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Archive for December, 2006

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Hello Dr. Seckel I have had dark circles around and under my eyes now for almost 10 years. I first noticed them at age 27 and they have gotten significantly worse. I have tried laser treatments, bleaching creams, vitamins and none seem to help. The dark circles have really affected my self-esteem. I have no motivation to get up and out anymore. I have read about blepharoplasty with arcus marginalis release and wonder if that is the best solution. Could you provide me with some suggestions that will help? Thank you, Karen, San Bruno, CA.

Sunday, December 17th, 2006

The correction of true dark circles under the eyes requires a blepharoplasty operation with arcus marginalis release and fat grafting.

Dear Dr. Seckel, Recently I saw a web cast describing a non-surgical blepharoplasty using Aluma FACES on the eyes (http://www.nbc4.com/health/9842667/detail.html). The video even showed the dr. using the wand directly on closed lids of a patient (over the eyeballs). The claim made is that this new technology is safe for use in this is manner while other lasers are not. Is this true? Many Thanks, Terry Ann, Kansas

Monday, December 11th, 2006

I would certainly not do this and I have been using lasers for 12 years on the eyelids but only with a protective shield over the eyes.

Dear Dr. Seckel, I am considering a face lift. I do not see anything about how long the Lifestyle Lift lasts and how much the average cost is. I am 57 and need some work! Thanks, Mary, Bothell, WA

Sunday, December 10th, 2006

if the face-lift is done by an EXPERIENCED Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, using modern techniques which include tightening of the muscles and SMAS tissues beneath the facial skin, can get a satisfactory result that lasts 15 years.

Dear Dr. Seckel, I’ve purchased your terrific book and love it. I found a doctor in Los Angeles who performs skin tightening with the LuxIR system, but was told it cannot be used on the eyes. Sagging brows, slightly sagging eyelids, and the beginnings of jowls are my main concerns, and I do not want a blepharoplasty , face-lift or brow lift.. I’m curious why Thermage is used on the eyes, but not the IR systems, and if it would be my best bet. Will you please make any other suggestions to firm up eyelids and brows? I’d prefer to try a firming treatment and see those results before committing to a face-lift and blepharoplasty. Second question – I’ve also looked into Aluma Faces, but was told the Aluma system does not go as deep into the Dermis and may not be as effective as other RF or IR treatments. and there is a new dermal heating system called Affirm by the makers of Fraxel that I’m wondering if you can comment on, or suggest the latest and greatest this month in your opinion. I have fair skin, no sun damage, just a few fine lines and early skin laxity, mostly eyes, as I said. Thank you, Inga, Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, December 3rd, 2006

Thermage, because it goes so deep, has produced serious complications of fat atrophy with visible depressions in the temple or perioccular area

Dear Dr. Seckel, I started noticing at the beginning of the year lines on my eyes that start near the corners of my eyes by the nose that go downward and a little dark in color.I believe you refer to them as Dark Circles Under The Eyes. I first noticed them when I was at the hair salon looking in the mirror. I thought I had eye makeup or even dirt in that area and went to wash it off. Well, the lines are still there. I thought maybe this happened because of my contact lenses which I got right before I noticed this; it would take me forever putting them in and taking them out and I really irritated my eyes. Also I thought maybe crying could do this. I did turn 50 at the end of July but I have never had this before. I have tried many creams. Is there anything that could be done whether it be topical, surgery, or Restylane (though you did say never to use fillers around the eyes)? Thank you, Lisa, Staten Island, New York

Friday, December 1st, 2006

Dear Lisa,
The dark color you mention starting at the corner of your eyes is called a Tear Trough Deformity, commonly called dark circles under the eyes. You can read about what causes dark circles under the eyes in Chapter One of my book Save Your Face.
The dark circle under the eye is normal, but gets [...]