Bringing a lift to droopy eyebrows and eyelids

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014
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I am a 55-year-old male with |droopy eyebrows and eyelids, and they make me look tired. When I pull the skin upwards I look a lot better and younger. Is there any |way to fix this?

A lot of things get droopy as we age, and saggy eyebrows and eyelids are a part of that package. As the muscles weaken, the eyebrows sometimes do not stay where they used to.
Coupled with excessive skin on the eyelid, which is caused by a lack of skin elasticity, the problem can lead to an array of problems, from that fatigued look you mention to eyesight problems.
Apart from the natural ageing process, other causes of droopy eyebrows include stress, fatigue, restlessness, and lack of sleep. It may also indicate an eye disorder known as ptosis, which is a partial paralysis of the muscle.
The solution is quite straightforward. Since it is caused by muscle weakness and skin laxity, tightening the skin and the muscles in that area can help.
One of the first choices would be getting a botulinum toxin injection to lift up the sagging brows. This method is quite safe, but it must be done by a skilled doctor to avoid complications and an unnatural look.
Not too long ago, the FDA cleared an ultrasound device for eyebrow lifting. The technology, known as Ulthera, is non-invasive and uses ultrasound imaging to target ultrasound energy, enabling significant lifting of the skin in the treated area.
Simply put, this energy triggers the body’s natural healing response, which means collagen production is improved and the skin is tightened. To date, Ulthera is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for the face, neck, and eyes, lifting and toning loose skin without any downtime.
In this case, the ultrasound waves will lift the brows and reduce excess skin on the lids. As a result, the eyes appear more open, giving a more refreshed look |overall.
The device targets two different levels within the skin – at 4.5mm and 3mm. These energy deposits heat up the skin, causing a reaction of immediate skin tightening and production of collagen. The dual-step procedure affects both the dermal layer and the deep SMAS layer, so the results last for quite a long time and look natural.
Results will unfold over the course of 2-3 months and might continue to improve for up to six months.
While ultrasound does not duplicate the results of surgery, it has proved an inviting alternative for those who are not yet ready for surgery.
However, it is important that your doctor knows the actual cause of the sagging eyebrows. In some cases, it is caused by skin laxity of the forehead, causing the eyebrows to fall lower, while it can also be caused by loose eyelids or weakened |muscles.
Eyebrows act like a frame of your face, so make sure you put your trust in the right hands. Find a doctor who is experienced in facial design to avoid disappointing results. Prior to the treatment, speak to your doctor to make sure that both of you have the same understanding and |expectation.

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD |is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological |laser surgery. Send your questions for |her to [email protected]