How to Combat Aging Around Your Eyes

Posted January 23, 2024 in Facial Rejuvenation

There are a variety of reasons why your eyes start to show signs of age, even when you’re young. If you’re concerned about how your eyes affect how people perceive you, maybe it’s time to refresh the area around your eyes. This blog discusses some causes of aging around your eyes and explores what procedures work best to turn back the clock.

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There are many reasons why your eyes start to show signs of age, even when you’re young. Genetics, sun damage, stress, and gravity can all leave lines and bags around your eyes, making you look older and tired. If you’re concerned about how your eyes affect how people perceive you, maybe it’s time to join the thousands who chose to refresh the area around their eyes. Below, we discuss some causes of aging around your eyes and explore what procedures work best to turn back the clock.

Eye Rejuvenation Procedures Have Increased in Popularity

According to the 2022 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Procedural Statistics Release, more than 115,000 people underwent blepharoplasty (also called an eyelid lift) in 2022. This number represented a 13% increase in eye lifts compared to numbers expressed in the 2019 report. The increased numbers also landed blepharoplasty in the top five most requested surgical cosmetic procedures of 2022. 

At the same time, more than five million people reaped the benefits of injectable fillers, and nearly nine million smoothed away signs of age with neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic and DYSPORT®. While these numbers represent all of the ways fillers and neuromodulators can be used (like adding volume to the cheeks and filling in wrinkles in the lower face), the fact remains that people are focusing more on their faces, and their eyes in particular.

Causes of Aging Around Your Eyes

Reduced Collagen and Elastin

The importance of collagen and elastin in your skin is a frequent topic in the beauty industry. The connective tissue supported by collagen proteins gives your skin the structure it needs to look youthful and supple. Elastin works with collagen to give your skin elasticity and the ability to bounce back when stretched. As you age, your skin begins to lose existing collagen and elastin, producing less of these elements. When the collagen and elastin around your eyes diminish, your skin becomes less and less able to recover. Some of the ways the loss of collagen and elastin show up around your eyes include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Crow’s feet
• Sagging or droopy lids above and below your eyes
• Under eye bags

Environmental Damage

Did you know that the skin around your eyes is ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face? That’s why it’s imperative to treat your eyes delicately. Don’t vigorously rub or pull at your eyes, and be gentle when applying and removing makeup. Keeping the area around your eyes moisturized can help stave off signs of aging, as can wearing sunscreen and avoiding smoking. Some of the ways environmental damage affects your eyes include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging lids
• Under eye bags
• Dark circles
• Age spots

The Natural Aging Process

Besides the decline of collagen and elastin in your skin, the natural aging process affects your eyes in several ways. First, gravity causes your skin to sag. Without adequate collagen to support and keep it where it should be, the skin on your upper and lower lids more easily stretches and droops. Aging also affects the fat pads under your eyes. In some cases, the fat pads shift and create noticeable undereye bags. In other cases, the volume of the fat pads decreases and leaves you with dark circles and a hollow-eyed appearance. Some of the effects of the natural aging process around your eyes include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging lids
• Under eye bags
• Dark circles   

Fortunately, there are several ways to combat aging around your eyes. 

Ways to Combat Aging Around Your Eyes

Depending on your needs and desired results, you may choose surgical or non-surgical procedures to refresh and smooth the area around your eyes. 

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address signs of aging around your eyes. An upper eyelid lift eliminates excess skin that may sag and cause vision problems. It also tightens the muscles and skin in the area, giving you a more refreshed appearance. A lower eyelid lift can also eliminate excess sagging skin and tighten the muscles around your eyes. The procedure also includes removing excess fat, resulting in smooth and rejuvenated eyes. You can choose to get an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, or a combination of both. 

Injectable Fillers

JUVÉDERM® and RESTYLANE® are two types of hyaluronic acid filler used to address issues under the eyes. These soft and dissolvable fillers can smooth out undereye bags and add volume to the tear troughs under your eyes that have begun to look hollowed out. 

BOTOX® Cosmetic and DYSPORT®

While BOTOX® Cosmetic and DYSPORT® were originally only approved for treating forehead lines, their use has since expanded. They are now FDA-approved to treat crow’s feet, temporarily smoothing the lines around your eyes.

The best way to discover which method (or methods) is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Careaga, Dr. Durand, or Reana Myers, our Non-surgical and Injectables Specialist. They will examine you and let you know whether an eye lift, injectable treatments, or a combination will provide optimal results. 

Learn More About Eye Rejuvenation in Coral Gables

Are you ready to look younger and more awake, engaged, and alert by addressing signs of aging around your eyes? Call Careaga Plastic Surgery today at (305) 574-9262 or complete our online contact form to get started.