The eyes are often described as “windows to the soul” butthey can also outwardly reflect health and vitality. Unfortunately, however,the delicate skin surrounding the eyes is often one of the first areas to showsigns of premature aging. Cosmeticeyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, ranks third among the most commoncosmetic surgical procedures for men in the U.S. according to the AmericanSociety for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Patients often desire a more “rested” or youthful appearance to gain anedge in a competitive job market or to simply improve upon years of sun damage,expression lines, loss of tissue volume due to the normal aging process orinherited traits such as undereye bags. Often, it is the inherited traits thatprompt patients to seek treatment even in their 20’s or 30’s. There are anumber of factors that contribute to the common complaints about the eyes and athorough medical history and examination findings will relate to therecommended course of action. Without addressing underlying medical conditions which can affect theappearance of the eyes, such as allergies, sinusitis, dry eyes and thyroidproblems, most corrective treatments may be temporary at best. In addition,lifestyle measures, such a quitting smoking and wearing sunscreen, arenecessary to achieve the best results.
So, what are some of the options available to help attainthat rested, youthful and healthy appearance? Generally, patients first seektreatment in the form of an eye cream designed and marketed to address theirspecific concerns. While someingredients such as retinol have been clinically shown to increase collagen,help maintain elasticity and lighten dark spots, most eye creams can provideonly temporary and slight improvement in the eye area. For example, caffeine isa common ingredient in eye creams as its diuretic properties help totemporarily “de-puff” the eye area. Topical vitamin K, peptides andantioxidants may also have some benefit on lightening dark circles, minimizingfine lines and reducing inflammation, however, clinical studies are limited andmore research is needed to determine the extent of their usefulness. Adequaterest, consistent use of sunscreen, avoiding squinting by wearing sunglasses andcorrective lenses if needed, avoiding smoking and known allergens, as well as, a healthful diet seemto be the best non-procedural treatment options for patients. And, avoid rubbing or touching the skinaround the eyes which can traumatize the delicate tissues and increase thelikelihood of irritation, darkening, and fine lines (lichenification).
For those patients who are not satisfied with eye creams andlifestyle measures, there are a number of cosmetic procedures which can helpimprove the eye area. Botox is themost commonly performed non-surgical procedure and is very effective atdiminishing crow’s feet—the fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the eye area.Botox is a quick, safe and minimally invasive procedure with results lasting upto 3 months. Botox can be combined with other treatments when addressingmultiple concerns about the eye area.
Lasers are also an excellent non-surgical option fortightening the skin around the eyes, reducing lines, wrinkles and dark spots.Newer lasers allow for less downtime and more specific targeting of areas ofconcern. Lasers also improve skin tone and texture and stimulate new collagenformation for long-lasting results.
With aging, the lower eyelids may also show a deflation orloss of tissue volume resulting in a gaunt look or circles under the eyes. Thedeflated area may be filled using fat grafting or a facial filler to create amore youthful and rested appearance. This procedure can also help minimize thelook of dark circles by lessening the depression between the “bags” and thecheek skin.
Many patients have upper or lower eyelid laxity and bagsfrom fat herniation. Blepharoplasty surgery can be performed to correct these commoncomplaints resulting in a brighter, more alert and rested appearance. Incisionsfollow the natural contour of the eyelids or may be placed inside the lowereyelid and are well-camouflaged when healed. Eyelid surgery can be comfortablyperformed with local anesthesia and mild oral sedation on an outpatientbasis. While any surgicalprocedure carries some risks; bruising, mild swelling, dryness and ashort-lived tightness or soreness around the eyes are the most common sideeffects. Most patients can returnto work within a few days to a week and are quite satisfied with results. Thisprocedure combined with fillers and Botox is very effective in giving anatural, yet improved appearance to the skin around the eyes.
With careful evaluation, well-thought out interventions andrealistic expectations there is a great deal that can done to improve the agingprocess and achieve that much sought after rested and youthful appearance.
