The eyes are mirrors to the soul and they are also one of the first facial features that show the signs of aging. Gravity, squinting, heredity and the loss of fat and collagen in the face all lead to the droopy-looking eyes. This sagging can make you look tired or sad, as well as older. Fortunately, there are treatments and procedures to help lift and support the skin in the eye area that will give you a fresher and younger appearance.
If you want a more youthful appearance around your eyes but are not ready for surgery, then dermal filler injections might be a good option. Using injectables or dermal fillers can help you look younger almost immediately and may help slow down the aging process. A “liquid eyelid lift” is an alternative to surgery. Although injectable options do not remove the excess skin, they can offer lifting of the eye area. The results are subtle and there is little downtime.
Dermal fillers can be used to smooth out wrinkles and lines, as well as boost the collagen levels in the skin. Botox can also be used to enhance the appearance of the eyes by smoothing out brow lines and crow’s feet. The combination of these non-surgical procedures can give a nice boost, making the face look fresh and youthful.
As time goes on, the eyelids can sag significantly. That’s when surgery may become the best option. Eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and lifts the eyelids to reduce puffiness, bags and a tired appearance. In some cases, a brow lift may be a better option or done in combination with an eyelid lift for the best result. Each patient must be evaluated to determine which procedures are necessary to resolve the appearance of sagging eyelids. Some patients may require both an upper and lower blepharoplasty to achieve the best result.
For some patients, a brow lift alone might be the best way to restore a more youthful appearance. Bulging or lax upper eyelids might be caused by the brow pushing downward. As we age, our brow and forehead begin to droop naturally, just like the eyelids. By performing a brow lift, the eyelids are also effectively raised. A brow lift rejuvenates the forehead, helping the patient appear less “angry” and tired. When combined with other operations like blepharoplasty or a facelift, the appearance of the eyes and other facial features can see a vast improvement.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your eye area, schedule a consultation with one of our award-winning board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Peter Butler and Dr. Jocelyn Leveque
