The Fight Against the Aging Eyelids

By Orin Zwick, MD

Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center

. https://www.chesapeakeeyecare.com/

More Beauty Skin Care & Gorgeous Smiles Articles

The Fight Against the Aging Eyelids

The eyes are often the first part of the face to reveal visible signs of aging. Over time, deflation of the youthful upper eyelid fat causes laxity and wrinkles of the eyelid skin. As the eyebrows begin to droop, the upper eyelid skin falls and causes redundant folds. Fat pockets, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are common complaints. While this all sounds depressing, fortunately there are ways to improve upon these aging changes. In any rejuvenating process, a well-rounded approach is required to address not only the current problems, but also to maintain a healthy appearance moving forward. Enhancements around the eyes range from noninvasive medical skin care to microdermabrasion and chemical peels, Botox and fillers, laser skin rejuvenation, and finally, cosmetic surgery. These treatments all work together to address the various target problems and each plays a different complementary role in improving appearance.

Factors that can negatively affect the skin include stress, diet, sleep deprivation, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. Modifying behavior plays a huge part in maintaining healthier skin and an overall healthier lifestyle. Medical grade skin products play a significant role in both improving skin texture and tone, as well as preventing further aging and environmental damage. Skin protection with a sunscreen is crucial, especially with our area's wonderful outdoor activities. Topical antioxidants have a positive effect on photodamaged skin. Retinoids increase the rate at which new skin cells come to the surface, helping to restore the surface to a more youthful state. Skin care plays a vital role prior to surgery and in maintaining the beautiful result longer.

Microdermabrasion helps to remove the superficial dead layer of skin, giving it an immediate healthy glow. This treatment, in addition to carefully selected chemical peels, helps to revitalize the appearance of the skin. Various types of chemical peels are available to address the skins tone and texture, and help with fine lines and pigment changes.

Lines caused by specific muscle contractions, such as the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, the crow's feet and the forehead are called dynamic wrinkles. Botox is the best way to weaken the muscle action that leads to specific lines and furrows. Carefully tailored injections not only soften the lines, but can also help create a chemical brow lift. Injectable fillers work by plumping the skin underneath the wrinkle itself. Hyaluronic acid gels (Restylane, Juvderm) can be used to fill in lines and create a smoother contour for the lines between the nose and the lips, under the eyelids and even to improve lip contours and volume.

Despite the advances in less invasive procedures over recent years, surgical procedures are capable of producing much more dramatic, long-term results. When rejuvenating the eyelids, it is important to address both the volume changes and laxity of tissues. Upper and lower eyelid surgery is done in an outpatient setting. Each patient requires a detailed evaluation and personalized treatment regimen in order to identify and discuss concerns to achieve successful results.