The Eyes Have It
Whoever coined the phrase “the eyes have it” probably wasn’t thinking of the signs of aging. But if you feel you’re looking tired, angry or just plain old, chances are you’re thinking about telltale problems around your eyes. This area of the face delivers a double whammy: not only are the eyes critically important to your overall looks, the skin all around the area is delicate and especially subject to the effects of the elements, the passing years and genetics.
So what can you do to tackle your bags and sags, circles and lines? We’ll share the advice we give patients in New York about eyelid surgery and other steps you can take. Read on!
Crow’s Feet
The little lines at the edges of your eyes are one example of what are called “dynamic wrinkles” in that they are formed by repeated muscle action. This means smiling, squinting and so on. This is why they’re usually good targets for Botox or Dysport. Injections of small amounts of these muscle-relaxing agents can have your eye area looking smoother again without appearing abnormal.
Since this non-invasive treatment doesn’t last forever, you may want to repeat the procedure every several months, and/or talk with your plastic surgeon about whether you would be a candidate for a brow lift or eyelid surgery for more permanent results. And, of course, using sunscreen and a good skin care regimen is important too.
Dark Circles
Dark rings under the eyes can be a vexing problem. They can be triggered a variety of causes including fatigue, aging and genetics. Therefore, you could be doing everything right—from getting plenty of sleep, staying out of the sun and caring for your skin—and still suffer from dark circles.
An experienced, board certified plastic surgeon will identify what’s causing the problem and offer a recommendation for the best solution. For some appropriate patients, a chemical peel can help lighten up the area. Patients with dark tear troughs may benefit from a dermal filler to plump the area away from the blood vessels underneath. Those with dark rings stemming from saggy skin may need a lower lid lift for more dramatic improvement.
Droopy Upper Lids
If your main eye issue is saggy upper lids, you probably don’t need a plastic surgeon to tell you this. You may look weary most of the time, or even angry, and you will have lost most of the territory you used to use for eye makeup.
But you will need a qualified professional to weigh in on whether the best course of action would be an eyelid lift (also called an eyelid tuck), a brow lift or both. An eyelid lift removes a crescent of skin near the top of the lids to open up the eyes, while a brow lift raises the forehead and eyebrows. Many patients need just one procedure but some need both for the best outcome. We show our New York eyelid lift patients that eyelid surgery without forehead surgery can cause wide-open eyes under a heavy forehead, while a brow lift alone may not open the eyes enough. Your plastic surgeon will be able to demonstrate what we mean in the consultation room.
Puffy Lower Lids
You may believe that your puffy lower eyelids are due to lack of sleep, and burning the candle at both ends can certainly contribute. But it’s more likely that the muscles of your lower eyelids have simply become lax with age, allowing natural fat pads to bulge out. This is common in both men and women.
Lower eyelid surgery is most often the answer for removing some of the fat and tightening muscles and skin. While not a complicated procedure, blepharoplasty (the medical term for eyelid surgery) should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon since errors can produce unfortunate complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The most important first step in designing your eye rejuvenation strategy is to get a solid diagnosis. Understanding what’s causing your eye area to contribute to your stressed out, tired or aged appearance is key. Choose an oculoplastic surgeon or board certified plastic surgeon who treats dozens and dozens of eye patients annually, take all your questions and concerns to the consultation room, and work with your doctor to create a plan that’s right for you.
If we can help you understand your options for eye rejuvenation, call us in New York at 212-570-6080 or send us an email.
