Dr. Ric Izquierdo member for 34 weeks 6 days Send a message

The eyes have it. We use our eyes to communicate, show happiness, anger, lust. Words tell the story, but the eyes convey the message. In many ways, the eyes are the mirror to the soul. When we look in the mirror the eyes are the first objects scanned. It’s the same in face-to-face communication.

So one morning you look at yourself and there are lines on the outside corners, curtains on top, and pillows on the bottom. “When did that happen? I’m only 37 for Pete’s sake!” Well, it’s not all about age. Look at your genetic tree (parents), health (sun, smoking), diet (salt, fat), and stress level (release of cortisols in the body). Irrespective of your age, all of these factors will contribute to aging, laxity of the tissues, loss of elasticity, and general wearing down of your body. So what’s a girl (or guy) to do?

Botox and wrinkle fillers can do a great job, up to a point. Certainly, Botox best handles the crow’s feet. But when they are combined with lower lid bagginess, the solution is not so simple. The baggies and the crease that forms at the bottom (the “tear trough”) will require some form of surgical intervention. The lower lids can be made to look smoother with laser, external incisions (under the lashes), or internal incisions (“invisible” as some practitioners market it).

The upper lids represent an entirely different evaluation. The upper lid may be barely visible because of loose skin. Also, the brow may sag adding to the fullness of the curtain. And the frown lines between the brows may give an expression of constant anger. Again Botox can help in the lines between the brows. But if you’re considering fixing the upper lids, the muscles that cause those lines can be treated through the same incision used for the upper lids. This treatment is permanent, so you’ll have less frowning or scowling. Usually some fat is removed from the upper lid along with the extra hanging skin giving the eye a wider and smoother view of the upper lid. The final scar is in the groove of the upper lid and is not visible.

Finally, the brow may need some type of modification if it is drooping down, especially over the lateral part of the upper lid. If you manually raise your lateral brow and temple skin and your eye seems “brighter”, a lateral mini brow lift may be indicated. It’s very common for me to use this in 50% or more of upper lid surgery. The scar is hidden within the hairline in the temple and leaves the brow with a nice arch, but not the “clown look” of Phyllis Diller.

These procedures can be done under local, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on complexity. Your result should look like you; just less tired, less haggard, and a refreshed you.

Ricardo Izquierdo, M.D., FACS
Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
ric.izquierdo@faceandbodychicago.com
www.FaceAndBodyChicago.com