The eyes have it, when it comes to the first signs of aging. The delicate skin surrounding our eyes develops wrinkles that we may be able to shrug off as “laugh lines,” but the skin can also sag, causing droopy eyes or bags under the eyes that belie or call more attention to our age than we would like. Last year, among the top surgical procedures sought by both women and men, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) ranked high. In a market that is expected to exceed $18.5 billion by the year 2024, according to a new research report, demand for blepharoplasty is increasing among the young population base, starting at age 18, too. Women are still the biggest consumers of cosmetic surgery overall, with 80.2 percent of the revenue share, due to pressure to restore youthful facial features as deep wrinkles, sagging eyelids and neck and deflated cheeks.Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat around the eyelids. Bags and puffy skin under the eyes are removed and wrinkles softened. A small incision is made above or below the eye, where fat deposits and skin are removed. Sutures are hidden the natural folds of the eye. With a quick recovery—about a week—blepharoplasty will give a more youthful appearance for many years.

Problems With Vision

Having sagging eyes isn’t just a cosmetic nuisance for many people. Droopy eyes can impair vision. People have to try harder to keep their eyes open, feel heaviness in the eyebrows or eyelids, think they need more light to see, struggle to see in peripheral vision, get headaches and keep trying to raise their eyebrows to see better.According to a recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, common surgical procedures to correct droopy eyelids improved the quality of life for people with frequent tension-type headaches. Some patients in the study reported significant relief from tension headaches for up to 17 weeks after surgery.The medical term for droopy eyelid is blepharoptosis, or ptosis, which is caused by a separation of the inside muscle of the eyelid from its natural attachment. Unlike blepharoplasty, no skin is removed in ptosis repair. But like blepharoplasty, recovery is typically within a week.Dr. Mikel Lo is one of the few fellowship-trained ophthalmic plastic surgeons, or oculoplastic surgeons, in the country, having trained in both cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. He has years of experience in both blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis. Many patients choose him to perform eyelid surgery for the best outcome, because vision is so important.The first step is having a consultation to see what needs to be done. Not everyone needs both upper and lower lids done.

Non-Surgical Solutions

About Faces Cosmetics also performs non-surgical treatments to improve the appearance of the eyes:

• Injections: Botox^®, Dysport^® and Xeomin^® are used around the eyelid area to reduce the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows or under the lower eyelid—where crow’s feet crop up. It’s an office procedure with no down time. Dr. Lo is an expert at shaping the brows and eyelids.
• Eyelash growth: Latisse^® was originally used to treat glaucoma, but it was found to stimulate eyelash growth. It takes about six to 12 weeks, usually, to notice longer lashes. Best of all, it’s a procedure done in the privacy of your own home and has no down time.
• Eyelash/eyebrow tinting: Many patients love getting their lashes and brows tinted. Our aesthetician will help you choose your color, if you don’t already have one in mind. Your lashes and eyebrows will be tinted skillfully and artistically.

Are you ready to see how Dr. Lo and the About Faces team can make your eyes look more youthful? Schedule an appointment today to consult with him about what procedure will help you feel better about your appearance.