4 Cosmetic Treatments to Revitalize Your Eyes

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  As you grow older, you’re more at risk for developing vision impairing eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. But it’s not just your eye health that’s susceptible to age-related deterioration. Perhaps your eyes are starting to look swollen or puffy, or you’re developing bags or dark circles. Regardless of your particular concern, you may find it makes you look older than you feel. Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic treatments available that can help revitalize your eyes and turn back the clock.

  There are four popular cosmetic eye treatments that might interest you.

• 1. Latisse

  

  If you’re looking for a way to get fuller, longer eyelashes (without using fake eyelashes), then Latisse might be right for you. The FDA-approved prescription medication can increase the length of your eyelashes by 25 percent, improve fullness by more than 100 percent and even help to darken the shade of your eyelashes by 18 percent.

  Manufactured by Allergan, Latisse costs approximately $120 for a one-month supply. Patients typically begin to see results a couple months after beginning treatment, with full results around the four month mark.

  There are potential side effects associated with Latisse, including red, itchy eyes, browning of the pigmentation in the colored part of the eye, and potential darkening of the skin around the eyelids. The medication is contraindicated for pregnant women and people suffering with skin infections of the eyelids.

• 2. Botox

  

  Botox is a popular and highly sought after neurotoxin injectable with wide-ranging application. Off-label uses include treatment for excessive underarm sweating, palliative TMJ relief, migraines and more.

  When it comes to facial aesthetics, Botox has a variety of uses such as helping to treat the unfortunate “frown lines” that can develop between the eyebrows. It works by essentially paralyzing wrinkle-causing muscles. The treatment is extremely quick and relatively painless, with results typically viewable within a week and often lasting several months. The cost of Botox varies based on a number of factors, but typically ranges between $150 and $300 per treatment.

  Although Botox is an effective solution for frown lines, it’s important to note that there are potential side effects, including drooping of the eyelids. If you are looking for a way to enhance your facial aesthetics — particularly around your eyes — speak with an oculoplastic surgeon (ophthalmologists who specialize in plastic surgery around the eyes) about how Botox may help.

• 3. Blepharoplasty

  

  If your eyes are beginning to show the signs of aging — such as loose, sagging skin, fatty deposits causing puffiness, bags under the eyes, or drooping of the eyelids — then blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) might be right for you. In addition to rejuvenating facial aesthetics, eyelid surgery has the added benefit of potentially improving your vision. Certain cases of eyelid drooping can be severe enough to actually interfere with your visual field. (This is referred to as ptosis.) Lifting of the eyelid through surgery can often eliminate this impact on vision. What’s more, you may benefit from insurance coverage for this procedure in that it has a medical benefit. (Elective, cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by insurance, meaning you are responsible for 100 percent of the cost.)

  The cost of eyelid surgery can range significantly from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on an array of factors that include the type of surgery, the doctor performing the surgery, and any additional enhancements (such as Botox) that may be part of the treatment. Speak with your eye doctor or oculoplastic surgeon to learn more about how treatment might benefit you.

• 4. Asian Eyelid Surgery

  

  Although you may never have heard of it before, Asian eyelid surgery is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures. It is a type of blepharoplasty targeted specifically to people of Asian descent looking to surgically create a crease in the eyelid. A significant number of Asians do not naturally have a crease in the eyelid, having what is instead referred to as a “single eyelid.” Although there is no medical issue with having a single eyelid, many people opt for surgery to “correct” it for purely cosmetic purposes.

  Asian eyelid surgery is part of a growing ethnic plastic surgery market that has become increasingly popular. Proponents are quick to note that such surgeries are not intended to obscure ethnic identity. It’s simply a matter of aesthetic preference, just like any other elective procedure.

  The cost of Asian eyelid surgery is similar to that of traditional eyelid surgery, though the baseline average tends to be slightly higher at $3,000.

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