orbital contour. It really takes an expert to diagnose the problem and then to render treatment. That is why it is so important to take the time to interview your surgeon and to establish a relationship. You may find that there are other areas of your appearance that you would like to change and with a good relationship, you will have no problem coming to a wise decision for your future. I like to think of my patients being with my practice for their entire lifetime. Even if many years elapse, when it is time to make a change you always have someone you trust with whom you will consult. I take a full hour conversing with any patient considering a procedure, even as small as filler. Both you and I benefit from getting to know each other in moving forward to the most attractive you that is possible.

The tangible benefit to plastic surgery is the removal of visible barriers to your ability to see yourself as beautiful and talented with valuable gifts to develop and offer the world. It brings me great joy to keep in touch with my patients, as they move through their lives, shining with their brilliant contributions.

Please contact Annapolis Aesthetic Surgery for more information on treatments to improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and other conditions.

Windows to the Soul

The beautiful eyes of an alluring woman are undeniably the first connection made with her face to initiate communication. When excess skin covers a part of the eyelid, there exists a barrier to the full, awake, open eyes of the charming face you are seeing. These early changes, may be the very first we notice in the mirror as we begin to age. The skin of the eyelid is the very thinnest on the body and thin skin begins to demonstrate folds, earlier than does thicker skin.

Eyelid surgery – Blepharoplasty

It is not surprising that last year, in this country almost 150,000 eyelid surgeries were reported to our American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These procedures accounted for one of the top five most popular surgeries among both men and women. Almost half were offered to those age 35 – 55, although almost 10% were 65 years and older. Some of the most gratifying surgery is performed on the eyelids and is termed blepharoplasty. For Dr. Marcia Ormsby, after almost 25 years of aesthetic surgery experience, the newest techniques have dramatically improved outcomes. Over time, it is clear that the skeltonized eyelid is not attractive in either the young or aging face, either the female or the male face. The full, almost flat lower eyelid displays a rested, youthful appearance.

The well-defined fold of the upper eyelid renders an open, rested look; the distance between the lash line and the eyebrow is an important consideration as well. The brow tends to descend as we age and the upper eyelid appears to close as the lid becomes heavier with excess skin. A meticulous balance of brow position and eyelid contours figures prominently in the planning of any surgery or procedure contemplated on the eyelids.

Careful choices

The surgeon performing your surgery should be well qualified and experienced; many photographic examples of pre and post-operative patients will render the confidence needed to proceed, particularly if you can identify a photo of a pre-operative patient who demonstrates your traits and concerns. You may wish to speak by phone to a patient who has had this surgery. These measures will assist in your surgical planning and help you to develop reasonable expectations for outcomes. Your anesthesia should be performed by a qualified professional, who will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery. General anesthesia is not necessary but sedation is helpful in keeping you comfortable. It is essential that your surgery be performed in a certified out-patient surgery facility, to ensure that the safest possible precautions are followed.

Recovery

The procedure may require a few hours, entirely dependant upon the extent of surgery. You will return home within hours of your surgery to rest, with ice and dressings for about three days. Very light activity is fine, but strenuous exercise should be deferred for about a month. You will not be able to read or wear contact lenses for the first few days, when your eyes are swollen and bruised. The stitches are removed five days following surgery, when you will notice a great reduction in redness and soreness.

Outcomes

Within weeks you will notice a more rested appearance with rapid healing and fading of your incisions. The evidence of surgery should almost disappear within a month, when you can comfortably resume all normal activities. The goal is to look fresh and rested, ready to begin and end your day with the awake, balanced appearance of the best that you can be.