This or That? | Exact Virtue RF vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

Posted June 26, 2023

Exact Virtue RF vs. Lower Blepharoplasty

The excess skin on the upper eyelids combined with bulging on the lower eyelids can create crowding around the eyes, making them appear small and dull. Patients typically complain of looking old and tired. Eyelid surgery is a common cosmetic procedure that creates a more youthful and rested appearance. We now offer a non-surgical option called Exact Virtue RF to address the lower eyelids. A consultation with Dr. Antimarino is the perfect opportunity to discuss your options for the best treatment to help you reach your goals.

Exact Virtue RF Treatment

The Virtue RF technology is a platform with multiple handpieces combining fractional radiofrequency and microneedling. It is safe on light and darker skin tones and is customizable for each patient. 

The Exact Virtue RF handpiece is a single-needle handpiece that combines a microneedling treatment with radiofrequency heat energy. The results are visibly improved skin tone, tightening of the skin, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The Exact Virtue RF handpiece precisely targets the eye area, addressing the lower eyes, eye bags, and festoons. This treatment results in 24-48 hours of mild redness and swelling and may have some bruising associated with it. The patient is given gel eye pads post-treatment to be worn for 2-4 hours for comfort measures and to decrease swelling. The Exact Virtue RF treatment is done once a month for 2-3 treatments based on the patient’s results and Dr. Antimarino’s treatment plan.

Surgical Treatment

Lower eyelid rejuvenation has several surgical approaches. Two incisions are required if excessive fat creates a bulge in the lower eyelid and excess skin. An incision along the inner lining of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) allows easy access to remove some of the bulging fat. An incision just below the lower eyelashes allows for the removal of the excess skin. In some instances, only one of the incisions is required depending upon the correction needed. If it is just excess skin, then an incision below the eyelashes (subciliary approach) is required.

Eyelid surgery procedures take approximately 1-2 hours and are performed under sedation in an outpatient surgery setting.

After Surgery: Patients can expect mild discomfort, minimal swelling, and possibly some bruising along the lower eyelid. There are no stitches in the inner eyelid. Sutures are used for the outer skin incisions and will need to be removed between 5-7 days following surgery. Patients may return to work in approximately 2 weeks and resume exercising in 3 weeks. Dr. Antimarino recommends not using contact lenses for 2 weeks.