Cosmetic Treatments Available at Southwest Eye Care and Laser

Facial Rejuvenation

Although we were all born with smooth and soft skin, time and heredity play a major role in our appearance. In addition, smoking and our youthful years of sun exposure combine to increase the signs of aging. The CO2 laser and the new ERBIUM laser can provide a patient with an alternative. The simple outpatient procedure can turn back the hands of time and restore one's appearance to their youthful outlook and personality.

Eyelid Rejuvenation

As we age, the lid tissue above our eyes begins to droop and reduce our field of vision upward and to the side. People can often look tired and fatigued even though they are well-rested. They may feel much younger than they look. A blepharoplasty procedure eliminates the excessive skin and tightens the eyelid muscles. This surgery can also eliminate baggy appearing lower eyelids and help tearing dysfunction. Both procedures can be combined at the same time as an outpatient procedure and leave you with a younger and fresher appearance.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

The latest and most exciting non-invasive treatment for dynamic facial wrinkles is the use of BOTOX® injections. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified derivative from a naturally occurring protein which, in very dilute concentrations, acts on our muscles to weaken their contractions. The furrows relax and the skin takes on a smooth and younger appearance.

We administer the BOTOX® injections in and around the thickened or hypertrophied facial muscles with a very small needle and syringe. The actual procedure is nearly painless and only a small volume is needed. The effect develops within a 48 hours and may last up to six months. Most individuals improve with these injections, but women and younger adults have a better response.

BOTOX® treatment is especially valuable for three specific areas on the face. Glabellar wrinkles are those vertical furrows which develop between the eyes. They result from persistent and unequal contraction of our procerus and corrugator muscles. BOTOX® Cosmetic acts on both of these muscles to relax them. In a recent study, almost 90 percent of patients were satisfied with their appearance after their BOTOX® treatment. Crow's feet are lateral wrinkles which result from an overactive orbicularis muscle. With BOTOX® injections, the orbicularis muscles can no longer depress the brow and these furrows disappear. Lastly, BOTOX® injections will dampen the expressive forehead lines. These are placed above and below the forehead furrows to relax the frontalis muscles.

As with all procedures, mild bruising can occur and some patients may not be good candidates. Careful examination and consultation are the most important step before one agrees to any procedure.