Many of us would like to get rid of furrowed frown lines on our foreheads, or the persistent small wrinkles around the outer corner of our eyes known as crows feet. Others of us would love to get rid of dark hollows underneath our eyes. In each of these cases, cosmetic injections like Botox or fillers are very effective for rejuvenating the eye area and restoring a more youthful appearance.
However, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use Botox or filler injections around your eyes, which is a valid concern.
Botox is perhaps the most well-known cosmetic injection. It’s a natural, purified protein that is FDA-approved and certified in the medical and cosmetic field. Botox injections temporarily weaken the muscles that are causing wrinkles by repeatedly contracting. It’s commonly used for treating facial wrinkles like crow’s feet, creases between the brows, and forehead lines. The effects of Botox injections last for about four to six months.
Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, on the other hand, don’t weaken contracting muscles but instead add volume to deeper wrinkles and dark circles or hollows under the eyes. Because our skin produces less collagen and elastin as we age, we lose facial volume and the youthful look of fullness diminishes. Fillers can replicate that fullness.
Quite often a combination of different fillers are used for the desired appearance, and it’s also common to use both Botox and fillers to rejuvenate the face. Most fillers last anywhere from nine months to a year, depending upon the patient and the area that’s targeted.
Both Botox and fillers are injected through a tiny needle and any discomfort is minimal. There are no scars and no down time is needed.
Whether Botox or fillers are better for you depends on your unique facial factors, including genetics, bone structure, lifelong sun exposure, and smoking history. Sometimes Botox and fillers are most effective when they’re used hand in hand, but the right combination must be tailored uniquely to you. Be sure to have a thorough discussion with your doctor to understand what results are realistic to expect.
Due to the complexity of eyelid anatomy, Botox and filler use near the eye requires a safe technique by a trained practitioner who specializes in eyelid procedures. Any procedure has a risk of complications and side effects, but a specially-trained doctor will discuss those matters with you as well as explain what he or she will do to reduce those risks so that you feel comfortable with your decision.
At Baptist Eye Surgeons, Dr. Andrew Anzeljc specializes in non-surgical procedures such as Botox and fillers, as well as cosmetic eyelid surgery.
If you’d like to look younger, schedule a consultation with Dr. Anzeljc to discuss how Botox or fillers might be right for you. Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from cosmetic improvements to complex eye surgeries. To learn more about our specialities, visit our website, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information, or schedule an appointment online.
