Although Donald Trump doesn’t seem to believe in the efficacy of face masks, the majority of us are happily donning a mask to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. One unexpected side effect of this pandemic preventative measure is that it’s putting all the focus on the upper face and making many of us more aware of ageing around the eyes.

Cosmetic surgeons from around the world are noting an increased demand in surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at making us look more bright-eyed. However, eye rejuvenation treatments have always been popular – according to the figures released every year by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), blepharoplasty is consistently in the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.

We often notice the visible signs of facial ageing around the eyes before we become conscious of changes anywhere else on the face and body. Non-surgical and surgical treatment to rejuvenate the eye are, therefore, often the first procedure you might consider, and the results can be dramatic.

There are several reasons why our eyes and upper face are so susceptible to the ageing process:

• The skin around the eyes, particularly on the upper lid, is very thin and more prone to laxity, making it more likely to sag and wrinkle
• The delicate eye skin is easily damaged by sun exposure, breaking down collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis. This, combined with the physical act of squinting, can accelerate ageing around the eye
• Repeated facial expressions results in the formation of dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet and frown lines
• Sagging of the tissues below the eyes can cause the appearance of eyebags

What can be done to reverse ageing around the eyes?

A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is the gold standard for rejuvenating the eye area. An upper eyelid lift focuses on the area between the eyebrow and the lashes. Excess skin is removed and a more youthful shape to the eyes is restored. A lower lid blepharoplasty targets the area from the lower eyelashes and the cheek. Excess skin is removed, the muscles are tightened and underlying fat is reduced or repositioned to achieved a smoother appearance.

During your consultation with Mr Juling Ong, he will advise you on whether an upper or lower lid blepharoplasty, or a combination of the two, is appropriate.

Non-surgical treatments, particularly Anti-Wrinkle Injections, will often be combined with a blepharoplasty for optimal results. Dynamic wrinkles are treated by injecting botulinum toxin to temporarily freeze the action of the muscles we use when making facial expressions. Crow’s feet and frown lines become smoother and more reduced as a result.

To find out if you’re suitable for a blepharoplasty procedure, call us on 020 7927 6528 to arrange a consultation with Mr Juling Ong.