The delicate skin under your eyes often reveals the first signs of ageing. From fine lines to deeper creases, these changes can make you look tired or older than you feel.
Thankfully, there are many effective treatments for under eye wrinkles to help you look more youthful and refreshed.
Let’s explore the causes of under eye wrinkles and the most popular options for tackling them, whether you prefer surgical, non-surgical, or a combination of both.
What Causes Under Eye Wrinkles?
Under eye wrinkles develop due to a combination of factors:
- Ageing: As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin, leading to reduced elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Delicate or Sensitive Skin : The skin under the eyes is thinner than elsewhere on your face, making it more prone to creasing and sagging.
- Dynamic Wrinkles: Repeated facial expressions, such as smiling or squinting, can create dynamic wrinkles around the eyes over time.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to UV rays and pollution can accelerate ageing, contributing to wrinkles.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of hydration can also play a role in the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Understanding these causes will help you choose the right eye wrinkle treatments tailored to your needs.
Conditions That Can Occur Alongside Wrinkles
In addition to under wrinkles around the eye area, it’s common to experience other skin concerns such as:
- Eye Bags: Puffy or swollen under-eye areas can occur due to fluid retention, ageing, or genetic predisposition. They may exaggerate the appearance of wrinkles.
- Dark Circles: Dark under-eye circles can be caused by pigmentation, thinning skin, or hollowness, often making lines and wrinkles more prominent.
- Eye Hollowness: Loss of volume beneath the eyes can create a sunken appearance, contributing to deep wrinkles and an aged look.
Cosmetic treatments that address these issues alongside your eye wrinkles can lead to a more comprehensive eye rejuvenation.
Below are the top three eye rejuvenation treatment approaches, including both surgical solutions and non-surgical options:
1. Surgical Treatment: Lower Blepharoplasty
What is Lower Blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and smooths the under-eye area, making you look more rejuvenated and refreshed.
How is Lower Blepharoplasty Performed?
The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia. Here’s what to expect:
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach).
- Excess Skin Removal: Excess skin is removed, and any underlying fat causing eye bags is repositioned or removed.
- Skin Tightening: The remaining skin is tightened to reduce wrinkles.
- Closure: The incision is closed with fine sutures, often leaving minimal scarring.
Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery
- Removes excess skin for a smoother appearance
- Reduces eye bags and wrinkles simultaneously
- Long-lasting results compared to non-invasive treatments
Lower blepharoplasty is an excellent option for those seeking a more dramatic transformation in the eye area.
2. Chemical Peels and Microneedling
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an effective non-surgical treatment for under eye wrinkles, improving the appearance of fine lines and promoting smoother skin.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
A chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, stimulating collagen production and revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin underneath.
Procedure Details
- The area is cleansed and prepped.
- A mild peel (suitable for delicate skin) is applied to the under-eye area.
- After a set time, the peel is neutralised and removed.
- The skin is moisturised and protected with sunscreen.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves the use of fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process and boost collagen production.
Procedure Details
- The under-eye area is numbed with a topical anaesthetic.
- A specialised microneedling device is used to gently treat the skin.
- Post-procedure, a soothing serum is applied to promote healing.
Benefits of Chemical Peels and Microneedling
- Stimulates collagen production to reduce wrinkles
- Improves skin texture and tightness
- Minimal downtime compared to surgical procedures
3. Injectable Treatments: Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers
Injectable treatments are a popular choice for targeting under eye wrinkles without surgery. These treatments can soften fine lines, reduce hollowness, and improve overall skin health.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Neuromodulators)
Neuromodulators work by relaxing the muscles around the eyes, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work?
- A small amount of the neuromodulator is injected into the targeted muscles around the eyes.
- The muscles relax, preventing them from creating wrinkles when you smile or squint.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, often containing hyaluronic acid, are used to restore volume and smooth out the under-eye area.
How Do Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Work?
- Fillers are injected into specific areas, such as tear troughs, to reduce hollowness and dark circles.
- Tear trough fillers add volume, helping to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Benefits of Injectables
- Quick procedures with immediate results
- Treats both dynamic and static wrinkles
- Can address multiple concerns like hollowness and dark circles
Combining Surgery with Minimally-Invasive Treatments for Exceptional Results
For the best outcomes, a comprehensive approach often works wonders. Combining surgical, collagen stimulating, and injectable treatments can address all aspects of under eye ageing, from fine lines to deep wrinkles and volume loss. For instance:
- Lower blepharoplasty can remove excess skin while injectables fill hollowness.
- Chemical peels and microneedling enhance skin texture and collagen production, complementing surgical and injectable solutions.
This tailored approach ensures that every concern in the eye area is treated for a refreshed and youthful look.
Maintaining Eye Rejuvenation Results with Skincare
To maintain the results of your treatments, it’s essential to adopt a skincare routine that supports skin health. Look for eye products containing:
- Retinol: Retinoids boost collagen production and smooths fine lines.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Such as hyaluronic acid to keep the skin plump and moisturised.
- Eye Creams: Topical creams specifically formulated for the delicate skin under the eyes.
Regular use of these anti-ageing treatments, along with sunscreen to prevent further damage, helps prolong the benefits of your surgical and non-surgical procedures.
In summary, whether you opt for surgical procedures like lower blepharoplasty, non-invasive options such as chemical peels and microneedling, or injectable treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, you can achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin under your eyes. By combining treatments and maintaining your results with skincare, you’ll enjoy long-lasting eye rejuvenation and a refreshed appearance.
