What hasn’t the pandemic changed about our lives at this point? It has changed the way we work, the way we socialize and even the way we shop.
But while those differences are obvious, there is something more subtle that it has changed, and that is the way we see ourselves.
The Mask Effect
Masks are mandatory in most public settings. While hiding the lower half of your face helps reduce droplet transfer, it also covers what you might have considered your best features. If you are like most people, you have become more and more aware of the appearance of your eyes and forehead.
Wearing masks has changed how we look at ourselves as well as how others see us.
There are lots of ways people are coping with this. From hairstyles that draw the gaze upward to makeup that enhances the eyes, there are plenty of little tricks that can help. But nothing makes quite as much of a difference as plastic surgery and med spa treatments.
Plastic Surgery for a Masked World
Your eyes have been carrying your whole look for the last year. Why not give them a boost in 2021?
There are plenty of plastic surgery and med spa options for improving your appearance around your eyes and brows. Each one has something unique to offer you. Below are just some options to consider.
BOTOX®
Few treatments are as popular for correcting lines around the upper facial region as BOTOX® Cosmetic. Known for its ability to address frown lines, BOTOX can also create a bright-eyed look by relaxing your furrowed brow. This is accomplished by addressing the muscles that pull the eyes downward, giving the patient a wide-eyed appearance.
However, not everyone is a fan of BOTOX at the moment. Since it works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, it can make the face less expressive in the area treated. Given that we are all relying on the upper half of our face for non-verbal communication, this may be problematic for some.
Eyelid Lift
A big plastic surgery trend of the moment is the eyelid lift. While nothing new, its popularity has surged thanks to mask-wearing and the Zoom Boom. The eyelid lift can be done in office under local anesthesia, depending on how extensive the surgery will be. This makes it convenient for those wanting to avoid hospitals during the pandemic. However, unlike med spa treatments, this one does require about a week of downtime.
Injectable Fillers
There are plenty of options when it comes to injectable fillers. What they all have in common is that they are meant to plump up the skin in the targeted area. While these products are commonly known for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, injectable fillers can also be used to fill out the under-eye area and address the appearance of dark circles.
Microneedling
Finally, you could opt for treatments that encourage your natural production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling is one such option available to you. It creates microscopic tears in the skin that trigger the natural healing response, which tells the body to produce more collagen and elastin in the targeted area. The result is plumper, more youthful-looking skin.
If you want to make the most of 2021, take time to focus on your eyes. Chances are masked-up life isn’t going anywhere soon.
Dr. David Dellinger at Elysian Plastic Surgery in Austin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who maintains a practice focus on body contouring surgery, breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation.
