Non Surgical Face Lift? Improving Dry Eye and cosmetics at the same time with Optilift Treatment in Los Angeles.
- Dr. Brandon Cohenmehr, OD
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Dry eye is not always just a tear problem. Sometimes the eye feels dry, irritated, or exposed because the eyelids are not closing well enough.
That was the case for one of our patients who had poor lid closure, also called lagophthalmos. When the eyelids do not fully meet, the surface of the eye can dry out, especially during sleep or blinking. At the same time, the patient also wanted a more refreshed appearance, with improvement in facial sagging, wrinkles, and crow’s lines around the eyes.
With Optilift, we were able to address both concerns at the same time: better eyelid support and a more youthful facial appearance.
What is lagophthalmos and why does it cause dry eyes?
Lagophthalmos means the eyelids do not close completely. Even a small gap can matter.
When the eyelids close normally, they help spread tears across the surface of the eye. They also protect the eye from air exposure. If the lids stay slightly open, the tear film can evaporate faster. This may lead to:
Burning or stinging
Redness
Gritty or sandy sensation
Watery eyes from irritation
Blurry vision that comes and goes
Morning dryness or discomfort
Light sensitivity
Some patients do not realize their eyelids are part of the dry eye problem. They may try drops again and again but still feel discomfort because the eye surface remains exposed.
How Optilift can help improve lid closure
Optilift is a non surgical treatment that can help support and tighten the tissues around the eyes and face. For patients with mild lid laxity or poor eyelid closure, improving the support of the surrounding tissue may help the lids come together more effectively.
In our patient’s case, Optilift helped reduce the gap caused by poor lid closure. With better closure, the eye surface had more protection and less exposure. This can be especially helpful for patients whose dry eye symptoms are linked to lagophthalmos.
The goal is not only comfort. It is protection.
When the lids close better, the eyes can retain moisture more naturally. That may reduce the need to constantly compensate with artificial tears or ointments, depending on the patient’s condition.
The cosmetic benefits were visible too
One of the exciting parts of this treatment is that it can support eye comfort while also improving appearance.
After one treatment, the patient showed improvement in areas often associated with facial aging, including:
Facial sagging and Under Eye Bags
Dark circles and "tired looking eyes"
Fine lines and wrinkles
Crow’s lines around the eyes
Tired-looking skin
Loss of firmness in the lower face and periocular area
The treatment created a more lifted, refreshed look without surgery. For many patients, this is appealing because the result looks natural. The face appears more rested rather than dramatically changed.
Why the eyes and face are connected
The eyelids do not work in isolation. They are part of a larger support system that includes the brow, cheeks, and surrounding facial tissues.
When facial tissue begins to sag, it can affect how the eyelids sit and move. This is one reason a cosmetic treatment may also have a functional benefit. By improving tissue support, Optilift may help reduce the effects of laxity that contribute to incomplete lid closure.
This is especially important around the eye area, where even a small change can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and appearance.
A treatment that addresses function and aesthetics
Many patients think of dry eye care and cosmetic care as two separate things. In some cases, they are. But for certain patients, especially those with lagophthalmos or poor lid closure, the two can overlap.
Optilift may be a good option when the concern includes both:
Eye comfort
Appearance
Better lid closure may help reduce exposure-related dryness.
Improved firmness and lift may soften wrinkles, crow’s lines, and sagging.
This does not replace a full dry eye evaluation. Dry eye can have many causes, including tear quality, inflammation, oil gland dysfunction, medications, and environment. But when incomplete lid closure is part of the problem, improving lid support can be an important piece of the treatment plan.
Who may benefit from Optilift?
Optilift may be considered for patients who have mild to moderate facial laxity and symptoms related to poor eyelid closure. It may be especially helpful when someone notices both dry eye symptoms and cosmetic concerns around the eyes or face.
A good evaluation looks at:
How completely the lids close
Whether the eye surface is exposed
Where facial sagging is present
The severity of wrinkles or crow’s lines
The patient’s comfort goals
The patient’s cosmetic goals
Technologies Used
Dynamic Muscle Stimulation
Dynamic Muscle Stimulation is a cutting-edge technology that targets and stimulates the muscles around the eyes. This method enhances muscle tone and improves overall eye function, making it an effective option for various eye treatments.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency technology utilizes electromagnetic waves to heat the tissue, promoting collagen production and skin tightening. This non-invasive approach helps in rejuvenating the area around the eyes, providing a more youthful appearance.
Procedure Overview
The procedure is remarkably quick, taking only 7 minutes per eye. Patients can expect a painless experience, allowing for minimal disruption to their daily routine. This efficiency, combined with the advanced technologies used, makes it an appealing option for those seeking eye treatments.
The takeaway
Optilift gave our patient a meaningful combination of benefits. It helped improve dry eye symptoms related to poor lid closure and lagophthalmos, while also enhancing facial wrinkles, crow’s lines, and facial sagging.
For patients who want a refreshed appearance but also struggle with exposure-related dryness, this type of treatment may offer more than cosmetic improvement. It may help the eyes feel better, look better, and function more comfortably.
