Eyes on the Prize Joseph A Russo, MD

By Slone Mathieu

We love a good consult! Analyzing a concern, hashing out a plan, and applying our skills. For most cosmetic complaints we have several options and price points to help our patients reach their goal. However, there are the occasional conditions that require a direct approach and sometimes it’s hard to help the patient see clearly, especially when that is the precise nature of the problem.

Saggy eyes, droopy lids, ptosis, luggage, bags, whatever you want to call it…the eyes can present a real medical problem and an undeniable cosmetic issue. It can impair your vision and make you look years older. These conditions occur for a variety of reasons: genetics, a drop in hormone production, a depletion of collagen and elastin coupled with gravity, allergies, lack of sleep, or a salty diet. Very few of these consults care about why it’s happening – it is what it is – but they want a clear-cut answer on how to fix it.

Here’s where you need to keep your eyes in the prize, because oftentimes a patient does not like the answer. This is not a hard sell. These are the facts.

You can buy endless creams and eye treatments; the moisture will superficially improve the appearance. You can replenish fatty acids and proteins topically and internally; you’ll create a healthy cell and increase your membrane function. You can eat an anti-inflammatory diet of leafy greens, orange and red vegetables, and deep colored fruits; you’ll encourage a healthier body and stave off a host of other complaints. You can reduce some inflammation by increasing circulation and draining the lymph; it’s a feel good, look good approach. You can even try a treatment such as Ultherapy or Thermage; a subtle lift might help.

However, in the end, the only cure and correction for saggy, droopy eyes is a Blepharoplasty. This is a surgical procedure designed to remove fat or skin from the lid or the under eye area. The operation is performed in-office, requiring 1-3 hours for completion, with no visible scarring, and minimal down-time.  I know surgery can seem intimidating, but the procedure is so precise and practiced, that within 48 hours you are on your way to recovery. In fact, it presents the perfect opportunity to add on another surgical procedure while your at it.

Boston plastic surgeon, Dr. Russo and his staff have performed countless blepharoplasty procedures to amazing success and satisfaction. You won’t believe the results, until you actually see them!