The Surgical Artist's Blog

Words like Belotero, Restylane, CO2 and “fat transfer” may not be in your everyday vocabulary, but you’ve probably heard about one problem that they are each excellent at addressing: hollow eyes.

Hollow eyes result when fat loss due to aging, genetics, or even extreme weight loss causes the area around the eyes to look bony, sunken and “hollowed out.” This can make dark shadows and wrinkles look more prominent, causing you to appear fatigued and older than you really are.

Because eyes are so important to first impressions, many are distressed when they start to see these  changes. However, there are several non-surgical alternatives to help you rejuvenate the eye area, creating a more rested, youthful appearance.

Belotero can be an excellent solution to adding volume back to the delicate area around the eyes. A hyaluronic acid, Belotero provides subtle, natural-looking results with minimal swelling, no downtime and often immediate results. Because it is a thin, light product, Belotero can be used closer to the surface than other products without causing discoloration. Best of all, your Belotero treatment can last from 6-12 months.

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid product commonly referred to as a “dermal filler.” When Restylane is injected into the under eye area, also known as the “tear trough,” it smooths out and softens the hollow look. Results can last up to 9 months, with minimal bruising that typically resolves within one week. Restylane is a good option for someone with moderate to severe hollowing who is not yet ready for a surgical solution but who desires an immediate improvement.

Belotero and Restylane are very similar products, both safe and effective at filling in the tear troughs.

CO2 laser resurfacing is another excellent, non-surgical way to achieve immediate results in creating a more youthful looking eye area. CO2 therapy improves skin tone and texture, and tightens the skin around the eyes to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The fractional CO2 laser is considered the “gold standard” of resurfacing lasers, with a typical recovery time of a week to ten days, during which the skin will be reddened and slightly swollen. Patients can opt to be lightly sedated during the procedure for a more comfortable experience.

Finally, fat transfer is an excellent, natural approach to improving hollow eyes. During a fat transfer, Dr. Deal or Dr. Nease will harvest your body’s own fat from other areas via an incision so tiny it does not even require a suture. After the fat has been filtered for impurities, it will be injected into targeted areas around your eyes. Because the fat comes from your own body, this is a very safe, well-tolerated procedure and an excellent way to improve the contours of your eyes. Additionally, fat transfer combined with CO2 laser resurfacing is a highly effective method for rejuvenating the lower eyelid and surrounding area.

While more expensive than fillers, fat transfer is actually a more affordable option when you consider that the results can last for years.

If you’re “eyeing” any of these procedures to help you look more youthful and rested, please give us a call at 423-266-3331! Both Dr. Nease and Dr. Deal are award-winning, board-certified surgeons who have performed more than 10,000 cosmetic surgery procedures in the last seven years. Their commitment to safe, quality, and cutting-edge care is one of the reasons that Southern Surgical Arts is consistently recognized as Best of the Best.

Southern Surgical Arts offers a variety of services that help to keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated. We have the most complete line of lasers and light therapies in the entire region. Our lasers have multiple modes that allow for precise targeted treatments, as well as full field and fractional treatments. This allows us to treat any skin type with any aesthetic concern while also allowing us to customize your recovery to your lifestyle.

Facial Rejuvenation is becoming more popular within the United States, including the younger population. With laser technology and affordable injectable treatments, patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s are looking and feeling five to 10 years younger. At Southern Surgical Arts, we offer the latest technology and techniques to help achieve a patient's facial rejuvenation goals.

There are many different options for facial rejuvenation. Dr. Deal and Dr. Nease at Southern Surgical Arts tailor each treatment to the patient's goals. One example is the Liquid Face Lift that can includes several injectables. It often includes Botox or Dysport paired with fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, Perlane, and Juvederm. "When all you have is a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail," said Dr. Deal. "With the plethora of injectables and fillers we offer our patients more than just one vendor's products, and we make sure the patient has a treatment plan that is customized for their needs." The ideal candidate is a woman or man ranging from his or her 20s to 50s.

The Laser Face Lift is for the patient that is not yet ready for a Cosmetic Face Lift; but desires an overall rejuvenated look. It often includes treatment with one of our fractionated lasers, the Sciton Profractional or the Affirm CO2, along with SmartLipo, injectables and fillers. The ideal candidate is usually in his or her 40s or early 50s. Patients from Chattanooga and North Georgia don't often realize that Dr. Nease pioneered the Laser Facelift. In fact, he has taught physicians from around the world how to perform the procedure.

Do you look in the mirror and want to minimize wrinkles, deep folds or sun damage? If so, we invite you in for a complimentary consultation with one of our Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons. Call today at 423-266-3331 or 706-629-8622.