The skin of lower eyelids is very fragile, susceptible to injury from repeated expansion i.e. swelling related to allergies, alcohol intake, salt intake, excessive crying. It’s more susceptible to these changes because the skin is extremely thin, low barrier function & poor blood circulation in comparison. Damage also occurs due to friction or rubbing. This area can hollow due to lack of fatty tissue, aging, or chronic medical illness, often termed a tear trough. Mid face loss of volume can also contribute to lower eye concerns, as the length between the lower lash line and mid face lengthens with age.
Avoid repeated expansion and contraction in this area whenever possible. This may mean treating allergies or limiting alcohol, sodium, rubbing the eyes. Sleeping on a pillow or two to elevate your head at night can help as well. Think of a balloon that is repeatedly inflated.
Avoid smoking. Drink plenty of water. Protect from sun exposure, reapply sunscreen throughout the day. If you find this cumbersome we have a solution that will work for you.
Improve the integrity of the skin with products that will increase the strength and firmness of the skin. What we do to our skin every day is more important than 1,2,3 procedures done in the office. Use products that have evidence that they in fact work. Or try them methodically for one skin cycle or keratin maturation cycle, 6 weeks. If you do not see changes in that time frame (6 weeks) realize that what you are doing is likely not going to get you the results you desire. We always recommend taking before and after pictures before starting a new regimen.
Procedures that will improve the integrity of the skin. The procedure can be chosen based on your lifestyle, budget, downtime, and desired results. Procedures range from chemical peels, micro-needling, laser, and CO2 laser.
Neurotoxin (Botox) or Microtox can be done to smoothen out the wrinkles that occur on the lower eyelid roll that occurs when smiling.
Restoration of volume with fillers whether it is specifically injecting the tear trough or restoring mid face volume.
Surgical intervention or lower blepharoplasty which reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids.
Any procedure, whether nonsurgical or surgical, come with risks. Having your provider discuss those risks, so you can make an informed decision is key to the partnership in getting you the results you desire.
