Lid & Lash Rejuvenation

Injectables

Both filler injections in the brow and prescription wrinkle injections can be used to raise the brow somewhat to reduce eyelid droop and give a wider-eyed appearance. Fillers can also reduce hollows under the eyes, and fillers and dynamic wrinkle injections can improve crow’s feet. See the sections on dermal fillers and prescription wrinkle injections for more information on these solutions.

Topical Skincare Products

Good skin care with eye creams specifically designed for the sensitive skin in the eye area can also reduce the look of fine crow’s feet lines. Care must be taken with prescription topicals such as Rejuva-A or TAZORAC® in the eye area, since they can be irritating unless used sparingly and in low concentrations.

Topical Eyelash Products

Many topical agents improve the appearance of eyelashes and strengthen them. MD Lash Factor® and Obagi ELASTILash® are examples. Reviews of MD Lash Factor vary, but it has the benefit of few if any negative side effects and no real contraindications to its use. It contains emollients, moisturizers and vitamins, such as panthenol, which are said to promote the appearance of longer, fuller, thicker lashes in as little as 1 week.

Obagi ELASTILash is a dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested product that is hypoallergenic and is safe for sensitive skin types and for those who wear contact lenses. ELASTILash contains a peptide compound that thickens the existing hairs and adds lustre and shine to the lashes over several weeks. It is applied nightly on the upper lash line.

LATISSE® is a prostaglandin-like chemical called bimatoprost that has been shown to prolong the growth phase of hairs. It has been shown to lengthen, thicken and darken eyelashes in most people enrolled in scientific studies. It takes time – as long as 16 weeks – to see results with LATISSE. Toronto and Mississauga patients are directed to apply it nightly to the base of the lashes for a minimum of 2 months for this reason. Side effects can include irritation to the eye or lid, dryness of the eyes, or lid pigment. In a small percentage of patients who use LUMIGAN®, an eye-drop for glaucoma that has the same active ingredient as LATISSE, increased pigment of the iris has occurred.

LATISSE is a prescription medication that must be purchased from a medical clinic or central pharmacy. Obtaining it from a physician allows for a review of any medical conditions that may be a contraindication to its use, including pre-existing eye conditions such as glaucoma, and you can review side effects and proper technique for use.

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions can be temporary, or there are surgical methods. Temporary methods involve either the use of at-home kits or a visit to an aesthetician trained in eyelash extensions. At-home kits tend to involve bunches or strips of lashes applied at once and tend not to be as long-lasting. Those done in a salon usually involve individual application of lashes. It is important to have eyelash extensions done by a well-trained individual, as strong glue is used which can damage skin or eyes if not used correctly. Both synthetic and natural animal hair lashes, such as mink, are used. The effect can last several weeks. Eyelash extensions allow Mississauga and Toronto patients to determine the exact length and degree of curl of the lashes. Local lid skin reactions and eye irritation are possible because of to the glue that is used. People are discouraged from using eye makeup or heavy skin creams, because the oils in these products can erode the glue, as can excessive moisture from saunas or facials.

Eyelash transplant surgery involves harvesting suitable hair from another location on the body and carefully implanting it along the lash line. This requires several hours and is done with local anaesthetic by hair transplant surgeons. Side effects can include bruising and swelling in the lid area. As is the case with any surgery, infection or scarring is possible but very unlikely. It is an option for those individuals with permanent forms of alopecia in which the hair follicles no longer can grow hair, and for people with burns or scars that have permanently damaged hair follicles.

Eyelash Thickening Mascara

Of course, the most common method of enhancing the appearance of eyelashes is with good old-fashioned mascara. Many types of mascara today have improved formulations that condition the lashes and give a thicker appearance. The up side of mascara is simplicity of use, but the down side includes the need for constant reapplication; the limited improvement with very short, fair lashes; and the possibility of skin or eye irritation; as well as the appearance of “raccoon eyes” in individuals with oily complexions, on whom the products tend to run. As with all skin care products, it’s best to use a high-quality, hypoallergenic choice that adheres well to the lash, has a good quality applicator to avoid clumping and a formulation that won’t irritate skin or eyes.

Surgery

There are surgical methods to rejuvenate the eye area as well. You can find detailed information on eyelid and brow lift surgery elsewhere on this site.

Request Your Consultation

For more information on eyelid and eyelash enhancement in Toronto and Mississauga, contact  Dr. Weinberg in Mississauga or in his downtown Toronto office in Yorkville, by clicking “Contact Us” or “Appointments”.