Of all the telltale signs of aging, the delicate skin around our eyes is often the first to undergo changes. Fine lines usually begin to appear around the eyes in our 20s, but many of us don't reach for an anti-wrinkle cream until we're well into our 30s, when these lines become more pronounced and noticeable. By the time we approach our 40s and 50s, these wrinkles join forces with gravity, the consequences of which are drooping, sagging eyelids. As French women have famously said--this is when the real fight begins.
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In our modern day, we are fortunate that there are a number of tools available to help reverse sagging eyelids. This includes both surgical and non-surgical solutions; although the best results are often achieved with a combination of the two. From blepharoplasty and laser skin resurfacing to botox injections and the best anti-wrinkle creams, read on for 5 ways to rejuvenate aging eyes and win the fight against sagging eyelids.
BOTOX & DYSPORT
Used more than 20 million times worldwide over the last quarter century, Dysport and Botox injections are well known as a safe solution for dynamic wrinkles around the eyes. Muscle weakening medications, they are commonly used to soften the crow's feet that form at the corners of our eyes when we smile or laugh, and the lines between our eyebrows (commonly referred to as the 11s) when we frown. A relatively quick, pain-free procedure, results from Dysport or Botox injections will typically last for a 3-month period. Those concerned about natural-looking results will be pleased to learn that in the hands of an expert injector, you will still be able to smile and animate your face as usual. People definitely want a natural look, notes Jillian Fyvie, a Registered Nurse and injector at Fioré Skin Clinic. The real key is for me to place the injections in the correct area of the face, and to be conservative. The right dose will weaken the muscle but still leave room for natural looking movement. Fyvie is quick to add that as an additional benefit, regular treatments of Botox or dysport actually prevent dynamic wrinkles from getting deeper; a win-win situation.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING
Different than dynamic wrinkles that form as a result of our facial expressions, static wrinkles are present even when the skin is at rest. One of the most effective treatments to soften these types of wrinkles around the eyes is laser skin resurfacing. Depending on the depth of the wrinkles themselves and the desired results, a number of different lasers are available to combat sagging eyelids and wrinkles.
As the lead medical esthetician at Fioré Skin Clinic, Suzanne Power praises the benefit of having so many different types of laser skin resurfacing treatments available. The beauty is that it allows me to customize the treatment to each patient. For example, if a patient is looking for an enhanced glow with little downtime, a nano laser peel is perfect. But if it's a more dramatic result they're after, Halo, our fractional laser, will substantially improve sun damage as well as lines around the eyes. A hybrid laser that combines ablative and non ablative treatments in one, Power is enthusiastic, As it stands today, we are the only practice in Vancouver to offer Halo. It's a fantastically effective tool. For those looking to achieve a total correction, Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi can perform Contour TRL.
A surgical-grade laser skin resurfacing, the downtime is longer (up to 10 days of redness and peeling), but the results are remarkable. Dr. Buonassisi precisely removes layers of skin down to the dermis where collagen and deep wrinkles live, revealing totally fresh, line-free skin. I often Contour TRL on areas of the face that tend to form deeper wrinkles over time, such as the ocular area below the eyes.
EYELID LIFT
The most common surgery for patients in their 40s and 50s, an eyelid lift is a tougher approach to correct sagging eyelids. As we get older we often develop pools of sagging skin in the upper eyelids, as well as bulging pockets of fat that form both above and below the eyes. A natural part of our face, the muscles that hold back these pads of fat become weaker as we age, causing the fat to bulge (or herniate) forward. For women, it's common to first notice this phenomenon when applying eye makeup; as the extra skin can cause increased difficulty in application, and also makes it more difficult to see the eyelid crease. ''I hide upper blepharoplasty incisions in the patient's natural eyelid crease, and they are nearly imperceptible once healed. Typically patients will need to take 1-2 weeks off social activities.'', notes Dr. Buonassisi.
ANTI-WRINKLE CREAMS
A good anti-wrinkle cream is essential to any eye care skin routine. Good eye creams include ingredients to both cosmetically improve the appearance of eyelid laxity (by creating a temporary tightening effect) and those to structurally improve the quality of the skin.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
We cannot stress this point enough. Sun exposure is the single biggest contributing factor to eye aging, so it's not difficult then to believe that avoiding prolonged or excessive sun exposure is the single most important factor in keeping your skin wrinkle-free and elastic. Beyond wearing protective clothing and well-designed sunglasses that block out UV rays, it is imperative to wear a professional-grade sunscreen* on a daily basis. ZO Medical Looking for ways to improve the appearance of your sagging eyelids or eye aging? Click here to book a complimentary skin consultation with us today.