Achieving a More Youthful Appearance

By Orin Zwick, MD

Chesapeake Eye Care & Laser Center

. https://www.chesapeakeeyecare.com/

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Achieving a More Youthful Appearance

The eyes are often the first part of the face to reveal visible signs of aging. Skin laxity and descent causes the eyebrows to droop and the upper eyelids to sag and accumulate extra folds. Fat pockets, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are common complaints.

Factors that can negatively affect the skin include stress, diet, sleep deprivation, sun exposure, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Therefore, behavior modification plays a huge part in maintaining healthier skin and an overall healthier lifestyle.Skin protection with a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB blockers is imperative. Topical antioxidants have a positive effect on photodamaged skin. Prescription retinoids increase the rate at which new skin cells come to the surface, while other medical products help restore the surface to a more youthful state.

Microdermabrasion helps to remove the superficial dead layer of skin, giving it an immediate healthy glow. This treatment, in addition to chemical peels, helps to revitalize the appearance of the skin. Superficial chemical peels, while causing minimal downtime of flaky, red skin, improves pigment irregularities and tightens superficial wrinkles.

Wrinkles caused by specific muscle contractions, such as the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows and crow's feet are called dynamic wrinkles. Botox is the best way to weaken the muscle action that leads to specific lines and furrows. Injectable fillers work by plumping the skin underneath the wrinkle itself. Hyaluronic acids (Restylane, Juvderm and Perlane) are used to fill in depressions and create a smooth contour from the lower eyelid down to the cheek.

Dark circles under the eyes are caused from a variety of reasons. The eyelid skin is markedly thin compared to the skin elsewhere on the face. As we age, it becomes even thinner and more translucent, allowing the blood vessels under the surface to become more visible, causing the reddish-blue discoloration. Medical grade eye creams help to reduce fine lines, dark circles and puffiness by hydrating, illuminating and skin firming. Surgery is primarily targeted to the structural causes of dark circles, such as shadowing from the lower eyelid puffy fat pockets.

Despite the advances in less invasive procedures over the recent years, surgical procedures are capable of producing much more dramatic outcomes. When rejuvenating the eyelids, it is important to address both the volume changes and laxity of tissues. Each patient requires a detailed evaluation and personalized treatment regimen.