Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes are among the most common aesthetic concerns that lead people to seek cosmetic treatment. While there are many beauty products that claim to get rid of these age-related changes, few of them truly work. It often requires professional cosmetic treatment to resolve wrinkles in the eye area.
There are various anti-aging treatments in the cosmetic industry, including BOTOX® injections, dermal fillers, and skin rejuvenation like Morpheus8 and fractional CO2. One of the more extensive options is facelift surgery.
A facelift manually lifts the skin upwards, smoothing out wrinkles and tightening loose skin. But can it address wrinkles around the eyes as well?
What Causes Wrinkles Around the Eyes?
Before understanding how to address wrinkles around the eyes, you should know how they form in the first place.
Wrinkles and fine lines are the result of deeper changes within the skin. As you get older, your skin begins to lose vital collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. All of these components work together to keep the skin tight, firm, and youthful.
When collagen and elastin decline, your skin becomes more susceptible to movement. Facial expressions like smiling, frowning, and laughing all leave wrinkles and creasing behind.
These are the most prominent in the areas where your expressions show, such as around the eyes and mouth. This is why you see age-related changes like crow’s feet and fine lines next to your eyes and between the eyebrows.
The decrease in hyaluronic acid within your skin also leads to fine lines and creases around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid gives your skin supple, youthful volume. When it declines, the loss in volume can make your skin appear loose and wrinkled.
What Is Facelift Surgery?
Several cosmetic treatments can create a more youthful appearance and address fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most popular anti-aging procedures is facelift surgery, which can resolve deep wrinkles and sagging skin by lifting and tightening the skin on your face.
The following are just a few of the benefits of facelift surgery:
- Tightening the skin
- Lifting sagging skin
- Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
- Reducing severe signs of aging
- Re-contouring the jawline and neck
- Creating a more youthful appearance overall
During a facelift, an incision is made around the ears into the hairline. Any excess or loose skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is lifted upwards into a tighter position. The result is generally smoother, more firm skin with a significant reduction in wrinkles.
Can a Facelift Resolve Wrinkles Around My Eyes?
Many people seeking facelift surgery wonder if it will get rid of the wrinkles and fine lines around their eyes. Since facelifts tighten the skin, they can also smooth out things like crow’s feet and creases around the eyes. With that said, facelifts are intended for more significant signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles and creasing.
Alternatives for Wrinkles Surrounding the Eyes
If you have mild wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes, you may be interested in a non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. A facelift can be an extensive, intricate procedure that some patients may not be candidates for.
Certain treatments can resolve wrinkles around the eyes without surgical intervention. The most popular options are neuromodulators like Botox, dermal fillers, and Morpheus8 or fractional CO2 laser.
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators resolve wrinkles around the eyes by subduing facial movement. When your facial expressions are limited, wrinkles and fine lines cannot develop.
These injectable treatments interact directly with your nerves and muscles to create smoother, tighter skin free of things like crow’s feet and fine lines. Botox and Dysport are two frequently used neuromodulators.
Dermal Fillers
Another non-surgical way to address wrinkles around the eyes is with dermal fillers. Much like neuromodulators, dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can create a more youthful appearance.
Dermal fillers increase volume beneath the skin and smooth out minor lines and creases. Two commonly used brands are Restylane and RHAs. Also, the use of your own fat as a graft in these areas may last longer than a synthetic dermal filler.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
If you have wrinkles, fine lines, and creasing around your eyes, these concerns may somewhat be resolved with facelift surgery. A facelift can lift and tighten the skin around your eyes and eyebrows to create younger-looking skin with a visible reduction in crow’s feet and fine lines.
The only way to confirm that you are a candidate for facelift surgery is by having a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon needs to evaluate your signs of aging to determine whether a facelift is the best course of action.
If not, you will be advised on alternative options that are less invasive and intended for minor age-related changes. This may include Botox, Restylane, or other cosmetic injectables.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery
Do you have creases or wrinkles around your eyes? If you have severe age-related changes in your skin, you may be eligible for facelift surgery.
Dr. Susan Kaweski performs facelift procedures at the Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery in San Diego. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Kaweski will work with you to develop a unique treatment plan that meets your needs and addresses your concerns. To find out more about the benefits of facelift surgery, visit us online.
