Botox Injections
Dr. Corder offers Botox injections to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and facial region.
We are all born with smooth, baby soft skin. As we frown and smile, the muscles of expression cause the skin to crease. Over time these lines become deeper and more permanent even when our muscles are at rest, making us look older than we feel. We can often be mistaken as tired or angry even though we feel perfectly fine.
What is Botox®?
Botox® injection is a revolutionary wrinkle reduction procedure that can reduce or eliminate wrinkles in the upper third of the face, including forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox is a protein that weakens and “inactivates” muscles that wrinkle the skin. Initially used back in 1973 to relax overactive eye muscles that caused “crossed eyes” and facial tics, Botox has since gained popularity to treat a number of muscular diseases and for use as a cosmetic agent.
A personal consultation is recommended to discuss the overall procedure, expectations, risks, side effects, etc. Patients with certain neuromuscular diseases or those taking certain medications may not be suitable candidates. It is important that you disclose all relevant medical information during the consultation.
The Procedure
Botox® injection can be performed in an examination room environment. The number of injections depends on the amount of area being treated. Because of the use of a micro-needle and extremely small amounts of liquid, any stinging sensation is minimal and subsides quickly. Ice compresses may also be used before and after treatment to minimize discomfort.
The effects of the initial injections are not seen for three or four days and will not be complete for about two weeks. Repeat injections may be recommended every three or four months during the first year to keep the muscles blocked and allow the skin to smooth out.
After the first set of treatments you will need to return only when you notice a return in muscle movement which may not occur for 6 months or more. As these muscles are inactive over time, patients are often broken of the bad frowning habits, which further prolongs the effect.
Hundreds of thousands of men and women have already experienced the rejuvenating effects of Botox® injection. If you are in good health, have good skin tone and realistic expectations, Botox® injection may be your answer to a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Your eyes are usually the first thing people notice about your appearance. They are probably the most important aspect of facial attractiveness. Even with a good night’s sleep, loose skin over your eyes or fatty bags under your eyes can make you look tired or sad or older than you really are. As we go through life, even if we have taken care of ourselves, the skin around our eyes stretches and wrinkles. Fatty deposits cause the upper lids to sag while under the eye the tissue can bulge forward and become discolored. In severe cases, vision can become partially blocked.
Typically, these unwanted characteristics come with age, beginning in the late 30s and early 40s, but hereditary factors can cause a much younger person to appear prematurely aged. Exposure to the sun, use of alcohol, smoking and less than optimal nutrition all accelerate the signs of aging.
Fortunately, Dr. Donna Corder is equipped with modern techniques and advances in an eyelid rejuvenation procedure called blepharoplasty. She can help restore a more youthful, alert and healthy look to your eyes. Blepharoplasty can be performed on both upper and lower eyelids and has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its high level of patient satisfaction.
Before Blepharoplasty
As a general rule, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery. However, if your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision, the procedure may be covered as “medically necessary” surgery.
Before surgery, Dr. Corder will evaluate the condition and health of your eyes. Specifics regarding your vision, tear production, use of contact lenses, use of medications, and personal expectations will be discussed. This information, along with other factors such as age, skin type, and ethnic background, will allow both you and your surgeon to come to a mutual decision. Together, a plan will be discussed regarding the surgical technique, amount of surgery and type of anesthesia to be used.
Dr. Corder is available to answer any questions you may have regarding risks and complications before undergoing the blepharoplasty procedure.
During Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is generally done using local anesthetic. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The time varies depending on the amount of tissue to be removed.
When blepharoplasty is performed on the upper eyelids, Dr. Corder removes the excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate in the inside corner of the eye, next to the nose. Incisions are made along the natural folds in the skin so that as they heal, they become difficult, if not impossible, to see with the passage of time.
When blepharoplasty is performed on the lower eyelids, the incision will be made inside or behind the eyelid, providing there is not too much excess skin. This technique is called tranconjunctival blepharoplasty and allows the removal of fatty deposits while avoiding the need for an external incision. If there is excessive skin or muscle folds below the eye, an incision may also be made just below the base of the eyelashes. As this incision heals, the fine scar should become barely visible.
After Blepharoplasty
After the procedure, it is recommended that someone drive you home. Bruising and swelling is common after the surgery. Eye drops may be given to keep the eye moist and clean. Postoperative discomfort is usually relatively mild, although this will vary from patient to patient. Most patients require little, if any, pain medication.
Your eyes may feel sticky, dry or itchy for a week or so after the procedure. You will need to take special care in cleaning around the eyes for the first week or two. Be sure to discuss what activities to avoid during the healing time. Stitches are usually removed five to ten days after surgery. Self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own. Make-up can usually be applied to camouflage bruising after the stitches are removed, and a good pair of sunglasses may help you feel better when in public as you heal. It is important to follow all of your post-operative instructions to speed healing and reduce the risk of incurring complication.
Results of Blepharoplasty
Most patients experience a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes after blepharoplasty. In addition to improving some patients’ vision, most patients report feeling more alert and energetic. Although the positive effects of having blepharoplasty on your appearance will be immediate, your results will not be considered final for up to a year as the healing process continues.
Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic surgery, sometimes called ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive or orbital surgery, deals primarily with reshaping the area in and around the eye. Oculoplastic surgery can be used to correct a medical condition, for reconstruction after an injury, or for cosmetic reasons. An oculoplastic surgeon is a Board certified ophthalmologist who has completed specialized fellowship training in eye plastic surgery.
Oculoplastic Surgery Services
- Eyelid surgery (removal of excessive skin or fat)
- Tear duct repair
- Tumor removal (in and around the eye)
- Reconstructive surgery
- Laser skin resurfacing/chemical peel
- Eyebrow lift
Skin Rejuvenation
Even with Botox® or surgery, skin can look aged before its time. Pigment changes, large pores and dullness can diminish the appearance of even smooth skin. Dr. Corder offers medical-strength skin care such as the Obagi® Skin Care line and CoolTouch® non-ablative laser to increase rejuvenate your skin and help restore its healthy luster.
