Sleep on your back. Dab, don’t rub. Don’t squint or concentrate too hard. We’ve all heard the crazy ways to slow the natural aging of the sensitive and delicate skin around the eyes. Fortunately, numerous cosmetic procedures exist to correct and restore eye appearance without having to memorize a list of don’ts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the anatomy of the eye area, the causes of aging and tired eyes, the main concerns related to this issue, candidates for treatments, and the various procedures available to address aging and tired eyes.
Understanding the Anatomy Around the Eyes
What is the Anatomy of the Area Around the Eye?
From a cosmetic perspective, the eye area extends from the brow ridge to the upper cheekbone. The frontal bone forms the forehead and includes the superciliary arch, creating the arc at the top of the eye socket. This arch is typically more prominent in males than females.
The lower portion of the eye socket is formed by both the zygomatic bones and the maxilla (upper jaw bone). Two small lacrimal bones sit at the midline portions of the eye near the nose, completing the circular eye socket.
The eyebrows and eyelids serve to trap and collect debris, preventing it from entering the eyes. The upper and lower eyelids meet at the medial (near the nose) and lateral (near the ear) canthi. The eyelids are lined with palpebral conjunctiva, a thin clear membrane. The medial canthus contains the lacrimal caruncle, the reddish mound on the inner eye containing sweat and oil glands. The palpebral fissure refers to the space created by the eyelids when open at rest.
The lacrimal gland is situated on the upper outer portion of the eye (under the skin) and secretes tears, which then naturally run down and towards the nose where the lacrimal duct (collecting system) lies.
The eye itself is composed of the sclera (the white of the eye), the cornea (the clear protruding part), and the iris (colored part of the eye), whose size is adjusted by a sphincter muscle. Because of the sphincter muscle, the eye dilates and constricts in a circular motion.
Causes of Aging and Tired Eyes
What Causes the Eye Area to Look Aged or Tired?
Anyone who uses a facial moisturizer knows the skin around the eye is thin, lacks fat tissue, and has minimal musculature. These factors make this area especially susceptible to breakdown due to the lack of protection and structural support.
The eye socket is like a cavern containing the eyeball suspended by muscles, ligaments, and the optic nerve. As previously mentioned, facial bones, skin, and musculature around the eye are naturally very thin. This contributes not only to skin aging but also to the incidence of facial bone damage in traumatic accidents.
Additionally, the face — especially the brow and eyes — is constantly in motion and subject to considerable stress. Squinting in sunlight, furrowing the brow in concentration, and rubbing your face when stressed all exacerbate and accelerate skin breakdown and the appearance of tired and aging eyes.
Main Concerns Related to Aging and Tired Eyes
With a basic understanding of eye anatomy, it is clear why aging and tired appearing eyes are a common concern for both men and women. Generally, eye-related concerns can be broken down into three sub-categories:
- Under Eye Bags: The appearance of dark and puffy under eyes is caused by collagen and elastin loss leading to decreased skin structure and sagging. Additionally, thinning of the skin with aging causes blood vessels to appear more prominent, giving a dark appearance.
- Crow’s Feet: Refers to the appearance of fine lines on the lateral aspects of the eyes. This is caused by a combination of collagen loss and daily use.
- Heavy Brow: A heavy brow can be caused by a genetic predisposition to a prominent superciliary arch area or result from aging causing loss of skin and muscle tone. A heavy brow can inappropriately give the appearance of a negative or tired resting expression.
Candidates for Treatments
Who May Wish to Change Their Aging or Tired Eyes?
Aging or tired eyes are not exclusive to older men and women. Any individual with a genetically heavy appearing brow may benefit from a cosmetic procedure. Individuals with increased exposures, including stress, UV light, and other skin damage, may benefit from a cosmetic eye procedure at younger ages. Older individuals who have noticed the effects of collagen loss and accumulated wear and tear will see significant benefits from an eye procedure.
Treatment Options for Aging and Tired Eyes
Numerous invasive and non-invasive procedures exist to correct aging and tired-looking eyes. Certain procedures can more effectively address a specific concern as detailed below.
Procedures for Under Eye Bags
Under eye bags refer to the puffy, dark appearance that develops as we age. This can be addressed by both surgical and non-surgical procedures:
- Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Transconjunctival Approach:
- How It Works: This surgical technique involves making an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid to remove or reposition fat. It helps reduce puffiness and improve the contour of the under-eye area.
- Pros and Cons: This approach avoids external scars, but it may not be suitable for those with significant skin laxity.
- Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty Transcutaneous Approach:
- How It Works: This surgical technique involves making an incision just below the lower lash line to remove or reposition fat and tighten the skin.
- Pros and Cons: This approach can address both fat and skin concerns but may leave a visible scar.
- Under Eye Filler:
- How It Works: Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, are injected into the under-eye area to smooth out hollows and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Pros and Cons: This non-surgical option provides immediate results with minimal downtime, but the effects are temporary and typically last 6-12 months.
- Carboxy Therapy:
- How It Works: This treatment involves injecting carbon dioxide gas into the under-eye area to improve blood flow and stimulate collagen production, reducing dark circles and puffiness.
- Pros and Cons: Carboxy therapy is minimally invasive with no downtime, but multiple sessions are needed for optimal results.
Procedures for Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet, the fine lines on the lateral portions of the eye, can be addressed with:
- Botox (BoNT-A) Injections:
- How It Works: Botulinum toxin type A, a paralytic agent, temporarily freezes the muscles around the eyes, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Pros and Cons: Botox provides quick and effective results with minimal downtime, but the effects are temporary and typically last 3-6 months.
Procedures for Heavy Brow
A heavy brow can give the appearance of a negative or tired resting expression. Treatment options include:
- Chemical Brow Lift (BoNT-A Injections):
- How It Works: Botox is injected into the forehead musculature to lift and smooth the brow, creating a more youthful and awake appearance.
- Pros and Cons: This non-surgical approach provides temporary results with minimal downtime, but multiple sessions are required for maintenance.
- Surgical Brow Lift:
- How It Works: Surgical brow lift procedures involve making incisions in the scalp or forehead to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues.
- Types of Brow Lifts:
- Coronal Brow Lift: Involves an incision across the top of the scalp, from ear to ear.
- Endoscopic Brow Lift: Involves several small incisions and the use of an endoscope to lift the brow.
- Pretrichial Brow Lift: Involves an incision along the hairline.
- Combination Mid-brow Incision with Endoscopic Brow Lift: Combines mid-brow incisions with an endoscopic approach.
- Traditional Mid-forehead Brow Lift: Involves an incision in the mid-forehead.
- Direct Brow Lift: Involves an incision directly above the eyebrows.
- Pros and Cons: Surgical brow lifts provide long-lasting results but require a longer recovery period and may leave scars.
Conclusion
Aging and tired eyes are a common concern for many individuals, but numerous cosmetic procedures are available to restore a youthful and refreshed appearance. From non-invasive treatments like Botox and fillers to surgical options like blepharoplasty and brow lifts, there are solutions to address under-eye bags, crow’s feet, and heavy brows. Consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and achieve the rejuvenated look you desire.
