Florida Plastic Surgeon - Dr Clevens

With the popularity of the “liquid facelift” that allow patients to restore volume to the face and obtain a more youthful appearance without surgery, many patients are asking for similar options to rejuvenate the appearance of their eyes. This one is being called the “liquid eyelift.” To set the record straight, neither one is a true lift because the results are temporary. However, for those individuals who only need subtle adjustments, the “liquid eyelift” can be a welcome nonsurgical option.

Using injectable fillers to fill in hollow areas, Dr. Clevens can give the appearance of a subtle lift on parts that are sagging. It is important to note, however, that if there is significant sagging, fillers will not correct it. In this instance, you would most likely be a better candidate for surgery. There are pros and cons to each option, which should be explained by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Clevens. The results from surgery are permanent and more dramatic but require more downtime. And the results from fillers and, in some cases, Botox as well, used in the liquid option require minimal downtime but need to be done regularly (about every 6 months, on average) to maintain the look.

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The hype on fillers has confused physicians and consumers making honest comparisons difficult.  Non-plastic surgery specialists from unrelated medical disciplines further muddy the waters by promoting simplistic makeovers which are quickly performed and claim to provide instantaneous results.

Remember though, if it is too good to be true than it probably is. As circus promoter P.T. Barnum stated, "there's a fool born every minute."

These marketeers can get away with such obfuscation by exploiting the difference between the forest and the trees.  As the saying goes we tend to focus on the trees and not appreciate the forest much as we might not recognize the elephant in the room.

A typical patient complains about a line around her mouth and misses the point that her cheeks and eyes are sunken-in which not only causes the line but is the real reason she is looking older.  Don’t fall for the “I will just inject filler under your eyes and your circles will go away."

Manufacturers and medi-spas also promote differences in products in order to justify more and less fee schedules for products. They do this primarily by claiming that different products have different longevities which is a concept that is easy for the public to understand.

Longer duration of correction should provide lower cost over time and less need to retreat. They conveniently do not explain that in areas of the face with more muscle contraction fillers have shorter duration of action and vice versa.

Therefore Restylane and Juvederm placed in the cheek may last 2 or more years and Sculptra may last up to 6 years.  Whereas same products placed around the mouth may last up to 70% less.

Rejuvenating eyes, cheeks, and temples not only lasts a relatively long time, the results do make one appear more youthful and healthy. The first step in facial rejuvenation is appreciating why one looks older before it is possible to resolve the problem.

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), there has been a 60 percent increase in the number of women undergoing cosmetic procedures since 2000. Some more interesting statistics include:

· Recently, the most popular procedure for women was lip augmentation, with fat injections coming in second and microdermabrasion third.

· Botox has continued to gain popularity with a 162 percent increase since 2001.

· Forty-one percent of surgeons reported an increase in the number of teens undergoing facial plastic surgery.

· Doctors have also reported an increase in couples getting facial plastic surgery together.

For complete results of the study, visit www.aafprs.org.

Botox is one of the many trade names for the protein called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

However, the protein is used in cosmetic medicine to treat moderate to severe brow furrows, crow's feet and forehead lines as well as uncontrolled blinking, lazy eye, wrinkles, and facial creases. These procedures use a small amount of diluted botulinum that enables controlled weakening of muscles.

Botulinum toxin is sold commercially under the brand names Botox, BTXA, Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc, Xeomin, Botox Cosmetic, and Vistabel.

In addition to cosmetic use, Botox is used to treat cervical dystonia, writer's cramp, excessive sweating, achalasia (an esophagus problem), chronic pain, neuropathy, and migraine headaches.

Patients with overactive bladders and men with enlarged prostates benefit from Botox injections.

A recent analysis of patient procedures at The Center For Cosmetic A recent analysis at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego showed a remarkable 30% jump in dermal fillers this year. This further validates statistics issued in March by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that minimally invasive procedures continue to weather the economic storm.