Botox an Alternative to Blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty?

As a result of aging, the upper eyelid skin loses elasticity and can begin to sag or droop. Blepharoplasty is surgical procedure that reduces overhanging skin to improve the appearance of the eyelid, as well as to improve vision that may be impacted by sagging eyelid skin. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat to tighten and lift sagging skin and wrinkles around the eyes for aesthetic rejuvenation. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is surgery to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. Blepharoplasty can revitalize your eyes and restore a youthful, refreshed appearance.

What is Botox?

Botox injections use a toxin called onobotulinumtoxinA to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Botox blocks certain signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. These injections are used to temporarily relax the facial muscles, including those around the eyes, which can cause wrinkles and the appearance of aging around the eyes.

Can Botox be used as an alternative to blepharoplasty?

For those concerned about signs of aging around the eyes, Botox is an effective treatment to make the eyes look more rested and alleviate wrinkles. When injected into the muscles used to squint, Botox can temporarily reduce the prominence of crow’s feet. It can also help raise the eyebrows slightly when injected into the forehead, which can help the eyes look more open and reduce frown lines. This can all make the eyes look rejuvenated.

Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, surgically tightens the muscles and tendon in the eyelid. It is particularly recommended when patients are dealing with a drooping eyelid that is impacting the vision. Botox cannot fix drooping eyelids.

Essentially, Botox and blepharoplasty treat different symptoms of aging around the eye. The effects of Botox can be quite noticeable, but the effects on the eyes themselves are more subtle compared to results from eyelid surgery.

Many patients have had excellent results combining blepharoplasty and Botox injections to achieve a look of rejuvenated eyelids. Union Square Eye Care is home to some of the world’s leading and cosmetic eye surgeons, who are experts in giving our patients the rejuvenated eye appearance they are hoping for. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss what treatment, or combination of treatments, is right for you.