The skin around the eye area is thin and delicate, so it’s not surprising that it is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. This region has very little subcutaneous fat tissue, and becomes stressed from constant facial movements like laughing or squinting, to form wrinkles.

Eye Area is Vulnerable

There are several muscles around the eyes that contract with every facial expression we make, and as we get older the thick collagen that gives structural support to our skin starts to break down. Sunlight speeds the process, as does smoking, pollution and lack of hydration.

Genetics have a major role, as does diet – the metabolic processing of food can impact collagen (glycation-simple sugars attaching themselves to proteins in collagen).

The collagen fibres lose strength and become less flexible, resulting in loose skin and sagging. In mature skin, constant facial expressions become obvious on the compromised collagen; thinning skin and loss of facial volume combine to leave the eye area looking poor.

When you notice the effects of time, sun and stress around your eyes, they’ll manifest in a variety of ways.

Fine lines and Furrows

Tiny crow’s feet become deeper lines if they are left untreated. The lines that appear with an expression and disappear when your face is relaxed are dynamic wrinkles, and will respond well to botox.

Depending on the location of the lines around the eyes, Cosmetic Doctor may recommend a resurfacing treatment such as laser/IPL or a chemical peel. As each patient’s needs will vary, Dr. Fay will assess each case, suggesting the best possible product appropriate for you-she may use dermal filler in tandem with or instead of botox.

Hollows under the Eye

Hollows under the eyes are a sign of loss of facial volume or fat from a place you can ill-afford to lose it. It leads to recessed areas under the eye, making you look tired and drawn.

Cosmetic Doctor can use filler injections (such as Restylane) to plump up the recessed area in a natural, subtle way, replacing the lost volume and brightening the area.

Dark Circles

Dark under eye circles are a result of the thin skin under the eye becoming thinner with age; although dark circles can often be hereditary. Tiny blood vessels become more visible and lend a blue-ish tint.

Filler injections carefully selected and administered will make a big difference and make you look less exhausted.

Hooded Eyelids

Heavy, droopy upper lids are very aging; it also makes it very difficult to apply eye make-up as women have to try to hold up the sagging skin as they apply cosmetics.

Use of botox into the muscles used to squint, or around the ones that frown, can lift the whole area, opening up the heavy-looking lids and making you appear far more youthful and awake.

Puffiness

In a lot of cases, ongoing under-eye puffiness may need a surgeon to remove the excess skin. Dark areas and puffiness can indicate a problem with blood retention in the upper layers of the skin; if left untreated it can lead to greater damage in the connective tissues.

The fine capillaries are very noticeable in the thin-skinned region under the eyes, and fluid may build up as with age we see lymphatic drainage slowing down, and capillary permeability increasing-both contributing to puffiness.

Each case needs to be assessed individually to improve the integrity of the collagen network; decrease any fluid retention, and reduce any impression of darkness under the eyes.

Call Cosmetic Doctor at the Slievemore Clinic on 01 685 3100 to book your appointment.