Dr. Kotlus saw a need for a tool that helps cosmetic surgeons evaluate patients for upper eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) and he created it using a 3d printer.  It is called the eyelid wand and it is available on a website called shapeways.com.  Other surgeons have already purchased their own 3d printed copy of the instrument to use with their own patients.  

Watch this video to learn how the eyelid wand is used:

In this video, Karen describes her experience after undergoing an upper blepharoplasty one week earlier. The eyelid lift procedure removes sagging skin to rejuvenate the upper eyelids and produce a less tired appearance.  As you can see, she is thrilled with her experience with Dr. Kotlus!

Lower eyelid bags can make you look older and more tired than you actually are.  These bags and shadows are usually caused by lower eyelid fat pouches that are bulging in combination with hollowing of the upper cheek in an area called the "tear trough". 

There is a surgical option to correct these bags that removes and/or shifts the fat pouch.  The surgery may also involve fat injections and laser resurfacing to smooth the surrounding areas.  Surgery gives the most long-lasting benefit, but it also involves some downtime, usually a week (or a few) of swelling, bruising, and redness.

The non-surgical correction for eye bags involves filler injections to plump the hollow, sunken areas that create shadows under the eyes.  The fillers can last a year or more and have little downtime.  Most people can return to work after the treatment that takes about 15 minutes. 

The patient above (who generously allowed us to use his photos) had Juvederm Ultra placed by Dr. Brett Kotlus in the tear trough and upper cheek.  He was totally thrilled with the result.  Dr. Kotlus is one of the most experienced under-eye filler injectors in the state of Michigan and uses special techniques including blunt microcannula delivery systems to prevent bruising and reconstituted hyaluronic acid to ensure a smoother, more natural contour. He performs these treatments in the Macomb county office at Allure Medical Spa. 

Have you seen the new website for EyeLiftCenter.com? It's a comprehensive resource for people interested in cosmetic eyelid surgery.  The site has been reorganized for ease of use, with special sections on Frequently Asked Questions, upper and lower eyelid solutions, and videos with an example of a real patient experience with Dr. Kotlus.  The before and after gallery demonstrates the results that can be acheived after blepharoplasty.  You can see for yourself at www.eyeliftcenter.com !

In this month's Plastic Surgery Practice Magazine, Dr. Kotlus defines the "tear trough", a groove under the eyes that appears as a dark circle.  He approaches the tear trough with a combination of therapies, laser resurfacing (seen above), injectable fillers, and possible eyelid lifting surgery. Because everyone has different anatomy, a customized treatment plan is needed in most cases. 

Fillers for the tear trough are most commonly composed of hyaluronic acid, a soft gel.  When used under the eyelid, the results can last longer than a year. There may be limited swelling or bruising after the procedure, but downtime is often minimal. 

Laser resurfacing can have downtime lasting for days, but the outstanding improvement in fine lines and skin texture are often worth the recovery investment.