The eyes tell all, as they say - even your age. Due to the delicate, extremely thin skin around the eye area, eyes are generally the first facial feature to show signs of aging including dark circles, crow’s feet, and bags or swelling. These age-related changes have a huge impact on the appearance, making clients look and feel older and more tired than they really are.
It’s no surprise then that Americans are dead set on disguising aging eyes. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), blepharoplasty (eyelift) was the second-most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in 2012. The majority of patients who elected to have blepharoplasty were 35 to 60 years old. The procedure is also the most popular surgical procedure among Asian Americans looking to lift lids and create the appearance of wider, more western eyes.
Long considered the gold standard for eye rejuvenation and to remove puffiness or lower eyelid bags, loose skin and hooding of the eyelids, the AAFPRS reports that blepharoplasty on average costs less than $4,000. Thanks to advances in aesthetic technologies however, there are even more options that help rejuvenate eyes and bridge the gap between surgery and eye creams, as well as bringing in new patients.
• Fillers - Hyaluronic fillers can help relieve dark under eye circles and make the skin look tighter in areas like the lids, eyebrows and crow’s feet area. These fillers bind to water and fill in the under eye hollows or plump facial folds.
• Botox - Is able to relax the muscles around the eyes, lift heavy eyelids and open the eyes. It is good for patients worried about crow’s feet.
• Light Therapy- Fraxel is one of several different non-ablative fractional lasers which uses infrared light and other forms of energy to boost and grow new collagen, giving skin an improved appearance. If clients undergo three to six sessions, results can last a year or more.
• Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels - The process of using micronized crystals to remove dead cells and discoloration helps make crow’s feet and forehead lines look smoother. A chemical peel, performed by a facial plastic surgeon, removes a superficial layer of skin, boosting collagen production. Monthly use will ensure a glow and added texture.
• Autologous Fat Transfer – The patient’s own fat can be used to reduce the tired appearance by filling the dark circle below the eyes. Similar to the affect that is achieved with Fillers but with the potential of being permanent. A small amount of fat is harvested from somewhere on the patient’s body and is then injected beneath the skin and muscle of the cheek and lower eyelid.
“The eyes are expressive, and can convey a tired, sad or angry appearance as the result of aging or genetic features, not reflecting the true emotions,” says AAFPRS President Edward H. Farrior, M.D., FACS. “A blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess fat and redundant eyelid skin.”