Eyes

It’s almost impossible to overstate the functional and aesthetic importance of our eyes. When we look out at the world, we see it with our eyes. And when the world looks back at us, our eyes are often what get noticed first. They are also the single most noted physical feature on dates and first meetings. A whopping 80% of those surveyed say that eyes—not hair, teeth, or lips—were what they noticed first upon meeting someone new.  As a result of this focus, rejuvenation of the eye area can provide a sensational aesthetic benefit.

Health

Unfortunately, age isn’t always kind to the health of our eyes. Advancing years often bring reading glasses, uncomfortable dry eyes, and more serious concerns, such as an increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration that can make even everyday tasks such as reading and driving next to impossible.

Dr. Yagoda urges all her patients to get a complete eye exam every 1 to 2 years as part of their commitment to healthful aging. As an otolaryngologist or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Yagoda does not perform these exams herself. She is, however, happy to refer you to her medical colleagues who specialize in the care of the eye, prevention of eye disease, and treatment of eye disorders.

Appearance

The most common complaint of young men and women in their late 20s and early 30s is dark circles and lower lid puffiness. Women in their late 30s and 40s and men in their 40s and 50s notice that the eye area looks tired. We might begin to notice and be troubled by drooping upper eyelids (which in some cases can even impair vision), thickened skin, “bags” or pockets of protruding fat, a “hooded” look, crows’ feet and dark circles. Thinning eyebrows and sparser eyelashes contribute to the problem by drawing attention to the area.

If you want to renew and refresh your eye area, don’t assume that eyelid surgery (called blepharoplasty) is your only—or even best—option. Although blepharoplasty is an incredibly popular method of eyelid rejuvenation (last year, 100,000 men and women underwent this procedure), there may be other considerations. For example, are nasal allergies, sinus disease or nasal polyps causing or contributing to lower eyelid swelling and darkness? Depending on your particular needs, Dr. Yagoda will advise you which options merit consideration. For example, she may recommend medical or allergy treatments, topicals or injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Restylane, or other fillers. She may offer a non-surgical solution, such as her trademarked Tri-EYE-umph! Procedure, chemical peels, IPL or laser treatments. Or, if your particular situation warrants it, she may discuss surgical solutions ranging from blepharoplasty for the upper eyelid, blepharoplasty for the lower eyelid, and/or a browlift. Some of these procedures and treatments may be offered in combination.

Dr. Yagoda will consult with you to help you make informed choices about your options so that the procedures you choose will produce the results you want. In the meantime, here’s a brief guide to the most common cosmetic complaints and their typical solutions. Please keep in mind that very often, it’s not one procedure or treatment but a combination that’s required.

For thinning eyebrows and eyelashes:

• Tinting and perming
• Latisse

For sagging and “hooding” of the upper eyelid:

• Blepharoplasty
• Browlift
• Tri-EYE-umph! Non-surgical total eyelid rejuvenation
• Filler in the lateral brow

For lower eyelid puffiness, ridges, bulges, or bags:

• Blepharoplasty
• Tri-EYE-umph! Non-surgical total eyelid rejuvenation
• Medical and/or surgical treatment of nasal, sinus, and allergy problems
• Filler in the tear troughs

For drooping brow:

• Botox
• Browlift 

For crows’ feet:

• Botox 
• IPL
• Chemical peels

• Fillers
• Tri-EYE-umph! Non-surgical total eyelid rejuvenation