Desert Eye Associates

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Description

If there is one particular area of the body that commands our attention, it is the area around the eyes. So much of our expressivity and emotion is revealed by our eyes and the structures that surround them. Unfortunately, this area of the face is subject to the formation of lines and wrinkles that tend to be associated with the aging process. As an ophthalmologist looking at people's eyes all day long, I am especially aware of how crows' feet, frown lines, and laugh lines can add years to someone's appearance. In the past few years, a non-surgical procedure has been introduced that has had great success in reducing or eliminating these lines in properly selected patients. In fact, if started early enough, this treatment can even prevent the development of wrinkles. Most of the wrinkles in the face develop because of the action of the muscles of expression continually and over a long period of time pulling on and eventually creasing the overlying skin. Because we use our upper face especially for showing expression, it is particularly susceptible to the development of lines as we age. Botox, a purified natural protein, is very effective in treating this part of the face when injected in minute amounts into the appropriate muscles. Like all medical treatments, treatment with Botox has limitations. The lines that respond best are those that appear when smiling or frowning and mostly disappear when the face is relaxed. People with deeper wrinkles and creases will see less or even no benefit. However, with a course of several treatments, even these lines may become less noticeable. Sun-damaged skin and the fine lines associated with smoking will not be helped by Botox. The duration of action of Botox has some variability from patient to patient but in general the effect lasts about three to four months at which time the treatment can be repeated. The procedure is performed in the office and takes 10 to 20 minutes depending how many areas are treated and how many injections are required. The injections are performed with a very fine needle and the amount of Botox injected is tiny so that any discomfort is minimal and brief. Maximum benefit is seen in 1 to 2 weeks. Side effects are uncommon and generally limited. Of the unwanted effects that are seen, bruising at the site of injection is the most common. Some other side effects include headache, flu-like symptoms, eyelid droop, and, rarely, double vision. These problems are all temporary and may last only a couple of days to a couple of weeks. There are people who are not candidates for treatment with Botox. These include patients with certain neurological disorders such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, patients on certain antibiotics, and women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Nobody wants to look older than they are or older than they feel. As an ophthalmologist with long years of experience, I am well-qualified in dealing with conditions involving not only the eyes but those structures around the eyes that can cause a person to look older than they are. I have taken specialized training in treating facial wrinkles with Botox so that I am able to apply my expertise as an eye specialist to this procedure and offer my patients this safe and effective treatment. If you have an interest in reducing lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance, contact our office. We will be happy to provide you with further information.

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