The eyes are the focus of the face and mirror to our thoughts, feelings and emotions. Ageing eyes can make us look tired, sad or even angry – presenting emotions to the world that we simply don’t feel.
But there are many ways to improve the appearance of ageing eyes – from creams to surgery. Here are our top picks for a little eye tweaking.
PROBLEM ONE: WRINKLES
Wrinkles fall into two types – dynamic and permanent. Dynamic wrinkles are those that only appear when the face is in motion – for example, the extra crow’s feet around the eyes when you smile. These wrinkles are caused by the muscles pulling at the skin and over time the repeated pulling will make the wrinkle permanent. Permanent wrinkles are the ones that are there even when the face is motionless.
How we treat wrinkles depends on the type of wrinkles we are treating.
THE SOLUTIONS
Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections
Dynamic wrinkles respond well to Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections, best known under the brand name Botox.
These injections work by paralysing the muscles that form the wrinkles – so when you smile, or frown, there are no more wrinkles.
This is a great treatment for softening the appearance of lines around the eye.
The procedure is simple and quick and there is no down time. Results are temporary so top up procedures will be needed to keep the softened appearance.
Fillers
Deep, permanent lines around the eye will not respond well to botulinum toxin injections but can be corrected with fillers.
A clear gel is injected into the lines to plump them up, softening or erasing them completely. Results are instant and last around six to nine months. Most of the popular filler brands are made from hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in all living cells.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency can be used to smooth and tighten skin on the whole face, and will therefore have a rejuvenating effect on the eye area. Radiofrequency devices, such as top brand Exilis Elite, which we use at Medcare, deliver just the right amount of thermal energy to tighten skin and stimulate collagen.
The procedure is completely non-invasive. Read more about Exilis Elite…
Eye creams
Over-the-counter eye creams will do little to improve wrinkles around the eyes. However, some of the stronger medical cosmetic products can make a difference. We recommend Glo and ZO products. A good, high-factor sun cream should also be worn. It will not reverse wrinkles but will help to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
PROBLEM TWO: DROOPING BROWS AND LIDS
With age it is common for brows and lids to sag. Not only does this give the face an aged look, it can give a grumpy or even angry expression. In severe cases vision can be affected.
THE SOLUTION
Brow and forehead lift surgery
There are two types of brow and forehead lifts, the classic and endoscopic. Which is used will depend on the severity and nature of the problem.
Both involve lifting and tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin. Normally this is performed under general anaesthetic but sometimes a local anaesthetic can be used.
In the classic lift, which is used for more severe drooping, an incision will be made from the ears up along the hairline. The endoscopic brow lift uses smaller incisions and finer alterations. The surgeon uses an endoscope – a long, narrow tube with a camera on the end – to see what needs doing without making larger incisions. This procedure is better suited for minimal to moderate drooping.
PROBLEM THREE: EYE BAGS
The loss of tone as we age can cause bags to form both above and below the eye.
THE SOLUTIONS
Blepharoplasty
This surgical procedure involves trimming excess skin, tightening and trimming muscles and repositioning fat around the eyelids. It is often performed with a brow or full face lift but can be performed on its own. It is a very effective procedure and gives excellent results.
Radiofrequency
If the problem is not too great, radiofrequency may be a viable alternative to surgery. Skin around the eyes is tightened with the radiofrequency device, alleviating minor bags. As this is a non-invasive treatment there is no downtime.