Iowa Plastic Surgery Newsletter               July 2009
What Do Your Eyes Say About You?
 
THE EYELID AGING PROCESS Eyes
 
The eyes are central to ones appearance.  As we use our eyes to see the world, so the world looks at us through our eyes.  So what happens when the eyelids begin to show signs of aging?  As fat pockets bulge or excess skin accumulates, a different appearance emerges.  It may make us look tired, less energetic, or older. 
 
As we grow older, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles relax or weaken, and the fat bulges.  We have come to know this as "bags" under our eyes for the lower eyelids, or droopy eyelids for the upper eyelids.  You may also notice that your eyes appear to be getting smaller or less "open" and you may have difficulty applying eye makeup.  You may feel you are looking through your eyelashes, which are being pushed down by the heavy upper eyelid skin.  In severe cases it can also interfere with our vision. However, there is a surgical procedure that offers a solution.
 
This surgery is called Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).  It improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes; making you look more rested and alert.
 
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR EYELID SURGERY?
 
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals with good physical and mental health who have realistic expectations.  Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have the surgery at a younger age. 
 
ARE THE CHANGES MADE BY EYELID SURGERY PERMANENT?
 
Blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging.  However, the procedure is usually very long lasting.  Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime.  If your eyelids are once again sagging it might be that the proper procedure is a forehead lift. 
 
Eyelid surgery had changed remarkably during the last 10 years.  Dr. Van Raalte has kept current and is doing the most advanced techniques.  Adjunctive procedures include removal of the frown lines through the upper eyelid incision.  In addition, the tear trough or dark circle may be released and the fat blended across rather than removed.  This leads to a more natural look.  Some patients may only need fat removed from the lower eyelid and the incision is inside the eyelid and not visible at all.  Another addition tightens the lateral eyelid angle to restore it to its previous youthfull appearance.
 
Iowa Plastic Surgery offers a mini brow lift.  Instead of the large forehead incision, or a costly endoscopic procedure (and sometimes a surprised type of appearance), our most popular mini brow lift involves a small incision in the lateral forehead, behind the hairline.  This creates a natural lift and opens the eyes.  It also allows the upper eyelid incision to be smaller, virtually hidden in the crease.
 
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION OR COME IN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. VAN RAALTE...  
please call Christina at (563) 322-8877.
 
Iowa Plastic Surgery & the Community:
 
Iowa Plastic Surgery was proud to be involved a second year with a benefit for the Domestic Violence Shelter of Family Resources, Inc.  DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended) Women's Golf Tournament was held at the Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf on June 5th.  152 women enjoyed a great day of golf, friendship and fun. They raised $41,000 in cash and over $20,000 in kind gifts to help the women and children in their shelter. 
 
FDA Aproves New Wrinkle Treatment:

Dysport® the newest Botulinum muscle relaxer.
 
May 1, 2009 -- The FDA has approved Dysport®.  It is used to treat forehead wrinkles and frown lines.
 
Dysport® is the new Botulinum A toxin, used to relax muscles.  It can be used to treat the muscles that cause wrinkles.  It may act faster and last longer than other Botulinum A products currently on the market.  It has been available in Europe for many years, and is now FDA approved for use in the United States.  It is distributed by the same company that carries Restylane®, the filler for wrinkles.
 
Botulinum A toxins such as Dysport® or Botox® are used to relax the muscles causing wrinkles.  FIllers such as Restylane® or Juvederm™ are used to fill in wrinkles; therefore, Botox® and Dysport® treat lines that occur actively like frowning or crows feet when smiling.  Fillers like Restylane® are used for passive lines, the wrinkles and lines that are present when the muscles are at rest.  Botox® and Dysport® are used most often in the upper face, and Restylane® most often in the lower face.  Both occasionally are used in the same area if there are both active and passive lines.
 
Iowa Plastic Surgery carries both products and from their experience will help determine which one is best for YOU!  Check our monthly VIP email specials for the latest offer on Dysport®.