To say thanks    Sep 29, 2000


Hi Deb:

I just want to say along with Jae, who wrote recently, that I too want to tell you thanks for being brave enough to answer all the questions of people who have recently started the program.  My first email to you was one where I said the upper eyelids looked worse than before I started.   I felt for sure you wouldn't answer, although I was waiting anxiously to hear from you.  You calmed my fears.  It shows your confidence in the program.  Just would like you to know that I do like what I am seeing although I'm going to wait a little longer (three month mark) to report.  But just wanted you to know I was delighted that you answered my question.

Jason:  A comment and a question.  First I took the advice you gave to someone on the board about doing 3 reps for a count of 50 or so.  I am doing that for the cheek press.  Guess what?  The cheeks are beginning to fill in faster.  "Goody, goody gum drops, tee hee."

Question:  I see the upper cheekbone area building but wanted your insight as to what upper cheek exercise you found most helpful.  But want it to build faster.  I've kinda laid off the fingers in the mouth for now til later.  Regardless, tell me which one you find is most helpful and/or tell me how long a count you hold for.  Thanks.
Imani's mom.
Hi Imani's mom
First of all... Thank you for your comments... this is truning out to be a really nice day!
I personelly get the best build over the cheekbone area  from Wink / Wink Adv and Cheek Raiser
Deb;-)

Mom,

Cheek Raiser and Wink are my faves for doing the upper cheeks, but again I hold my counts much longer doing three reps. Also, for cheek raiser, it is very IMPORTANT to make sure that you're applying equal pressure all under the eye, locking onto the muscle. When I first started doing cheek raiser, I was focusing more on the outer aspect of the cheek and neglecting the mid and inner cheek. The result was that this area did not build well and really affected the results overall for this area. I often snarl in addition to smiling widely with cheek raiser to really work the inner aspect of the cheek.

Jason

Eyelids  Sep 28, 2000

Hi,
I've just passed my sixth month of flexing and have noticed an improvement but still "far from the finished product".  I have noticed that my eyelids lately are sort of creapy.  I don't know if it is from the Retin- A or from the exercises.   Can someone suggest a super hydrating eye cream.  Everything I've tried stings.  Hope you can help.

Connie

Hi Connie

If your eyes are stinging when applying moisturizers, it's probably due to the Retin A, unless this has been a long standing problem prior to using it. Actually, a light moisturizer is probably better because it has less tendency to plug pores and prevent exfoliation. You may notice immediately after exercising a kind of temporary crepieness. If it is persistent, it's probably due to dryness from the Retin A.

Remember, you can stop and start on Retin A. You may need to give your face a few days break and allow it to heal. This is where the repair of collagen and the skin itself will show the effects of Retin A use.

Hope I've answered your question and been of some help.

Jason

Re: Upper Lid Post # 1000   Sep 27, 2000

Deb 

Thanks for a prompt reply.  I have a question though.  When I start doing the upper lid massage, do I roll in a vertical way or a horizontal way.   This is hard to explain.  What I mean is do I hold the skin of the upper lid, so that I'm pinching the skin horizontally or vertically.  Are my thumb and forefinger pointing toward my eye or toward my head?  I hope that makes sense.   I do have both the video and book

Imani's Mom

Hi Iman's Mom

In the book you are pinching the skin vertically.   But there really isn't any reason you can't roll it horizontally ... still gets a workout!  Just make sure you cover the entire lid.

Deb

Upper Lids    Sep 26, 2000

Hi Deb, Jason or Olympia:

I asked this question before via my 'Eudora' email but can't wait any longer, so I'm asking again.  First of all I've been flexing for almost 3 months.  I noticed that my right upper (large) lid doesn't  slide back down as quickly as it used to do, (over the lid rim which is right over the eye ball.) This tells me it is getting stronger.   I like that! However, I would like to see more of an improvement in the crepy skin area on the upper lids  (i.e. the area between the nose and the upper eye lid.)   What exercises should I zero-in on? 

Imani's Mom

Hi Imani's Mom:

Well, here goes:  Concentrate on Upper Lid Stretch, Upper Lid Pull and I would add in the heavy duty eye area massage, concentrating on the upper lid (really work the tissue between your fingers when rolling it).  First I should ask - Do you have the manual or the video?  If you don't have the manual, then send me an E-mail (or Deb or Jason) and one of us will send you the eye are massage.

Sounds like you're doing great!

All my best,
Olympia

Wrinkles  Sep 26, 2000

I have been doing the facial exercises for 8 days now and am finding that the little lines/wrinkles I have around the eyes and mouth are getting worse.  When exercising, is it a good idea to squint, or make faces of any kind?

Becky

Hi Becky:

When executing any of the exercises, because you are contracting the muscle, yes you will make "faces" so to speak. Any lines you see after, for example, Mouth Flex Advanced, you'll notice little
lines around the mouth.  Note: they are only temporary.  They vanish after a few minutes.  My under eyes look dehydrated after working that particular area. 

You've only just started, just keep going with the program and don't be discouraged and above all, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT CREATING WRINKLES...it's not going to happen.  By working your muscle and skin, you'll start to slowly begin to see the positive changes from working out those tissues.  I don't know the condition of your skin, if it's particularly dry, or sun damaged, has a lot of drape etc...but I assure you, you're not making wrinkles.  Keep the faith!

All my best,
Olympia

Gee... are we really sure this works?   Sep 20, 2000

Deb -&- everyone,
I returned to the board this morning and after reading through the posts, I'm feeling really insecure here. Got me to thinking - since I don't have a before picture of my face, how do I really know this is working ? After all, I'm 40 years old, been flexing for almost 10 months now, and I STILL don't look 18 again ! What am I doing wrong ? Just because I can feel that my skin is tighter, my cheeks are higher, my undereye area is smoother than ever, those pesky creases at the tops of my cheeks are suspiciously absent now, what lines I had forming between my brows are much better, crows feet are practically a thing of the past, thin lips run in my family but mine are full (-&- kissable), I was carded when my younger friend wasn't ... um, I just don't know about all this.  Hold on a minute, let me check my mirror - WHOA BABY ! DAMN BUT I AM FINE !!  Oh Miss Deb, forgive me for ever doubting how GORGEOUS "your exercises" have made me. See what the naysayers can do if you let them ? and yes, I said "your" exercises. I've looked the Internet over and upside down and our Deb is the only one I've ever found with RESISTANCE exercises. Everyone who is a pioneer in their field has to take plenty of criticism, and ya wanna know what I say ? BRING IT ON BABY, BRING IT ON ! You have NO idea what yer messin with ! A lot of incredibly happy, upbeat Flexers. Why so happy ? Because we look GOOD ! I don't ever need a before picture to show me what this has done for me, and even though I've always loved to write and express my feelings, there just aren't  words to express my feelings about this program, what it has done for me, or about our Deb. The magnitude and depth of my feelings are so huge for this beautiful Lady and what she has done for us - oh shoot, if I were only a poet !!  ( Hey Deb, can ya feel the love?) LOL... On a more serious note - I would never, ever give my personal stamp of approval on a product that didn't work. And even though I can't keep my mouth shut about it and tell everyone I come in contact with about Flexing, I don't get upset if they tell me I'm going to damage my poor skin by pulling at it so ! Or they need pictures for proof ! I just feel awfully sorry for these people. Deb has given us the fountain of youth for our faces and all we have to do is muster up a tiny grain of faith to take that first step and try it for ourselves. I'm so glad I was open minded enough to do just that !!


PS There's a good side and a bad side to all this. The good - it doesn't take me nearly as long to get ready to go out now. I don't have to wear all that heavy make-up trying to hide the dark circles and puffy eye bags like I use to. The bad - this Flexing is making it really hard to go anywhere where there's mirrors. I just HAVE to have a peek at the younger me ! 5 mirrors = 5 quick stops etc... The Mall is a hazard !  LOL

Wanda

Hi Wanda

daaammmn ;0)  who says your not a poet? LOL!

Deb

Eye area  Sep 17, 2000

I've got the book and think the exercises are great.  One question concerning the lower lid area though, I've always had problems with this area and my target here is to make it smooth and inline with my cheeks.  However when I did the exercises for the under eye it made it more puffy and did not look good at all.  So I stopped doing them and the puffiness went but i'm left with fatty deposits there and read on the discussion board that they cannot be got rid of through exercise.   Although
fatty and a bit puffy they still have this concave look from the inner corner of the eyes down to the lower lids.  It sounds gorgeous I know but is there any suggestions maybe balancing exercises or something completely innovative (I'm completely desperate here!).   Thanks and a big hello to all who visit this site on a regular basis.

Joanne

Hi JoAnne,

I too, have this problem. My under eye area seemed to appear significantly worse when I initially began working this muscle zone.  But it does firm up...though took me several months and is still not where I am going with it, but is closer.  May be different for different people, depending on amt. of fat deposit, fluid retention or  w h a t e v e r  else is technically in there....Deb would know best!  But for my experience, I just kept at it....and got results. 

Jean

Congenital Ptosis Sep 15, 2000

Question, Congenital Ptosis is a from birth disease where one or both of the eyelid muscles are under developed and/or weak. With age, this problem increases. In some cases there are just
strands of muscles as opposed to full sets. Surgery at young ages is often used to shorten the muscle causing the eyelid to lift. Are you or anyone else 1) aware of this problem and 2) know if any certain exercises can help develop specifically one eyelid with the problem? I had surgery as a small child
which helped but, as I grow older, the muscle weakens and although I am a rather attractive man age 35, I am single again and self-esteem/confidence is being greatly effected by this problem.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I do not know if I will ever find this page again so, if you have any input, please email ruckerken@hotmail.com.

Thanks a bunch!

Hi Ken:

I've not heard of this particular congenital disorder. Perhaps Deb has as well as Jason (as Jason in the medical field).

I've E-mailed you some Eye Exercises that will work the entire eye area.  I believe that you must work the entire eye area, as it will help to build the aggregate supporting network of muscles for that weakened area. 

I'm going from your description of the problem:  If this is currently a case of weakened atrophied muscle, then I believe strength/resistance training will most definitely help to rehabilitate, strengthen and build up the muscles that are currently in a weakened atrophied state.  Keep in mind, we do use
this program as a rehabilitative program (for example via PT dept. in hospitals for Bell's Palsy and Stroke Victims).

As always, given that this is a congenital disorder, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.  Please let us know of your progress - we'd greatly appreciate the feedback. 
Best of luck.

Olympia

Eyes and bottom furrow    Sep 12, 2000

Hi,
I read your response to my note (#949) and I agree that the muscles are much stronger under my eyes and I don't have to close my eyes like I used to.  I did not think much about it when I wrote, but you are right. 

I also have noticed that the muscles around my mouth are tighter.  I think I tried one exercise that you put your fingers in the corners of your mouth and stretch them out and let your mouth slowly return to normal.  I have been doing something like this and I noticed in a few days that the muscles for bottom furrow are finally working.   I can actually find the muscles now.  I have been doing the other exercise for a long time, and not much difference.  I am amazed to report that all of a sudden, muscles are responding and firming up and getting stronger!  This is great!

Deb, no book yet.  It will get here soon.  Any day now.  The mail carrier is tired of my asking "is my book here today?"!!

Carol (Modemfun)

Hi Carol

Once you feel the strength in  the muscles, it really takes off!   Check your e-mail! concerning your book

Deb.

Lower Lid Lift   Sep 6, 2000

Hi Deb,

I wonder if it is normal when doing this exercise to feel a coldness on the eye itself.   Maybe it is air I feel.  The lower lid is pulled down near the cheek bone and air is touching the eye where it normally does not. 

Does anyone else think this feels weird?   I have been doing this exercise for about 2 years now, and I think I was not doing it correctly, but now I think I am.   Now I feel the air touching my eyes and I did not before. 

Thanks, 

Modemfun

Modemfun,

No, I haven't experienced any cold sensation at all. A little dryness during the exercise but that's about it.  Anyone else?

Jason

Hi Modemfun,

When you first started training it's possible that you were closing your eyes more than you realized when trying to move the lower lid muscle. Now that the muscle is stronger you are able to pull (contract) without using as much of the upper lid  ... allowing more of the eye to be exposed  to the air.

Deb 

The skin under eyes    Aug 14, 2000

I just received the book and cards. I'm pretty nervous about doing anything under the eye as I've always heard that the skin there is sooo thin and to gently pat anything on it. Is that a fallacy?
renee

Hi Renee

I've been training (flexeffect) for 23 years.  I swear, I've done everything but pull my lower lids up over my head (not that I didn't try).  And I'm certainly not a genetic miracle. Click on FAQ's at the top of the page... take a good look at my lids...age 50.  Yes, it is a fallacy.  Don't forget to take pictures! 
Deb

Renee,

While there is some truth to the fact that the skin there is thinner, it still needs to be challenged just the same as any muscle.  All of us who've been flexing for awhile can attest to the fact that the lower lid pull has been very helpful in resolving under eye crepiness and bags due to muscle atrophy. And while the skin may be thinner remember our dermis is very resilient and tough. With proper exercise and skin care, you'll find that this area can be greatly improved.

Jason

Red marks after exercise.   Aug 9, 2000

Hi,

After doing flex ex, especially, crow's eye, lower lid lift and cheek raiser, my face has red marks (finger prints).  Do I use too much pressure while doing ex.?  How can I avoid having the same problem?  The marks last more than a day.  Also, after doing bottom furrow, I will have red lines.  One line is on the right side, and another is on the left side.  It occurs on the area where I am not intent to fold my under mouth skin in order to push my jaw line up. 

Thanks.
QQ

QQ,

Yes, it sounds to me like you could be pushing down too hard. I, too, have red marks after performing the exercises; however, they disappear over the course of an hour or so. I have very fair skin so the marks have a tendency to show up more readily. My suggestion is to back off of the pressure and concentrate more on the muscle itself resisting the pressure that you do apply rather
than concentrating on the pressure you're applying with your fingers. It's a subtle difference but when you focus in the manner that I'm suggesting you'll understand the difference immediately.Hope I've helped.

Jason

Artical in Question:   Aug 8, 2000

 
Okay Deb, whatta ya think?

Hopeless case?    Aug 8, 2000

Hi I'm a 29 year old white female. 3 years ago I went to a plastic surgeon because i felt my upper
cheeks/lower eyelid areas were sagging (i had lost weight before which made my face seem to sag)
the doctor convinced me i need to get a blepharoplasty (- upper/lower eyelid lift -i had never ever heard of it before i saw him) The operation did nothing to make me look younger it just made me appear sad and haggard because he removed my fat bags under my eyes.Question can face exercises REALLY help me look less cadaverous under my eyes and younger ?

THANKS  - Ginny

Hi Ginny,

After you have a sudden weight loss, it's not unusual for a person to have a sagging appearance. The skin, which has been stretched out from excess fat, takes some time to re-absorb. Cosmetic surgery should not be considered for 6 to 12 months after sudden weight loss, perhaps even longer if the weight loss is considerable.  The lower lid pull may help you to regain some mass under the eyes. I would think that it would to some degree. It certainly will strengthen the muscle and should make your lower lid tighter. If after 6-8 months of the exercise you don't see as much change as you like, you may want to consider autologous fat transfer, where the fat is replaced to those areas.

Keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is different than surgical procedures that are required to preserve life. Since they are elective, take your time in finding the right physician. Remember, too, that ANY physician can do cosmetic surgery, so it's best to look for one that has qualifications and experience for the kind of procedure you want done. Ask for references from former patients and DO look at the surgeon's before and after photos of patients he has performed the surgery on. These two methods are best in determining his ability and will provide you with some comfort about the procedure.

I tell you this because I feel that it may be that the physician you went to originally jumped too quickly on a procedure that may not have been necessary had enough time been given to your body
to make its own changes.

Jason

Wrinkles under the eyes   Aug7, 2000

please describe the lower-lid raise exercise or any exercise that will help in eliminating wrinkles under my eyes.

Jack

Jack,

This is the exercise for the lower lids:

Using three fingers of each hand, pull lower lids down and hold to the cheekbone.  At the same time, contract the muscle by trying to close the eyes. Do not release lower lids.

Hold for a count of 6. Repeat 10 times.

Good luck,

Jason

Smile lines  Aug 7, 2000


Hi Deb

I have been getting what I consider to be very good results with the exercises. I am in my 4th month of training and I am starting to get the contour back in my face that I had begun to lose. I have very sharp features normally but had started to get a flat look to my face.My question is about the smile lines that run across my upper checks when I smile. I have had botox injections for these in the past, because they are pretty severe,but have not had an injection for about 4 months. I am debating whether to get another injection or wait to see if the muscle development will fill out the slack in my face in that area enough that the lines will not show as much. Has anyone with this same problem been doing these exercise long enough to see significant results in that area. I have very thin skin and
so these lines show more than someone with thick skin. Look forward to you impute.

Thanks
Rhonda 

Hi Rhonda

From what I understand, Botox lasts for a few months. With this in mind I'm wondering how much of the muscle was non-responsive to your training over the last 4 months.  Remember, unlike the rest of the body's skeletal muscles,  facial muscles terminate into one another.  Lets say you were getting Botox injections to prevent yourself from frowning. It may sound like a good idea, but there are other muscles attached to those muscles you just made immobile. It is muscle tone that allows us to just plain stand up.  The minute there is a  loss of consciousness the body will totally collapse.   At that very moment you could say the muscles just lost their tone (a slight contraction found in all skeletal  muscle) When you paralyze a muscle you do more than just prevent  it form moving, you also remove the tone allowing atrophy to set in. What then happens to the muscles that are attached to it?   The expression 'A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.' also holds true for the face.  Please give your training a few more months to build  the upper cheek area.  You might decide you no longer need the Botox to smooth out the lines.

Deb

Lower Eyelid   Aug 7, 2000

Hi Deb,

Are there any additional exercises for the lower eye lid area other than the lower-lid lift.  After more than a year, my lower lids are still not very developed.  I do the massage and lower lid raise almost every day.  Do you have any additional tips on how to make this exercise more effective?  I appreciate any help that you can provide. 
Thank you.

Teresa

Hi Teresa

If you have been training for a year and the lower lids are not where you want them to be than you might need more than building to take care of it.  Have you tired Retin-A?  If not, get a Rx for it... (lowest dose) 0.25 cream and please get a book on the use of it (most MD's know very little about its use)  takes about 6 months to really see the results. 

As a reminder to everyone... When skin sags for whatever reason, the body generally absorbs the excess skin.   That's what happens when someone loses a considerable amount of weight,  finds his skin hanging, then given a few months... he shrink-wraps.   You can build muscle (picking up some of the slack) but it pretty much comes down to the health of the tissue for getting it all back.  Vitamins, minerals, (oral and topical) are a must! but there is one very important ingredient all to often overlooked.... OXYGEN.   We breathe shallower and shallower as we age...and oxygen plays a very big part in cellular health.  Just by increasing your oxygen intake alone your skin will improve tremendously.  If you are not involved in aerobics, weight training, or any other activity that causes you to breathe deeply, then make it a point to do so when facialbuilding.  Take a deep breath (Inhale/exhale)  with each exercise.  At first you might get a little light headed but the more you work at it the easier it becomes.  For some of you, this added step may just be all you need!

Deb

Up-date    Aug 4, 2000

Hi,

I have been using Deb's facial resistance for over a year now.  On and off.  Due to a bad allergy season last year, and an unknown broken tooth, I did not do much facial exercise last spring. Whenever I tried to do cheek raiser and wide laugh, I had tooth problems.  I had the tooth out and now I can do the exercises that make a difference in my face.  I just wish they would show! I know it takes time to show differences in the face. My face is normally round, so the tone is there, but others don't see it.   I can touch my face and feel it.  What I am saying is, don't give up. It takes time.  Sometimes lots of time!  It will happen.

Some of the differences that I now can see and feel are Frowner and Cheek Raiser.   They are working for me.  When I do the exercises now, I really feel a "pull" on the muscles.  This took
over a year for me.  I also like the way my lips look.  Full and sexy.  The top one is not hiding anymore!  That changed in less than a month.  Also, my eyes are starting to open.  I don't have Crows Feet much anymore.  Some areas change much faster than others.  Some I saw changing in a few weeks, others, well, it has been over a year now.  I see and feel the changes, but muscles that have not been challenged in many years take time to redevelop.

Carol  (aka Modemfun) 

Hi Carol

Bout time you checked in!  Now that you can really go after the cheek area let us know how long it takes for everything to catch up.   With as much time you've spent in training your comments would be very helpful to all.  Thanks for the up-date...See ya back here ;-)

Deb;-)

Puffy Eyes...going, going, GONE! Jul 31, 2000

Hi  Deb,  Olympia, Jason and All,

OK, Dorothy and all those suffering from puffy  eyes...have NO fear...FlexEffect works and You will SEE results!  Really!  I have been working on this for almost a year now and it is almost gone. I went through the same thing you describe Dorothy.   But it didn't last.  Now, people say they don't even notice any puffiness.   Of course I want all puffiness out of my life completely, and I still can notice a little in certain lights.  But for the most part I would say that the war with puffiness has been won!  Thank you Deb!  People, keep at it and do not get discouraged if things take some time.  Go at your own comfortable pace and KNOW you will have success.... and you WILL. And, for all those who are at the stage of wondering WHEN they will see results...  "Keep the faith"  as Deb  once told me.  You Will be glad you did!   Good Luck everyone.   :-)   I also have a question.  Is there any massage that you can suggest for the cheek and jaw line that can be done, that doesn't involve putting fingers in your mouth?   I do those, but it would be nice if  when sitting,  maybe watching tv,   or reading,  to be able to do a facial massage,  without putting my figures in my mouth.  Is there a certain way to massage the tissue that is most effective and that can be done on the outside of the lower cheek and jaw?  Any suggestions would be GREAT.  Thanks.  Take care all.

Eileen

Hey Eileen:

Girl that was inspirational - thank you for your testimonial and support for all out there who are just starting out with FlexEffect.

Re: Massage for Cheeks and Jawline:   For Cheeks:  Smile wide.  Using the pads of your fingers and thumbs, pinch cheeks in a pulling motion.  Work entire upper cheek area using several
movements. 

Using center finger of each hand, pat entire cheek area firmly in rapid succession paying strict attention to cheekbone area. 

You can do the same for the Lower Cheek area.  And for the Jaw, I make a Sad Face, you can tilt the head back too, hold it there, and pinch and pull in that same manner as you would the upper cheek area.  You can also roll the tissues between your thumb and the side index finger, following from the front of the jawline to the back of the jawline.  Wala - no fingers in mouth!  The point is to just really work the area to increase blood flow and toughen up the tissues.  

Good-luck!

My best,
Olympia

Hi Eileen!

It's been awhile...sounds like you're doing great!    Stay close to the Board girl...All you Flex Vets have so much to offer! Olympia has the right idea about the massage, and you can always use the same massage technique that is used for the neck.

Deb:0)

Baggy eye exercise Jul 31, 2000

Have been doing the eye exercise for a couple of week.  It seems to me the area looks somewhat more wrinkled then it did before.  Is this common when you first start flexing?  If anyone out their has the same problem with puffy bags I would enjoy hearing from you for any advise.  I have just started flexing.

Also, does anyone have any feedback on the Derma Wand?

Dorothy

Hi Dorothy:

Re: Derma Wand - have it - my advice is don't bother spending your money.  This is one product I should have really researched before expending my cash a few years back.   Too much oxygen to
the skin is very drying - and this wand has a tendency to do that.  I didn't see any positive effects on the skin whatsoever after 2 months daily use.  Had alot of drying though - not what I was going for.

Okay - regarding the eye area wrinkling. This is common.  In fact, every time you do LOWER LID LIFT - your puffy eyes are essentially (for lack of a better description) take on the look of being temporarily deflated or dehydrated and wrinkled.  This is actually a good thing.  It means what you are doing is working.  Sometimes things look worse before they get look better.  Some experience this, some don't.

Keep in mind - the purpose of the lower palpebrae muscle is to flush away fluids - which is why you have that temporary wrinkling or look of dehydration after the exercise.   So do not be discouraged - keep working at it and build up the muscle. Work through it. You've only been at this for 2 weeks - you need to give this exercise/rehabilitative program the time to show its effects on the muscles and skin.  It's not going to happen over night.

This is a rehabilitative exercise for the Lower Lid (as are all the exercises in the program) to get that muscle functioning properly, increasing the circulation (blood flow and oxygen) to the area and building up the muscle for lift. 

So, hang in there - this is not unusual. This is what we call those little "awkward moments"  we encounter on the road to a firmer face and neck in your face building program.

Keep us posted!

My best,
Olympia

Droopy Eyelids   Jul 31, 2000

Is there anything anything you can do for droopy eyelids?  Do not want to have surgery.

Berta

Hi Berta:

I just E-mailed you some eye exercises.  Let us know how they go for you. Do these once or twice a day, hold for a count of 6 and do 10 sets.  Best of luck!

Olympia :-)

Under the eye   Jul 25, 2000

I have a question. I've using flexeffect for the past 6 months and I have seen some improvement except the under eye area. I've been doing the lower lid lift, but have not seen much of an improvement. I am now experiencing another problem when I do the lower lid lift. My right eye, which is more of the problem, begins to twitch after pulling it. I am afraid to keep doing the exercise. The twitching stops after I place my finger on the lower lid for a while. I do not know if I should continue doing this exercise or not. I've tried it several times, lately, with the same result...the twitching comes back again.  Is there any other under the lid exercise I can do? Do you think this twitching means I should see an eye doctor? I love your program and I would hate to stop the lid exercise here. I'm already committed, and I would love to continue doing this. What do you suggest?

Marilyn

Hi Marilyn:

Sounds like a little muscle spasm - I get them every now and then myself.  You seem to trigger a response when  you pull on the lower lid and contract it.  I would suggest that you back off for
a couple of weeks on Lower Lid Lift then try it again. 

If you feel you need to see a doctor about it to ease your mind, then you should.  I don't know of any other lower lid exercise to give you - Deb will let you know on that one and on all of the
aforementioned. 

Again, I would just leave it alone, take a temporary layoff and then try again in two weeks.  Don't worry about losing out on 2 or 3 weeks - remember muscles have memory - jump in again full
force - and you'll be back where you left off in a weeks time.

Good-luck!

Olympia :-)

Drooping eyebrows  Jul 23, 2000

Help!  I'm a 17 year old female and my eyebrows droop, it makes me look depressed and upset all the time, and not too attractive I might add.  I literally force the muscles in my forehead to stay uplifted all day so I look normal.  If I let the muscles relax my brows lose their arch and become straight and very
low.  I have done so much research online trying to find some effective exercises to help fix this problem, please tell me you have a solution.  Thanks!

Jamie

Jamie,

At 17 years of age, the drooping cannot be attributed to muscle atrophy (unless a medical condition, which you did not mention, exists) but in your case is more a genetic disposition. In light of that information, I would seriously doubt that exercises are going to permanently lift your brows. However, if you are constantly contracting your brows to increase their height I would advocate that you resistant train these muscles. The constant partial use of the muscles to keep your eye brows up, will in time cause lines there as you get older.

At your age, you may want to consider shaping the eyebrow itself and using cosmetics to give your eye a more open look. There is also the option of cosmetic surgery; however, cosmetic surgery for the brow is often done because the brow is drooping due to aging, that is, muscle atrophy. A cosmetic surgeon experienced in doing brow lifts would, I'm sure, be able to tell you more. Keep in mind, though, exercise cannot change what genetics have given you, only emphasize it.  Hope I have in some way helped

Jason

Jamie

I found that doing the scalp flex helps drooping eyebrows its somewhere up on the discussion board I had the exact same problem where I had to hold it up and if I relaxed everyone wanted to know why I was so miserable! Also another one I do is where I take the index fingers and hold the eyebrows up as high as they'll go and close my eyelids down for the count of 20 do it 3 times.I hope it works for you, but be patient and you'll get results
good luck!

Danniele

Eye Puffiness   Jul 19, 2000

is there any way you could help me get rid of my eye puffiness it just started appearing around may of this year, i have tried everything and it seems not to be going, i tried the cucumber slices, ice cubes, etc please help

Melissa

Hi Melissa

When you say it started around May (Spring) and nothing seems to help, is it possible you may have developed an allergy that you've not had before?   This very thing happened to me.  I never had allergies before... got-em now :o(  

The eyes are one area that will alert you to almost any and all allergies under the sun... dark circles, tearing, puffiness, you name it.  If the puffiness is only upon waking and subsides in an hour or so you might try this little quick-fix.   Sounds gross , works great.  'Preparation H'   for hemorrhoids... ask any Model. 

Deb