Woodlands Explains: Non-surgical Blepharoplasty
As we get older, one area of the face that can really show our age is the eyes. As our skin loses elasticity through the aging process, the eyelids and the skin above them can start to sag and droop, leaving the eyes looking hooded and heavy. Women in particular may notice this difference as they suddenly find it difficult to apply eye makeup without physically lifting the skin above the eyelid. Until fairly recently, the only solution for this was blepharoplasty, where a surgeon cuts away a small strip of the loose skin above each eye in order to tighten up the eye area again. Of course, for many of us, surgery is just not an option; it’s costly and also invasive, often with several weeks of recovery time before the eyes are fully healed. Thankfully, a new treatment is now available that can make a huge difference to the eyes, without the need for an invasive surgical procedure. This treatment is sublimation, using the Plasma pen.
The Plasma pen is a device which sublimates the skin through a targeted micro beam. Sublimation is the process of turning a solid substance into a gas. When the skin is sublimated, it contracts and tightens, leading to a significant reduction in loose or sagging skin around the eyes. There are no incisions, blood or stitches involved in the procedure at all. The Plasma treatment can also be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, scars and skin lesions such as warts.
Pre-treatment
The procedure generates heat, so patients may experience some minor tingling or burning, however, topical anaesthetic can be applied prior to the treatment in order to minimise discomfort. Immediately after treatment, the area may feel tender and the tingling or burning sensation may last for a few hours.
Immediately after treatment
While Plasma does not have the same level of recovery time as surgical blepharoplasty, most patients will require some downtime post treatment. The main thing that patients will notice is the appearance of tiny black or brown spots, which are caused by “shots” from the device. These will flake off on their own, usually after a few days, but they can last for up to two weeks.
Swelling
Swelling is also common post-treatment. It is generally the most pronounced when the procedure has been carried out on the eye area. Again, swelling can last for several days and there have been some cases where the eyes have been so swollen that the patient’s vision has been interfered with, however, this is not permanent and the swelling will settle on its own.
Post treatment
Patients will see results from one treatment, but in order for Plasma to give the same level of improvement as surgery, it is recommended to have 3 treatments at 6 week intervals.
At Woodlands, the Plasma treatment is performed by Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Saria Tahir. Saria has many years’ of experience working with medical grade lasers, and as such, is extremely adept at treatments that require a great deal of accuracy. If you would like to book a consultation with Saria to discuss non-surgical blepharoplasty or any other treatment, give us a call on 0151 728 2536 or click here.
