The eyes are a large focus of the face, conveying much of the emotion that we present. As the saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul”. Given their importance, it’s not uncommon for people to want to restore life and youth back to the eye area as they age. Fortunately, there are a number of different procedures that can help.
Smoothing Crow’s Feet and Other Wrinkles with Botox
Wrinkles are one of the primary signs of aging. These wrinkles may appear as lines on the forehead or crow’s feet and smile lines around the eyes. Botox injections are a very common treatment for these types of wrinkles, often referred to as dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by the repeated contraction of the facial muscles associated with expressions like frowning, squinting and smiling, which over time causes a visible crease in the skin. Botox injections limit the action of these muscles, which limits the appearance of lines and smoothes the skin. Static wrinkles around the eyes, on the other hand, are often treated with fillers or skin resurfacing procedures.
Lifting Sagging Skin
The skin around the eyes may lose elasticity and sag over time. As the skin of the forehead sags, the eyebrows and upper eyelids can push down and appear to hang too low over the eyes, causing hooding of the eyes. This is a condition that is best treated with surgery. Brow lift procedures can sometimes be helpful in improving the sagging appearance of the eyelids if they are caused by sagging of the brow. If the eyelid itself is to blame, however, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is recommended. Blepharoplasty procedures can work on both the upper and lower eyelids to remove excess sagging skin, as well as excess fat that cause a puffy appearance to the eye.
Brightening Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes can either appear or increase in visibility over time. They can sometimes be improved by a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Other times the discoloration is better treated by a skin resurfacing treatment such as a chemical peel or dermabrasion.
If you are interested in seeing what cosmetic surgery can do to rejuvenate your eyes and which procedures may be right for you, contact with Oakland facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sheldon Kabaker at 800-914-4247.