Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is among the most popular cosmetic procedures chosen by both women and men. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2014 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, 206,509 eyelid surgery procedures were performed last year alone. In fact, it ranked fourth among the top surgeries performed in 2014, topped only by breast augmentation, nose reshaping and liposuction procedures.

While the most common reason for undergoing eyelid surgery likely is to achieve a younger look, benefits can go far beyond aesthetics. Here are the top benefits patients report:

• No more bags: Blepharoplasty can reduce or remove those loose skin “bags” that appear just under your eyes as you age or as a result of prolonged stress or lack of sleep. The result is a younger, less tired look.
• Improved vision: Puffy, drooping eyelids can actually block a portion of your vision if they hang low enough over the upper edge of your eyelid. Surgery can remove the excess skin, leaving you with a tighter, firmer, minimized lid that will have you seeing more clearly.
• Wrinkle reduction: While eyelid surgery won’t completely eliminate deep wrinkles around the eyes, it can smooth those fine surface wrinkles that can belie your true age or make you look older than you are.
• Confidence boost: Expertly performed eyelid surgery lends a more youthful, healthy, rested and less stressed look that can prove a significant confidence and self-esteem boost.

One survey of 1,000 men and 1,000 women revealed that the eyes were the first feature noticed in the opposite sex by both men and women. In fact, a full 70 percent of men said it’s a woman’s eyes that catch their gaze before any other physical feature.

If your eyes are making you look older than you feel, eyelid surgery may be the answer. Call Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186 to schedule a consultation today.

Chemical peels are among the quickest, least invasive yet highly effective procedures for gaining a smoother, younger, healthier look to your skin. But not everyone is an ideal client for certain levels of this procedure.

With early forms being performed centuries ago in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, chemical peels are among the world’s oldest cosmetic procedures. They’re popular because they are minimally-invasive, outpatient procedures that offer near-immediate results. Fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, acne and uneven pigmentation all can be treated with a light, medium or deep chemical peel.

The procedure involves using an acid solution to remove damaged outer layers of the skin, making way for a newer, smoother, firmer and more even complexion. Ideal candidates have lighter skin and hair, do not smoke and are careful to shield their skin from exposure to the sun when spending time outside. Darker-skinned patients also can achieve great results, but are more prone to scarring, so a lighter, expertly formulated peel is best. Patients with abnormal pigmentation or facial warts, and those who have used certain acne treatments within the past year may not be suitable candidates. Nor are those who spend lots of time in the sun with inadequate skin protection.

It’s also important to know what can and cannot be achieved with a chemical peel. Patients have great success with chemical peels for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles; freckles; age and liver spots; sun-damaged skin; acne and acne scars; and scaly patched or rough skin. But chemical peels are less effective for treating deep wrinkles and scars; loose or sagging skin; broken capillaries; and enlarged pores.

To find out if you’re a good candidate for a chemical peel, call Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186.

Parkway Plastic Surgery is offering great deals on Restylane procedures and Obaji Medical skincare products throughout July.

Want to erase years from your face and keep them off without undergoing surgery? Throughout July, Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery is offering a unique set of specials that will help you quickly gain and maintain a smoother, firmer, more youthful and vibrant look via the combination of Restylane injections and Obagi skincare products.

Restylane is an injectable facial filler that uses a hyaluronic acid gel genetically engineered to diminish the effects of aging on your skin and to reshape certain facial contours for a younger look. It’s highly effective in adding or returning youthful volume to the cheeks, lips and eye area, filling deep crevices, plumping fine lines and smoothing acne scars. And, because hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring component of the skin, Restylane offers more natural looking results that last longer than more conventional gel-based fillers.

Obagi is a line of top-shelf skincare products with prescription-strength formulations available only via medical spas, dermatologists and physicians. Collections include Nu-Derm, the top physician-dispensed skin care system to help reduce visible signs of skin aging; Obagi-C Rx, formulated to correct early visible signs of skin aging and maintain younger-looking skin; and Gentle Rejuvenation, developed specifically for sensitive skin.

Intrigued? Find out first-hand how Restylane and Obaji can give you a beauty boost at Parkway Plastic Surgery’s Obagi Reveal Party Thursday, July 16, 10am-3pm. You’ll get a complimentary skin analysis with the Reveal camera, plus gift bags and chances to win Obagi products and Restylane injections (purchase required to enter raffles). Throughout July, you’ll enjoy 20-percent discounts on all Obagi products, plus Obagi and Restylane package specials priced from $250 to $999.

Reserve your spot for the Obagi Reveal Party and learn more about July’s specials by calling Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186.