Key Takeaways
- Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body, making the eye area the first place facial aging typically becomes visible.
- Under-eye bags from fat herniation can develop as early as the 20s and 30s and are purely anatomical in origin.
- No creams or topical products can fix sagging eyelids or under-eye bags; only blepharoplasty can correct these concerns.
- Dr. Wise performs 5 to 10 eyelid surgeries per week and prioritizes natural-looking results without altering eye shape.
- Treatment options range from surgical blepharoplasty to energy devices, fillers, lasers, and chemical peels.
Why do the eyes tend to age first on the face?
As many people are aware, the thinnest skin on the human body is the eyelid skin. Due to the minimal collagen and elastin in this area, aging changes often occur here first, causing the skin to stretch out initially. In addition, this can lead to various aging signs such as fat herniation, resulting in the appearance of under-eye bags, which can develop at different ages, including as early as your 20s and 30s. Therefore, many patients prioritize addressing this area first when considering facial treatments.
What procedure do you recommend for restoring a youthful appearance to the eyes?
There are various solutions available to treat aging eyes. These include:
- Less invasive treatments and topical products that can help firm the eyes.
- Energy-based devices like radiofrequency microneedling for beneficial effects.
- Laser devices and light-based treatments such as the CO2 laser and other great lasers to tighten the skin.
- Dermal fillers for tear troughs, but candidacy should be confirmed beforehand.
- The most common procedure in my hands is a blepharoplasty which is a surgical procedure that helps rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids.
- Excess skin is removed from the upper lids during an upper blepharoplasty, providing a more rested and youthful appearance.
- A lower blepharoplasty is often done to eliminate excess fat and under-eye bags, while also tightening the surrounding skin.
Who makes a good candidate for eyelid or "eye lift" procedures?
Eyelid procedures are suitable for most individuals, except those with specific eye-related medical conditions that would prevent them from being a candidate.
Are aging eyes a big concern for many people?
Aging eyes are a tremendous part of my practice and I perform 5 to 10 eyelid surgeries per week. I love performing blepharoplasty procedures and I always make sure to assure my patients that they will get a natural-looking result. I don't change the shape of their eyes, I just simply make them look more youthful and rejuvenated.
What specific concerns do blepharoplasty patients have?
A lot of patients are simply tired of looking tired, they have either excess skin on their eyelids commonly referred to as "hooded eyelids" or puffy under-eye bags and loose skin near there eyes.
