Non-Surgical Rejuvenation at Geneva

Non-surgical approach enhances rejuvenation, Geneva congress told

Less invasive treatments could hold the key to anti aging – this was one of the messages presented at the European Society of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology joint congress held in Geneva in June.

There was standing room only for the symposium discussing updates in aesthetic eye lid surgery hosted by the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
“There have been huge developments in the area of oculoplastics – it is a hot topic in the world of ophthalmology”, said Jane Olver who jointly moderated the seminar with Serge Morax from the Rothschild Foundation in Paris.
“Everybody is interested in oculoplastics and wants to know more, especially about the advances in the cosmetic side. They are not just interested for their patients, but also for themselves”, added the founder of Clinica London.
Jane had been invited to speak on the use of botulinum toxin (Botox®) in eyelid surgery; but found the topic expanded to include her specialist knowledge of fillers in more widespread anti-aging treatments for the face.
“The use of botulinum toxin A and hyaluronic acid gel fillers have revolutionised the approach to facial and periorbital rejuvenation and forms an important part of the oculoplastic surgeon’s workload.
“Using a non surgical approach can enhance rejuvenation either when used alone or as an adjunct to blepharoplasty, brow lift and mid face lift”, Jane told the packed congress hall.
Oculoplastic surgeons treat the forehead, eyebrows, eye lids, periorbital area (which includes the bridge of the nose), the lower lids and a part of the upper cheek.
Botulinim toxin A is now commonly used cosmetically for the vertical frown lines between and above the eyebrows, for horizontal forehead creases and lines, “smile” wrinkles and lines at the outer corners of the eyes and to lift the eyebrows higher.
Fillers – the term given to a range of substances used to treat soft tissue volume loss and hollowness in the face and periorbital area – are now used cosmetically with great success.
“Over the last few years there has been a shift away from the more invasive procedures which carry long down times. In the early 2000’s many more surgical brow lifts and mid face lifts were carried out.
“Now we are getting very good results without having to resort to surgery. Previously, for example, someone with eye bags and protruding lower lid fat, prominent tear troughs, nasolabial folds, cheek ptosis and marionette lines might have required a major lower and mid face lift.
“Thanks to our increased understanding, Botox® and fillers – such as hyaluronic acid gels (Restylane, Juvederm etc) and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) – we can now achieve excellent results with little or no recovery time.”
Geneva, 8th July 2011