Both Blepharoplasty and Dermal Fillers are excellent options for treating the eye area, but one is most likely a better choice for you based on your needs. There are a couple of key factors and differences between both options that will help you, as a patient, decide on the best route to getting your desired results. Differences in the way the procedures are performed, the length of treatment results, the costs of each treatment, and the downtime are all important factors to consider when choosing the right path for you!Blepharoplasty (upper lid, lower, or both together) is an surgical operation with the goal of removing excess fat and skin from the upper eyelids, and removing primarily excess bags (fat) from the lower lids. Some patients also have "extra skin" on the lower lids, and this can be very carefully removed by a skillful blepharoplasty surgeon. Lower lids often become lax as we age, and when this occurs the lower lid is tightened to correct the "sag". Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are best performed by a surgeon who has received specialized training in these procedures. There are definite risks which can, but seldom do occur, when done by an experienced surgeon. Complications when it comes to Blepharoplasty procedures include taking too much skin which results in inability to close the eyelids completely while sleeping, which leads to a dry, uncomfortable eye. The lower lids can become lax and "sag down" if too much skin is removed or it the surgeon does not correct an already loose lid at the time of the lower lid blepharoplasty. The most serious complication is loss of vision by a hemorrhage either during the operation or one that occurs in the first few days after the operation has been performed(occurring in far less than one percent of blepharoplasty procedures). Although many different specialties perform this operation, my recommendation is to have an Oculoplastic Surgeon (an ophthalmologist who has completed a three year residency in ophthalmology, and then does a fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), perform this procedure. Of course, the surgeon who performs these operations should always be board certified.When it comes to Dermal Fillers, there are a wide variety of facial fillers to choose from. The purpose of such fillers is primarily to replace the facial fat that "disappears as we age" with an injected filler. Poor cosmetic results are not uncommon when performed by an inexperienced surgeon, while catastrophic results are uncommon. Most fillers are "gone" within a year or so, and need to be redone on a yearly basis (there is some variation as to how often as individual patients absorb the filler at different rates of speed). Bottom line, the best blepharoplasty surgeons are usually the best "filler Docs" as well. Lastly, beware of any surgeon who "guarantees" a perfect result. I always tell my patients that the only thing I can guarantee is that I have done 1000's of most procedures and I will do my best to achieve "perfection".
