Eye Treatments, Winter 2014 Newsletter

Laser Treatments, Newsletters, Skin Tightening
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Advanced Dermatology

It is said that the eyes are the windows into the soul and not surprisingly, many patients have concerns about the health and appearance of the skin around and beneath the eyes. Whether your concern relates to dark circles, under eye puffiness, or fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, we have many tools in our armamentarium to combat these common problems.

The fine lines around the eyes that are commonly referred to as “crow’s feet” is a frequent concern for many people. These lines are often the result of facial expressions such as smiling and squinting. For years, we have known that neurotoxins such as BOTOX®, Dysport™, or Xeomin® can be safely and effectively administered in these areas to help soften and smooth out these wrinkles. Research has confirmed what we’ve already known clinically to be true and the FDA has now approved BOTOX® Cosmetic as an effective treatment for “crow’s feet” lines. BOTOX® for the crow’s feet is a simple in-office procedure which consists of 2-4 injections around the eyes and typically lasts 3-4 months.

An alternative way to treat crow’s feet, under eye puffiness, and upper eyelid skin laxity is with the Pellevé system. This device uses radiofrequency to heat the skin and cause new collagen formation and skin tightening. There is an immediate collagen contraction that occurs and provides immediate tightening after the treatment and the formation of new collagen is what provides long-term tightening over the course of 3-6 months. For best results, 2-3 treatments are recommended.

Another radiofrequency device, Thermage®, has also been approved for the treatment of under eye skin laxity. Both Pellevé and Thermage®, can be combined with BOTOX® for optimal improvements.

For an at home skincare option to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, look to Pro+Therapy MD® C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment ($75). This serum contains plant derived proteins to help promote collagen synthesis for skin tightening. It also contains Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant to help fight off UV damage.

Voted InStyle magazine’s Best Beauty Buy in 2010, SkinMedica® TNS Line Refine ($78.75) helps to rapidly smooth and fill in fine lines with its high concentration of growth factors. This product can be used for any lines on the face, but is particularly nice for the lines around the eyes.

To improve dark circles and under eye puffiness, look to SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex ($92.50). With the combination of flavenoids and peptides, this cream helps reduce those pesky under eye bags and instantly improves the appearance of under eye skin with optical diffusers.

For more of an all-in-one product, skinfo® Vital Tea Regenerate Eye Repair ($75) is a great combination product with green tea polyphenols, peptides, and arnica. The ingredients act as powerful antioxidants to help improve the appearance of dark circles and the retinol helps soften fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.