Scar Reduction and Canthoplasty, SOOF Lift and Fillers, or Tarsal Strips?

asked 2 years ago by Julie C. in Mt
Latest answer by Kamran Khoobehi, MD
Question viewed 1,377 times
Tags: age 55-64, under eyes, female, comparison, hollow

After travelling for consultations with three oculoplastic surgeons in Seattle to correct undereye laxity & hollowness, I need advice as to which of the 3 recommended procedures would be best: Scar reduction and canthoplasty, SOOF lift and fillers, or tarsal strips?

Any other advice in making the best decision on procedure and physicians would be appreciated. I am female in mid-50s and want a natural result with minimal change in eye shape.

Update: Photo added March 10, 2010:

9 answers to Scar Reduction and Canthoplasty, SOOF Lift and Fillers, or Tarsal Strips?

Lower eyelid rejuvenation procedures

Several of the options do indeed leave artifact, or evidence of surgery, particularly a canthoplasty or tarsal strip. These procedures are generally used for reconstructive reasons, lax lower eyelid, ectropion, etc. We of course cannot begin to advise you without seeing pictures, taking a history of any prior surgeries, etc. Also, you should choose the surgeon, not the technique, a theme you will see repeated daily on RealSelf. Generally for first time rejuvenation requiring slight... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

Physical examintion and better picture can help

You have negative vector and this means that your check bone sets back compare to the eye globe. The surgical option are vary and all depends on the surgeons experience. My recommendation would envolve tear trouph implants the help support the lower lid. You already have tarsal show and removing ny lower lid skin without the support will make this worse. Pleae check these pictures. http://www.khoobehi.com/photogallery/eyelid-surgery-5102/case-3-18452

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Best option for management of lax lower eyelids

Hi there- Without performing an exam, reviewing your goals with you and discussion pros and cons of the options, I'm not sure I could advise you. There are often several reasonable approaches to the same problem in plastic surgery and the best one for you will depend on your goals and desired experience. My best recommendation is that you worry less about the technique and more about who is going to do it on you... In other words, if you choose your surgeon as well as you possibly can, the proce more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Injectable Fillers work well to improve your hollow under-eye appearance.

Well-performed, lower eyelid Injectable Fillers can dramatically improve your hollow appearance with no downtime. You should consult a board-certified physician experienced with filling this delicate area, and you should see many photos before you proceed. This will not, however, address the laxity of your lower eyelid which may require surgery. I hope this is helpful for you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

The best procedures for the lower eyelid.

The best procedure for you is difficult to determine without an examination. In some patients, I perform nearly all of the procedures discussed at one setting with the exception of tarsal strips or canthopexy which have the greatest potential for creating the "cat eye" look. However, sometimes these are required in cases of lower eyelid laxity to prevent lid retraction or scleral show.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lower Lid Laxity Correction Options

I fully agree with my colleagues. Without seeing a good quality photograph with your eyes looking forward in neutral gaze it is impossible to answer such a sophisticated question. The fact that three surgeons felt differently after fully examined you, should signal to you that there is no uniform agreement on how your situation SHOULD be handled. The degree of lower lid looseness would determine just how much tightening the lower lid would need - canthoPEXY, canthoPLASTY or Tarsal Strip.... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid surgery should be a natural restoration

Without photographs and more history it is difficult on how to advise you. If you have scar tissue, presumably you have had prior lower eyelid surgery and have an unsatisfactory result. If you have not had prior eyelid surgery, the surgeries being proposed are overly aggressive. I encourage you to study my website (see the link below). I do a great deal of corrective eyelid surgery. The entire goal is as natrual restoration as possible. Sometimes this entails highly involved staged... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Lower eyelid options

Without seeing your photos, I can't say for sure but all of the procedures you listed have the potential to change the shape of your lower lids and may make you look "different" not just better. A lot depends on the laxity of the lower lids, the more lax, the more risk you take with surgery and the more you need to tighten them to minimize the risk.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Difficult to recommend best option without more information

Thanks for the question BUT without photos and orbital measurements HOW can any of us experts venture to GUESS the correct operation for you. Each one you mention has its merits and down falls. Awaiting photos.