Over time, the skin of the eyelids, which is very thin and fragile, changes. This is known as crumpled eyelids when the skin of the eyelids begins to lose its elasticity, leading to creases and fine lines. These changes can give the impression of a permanent fatigue.
The eyelid wrinklesThe appearance of wrinkles is often the result of a number of factors, including ageing, sun exposure, dehydration and genetics. These wrinkles are generally the first to form on the face and can be aggravated by repetitive facial expressions, such as smiling.
The crumpled eyelids and lower eyelid wrinkles are common aesthetic concerns that affect both men and women, particularly as we age. These imperfections around the eyes can make the face look tired, aged and even severe, even in people in good health. A number of aesthetic medicine treatments are available to smooth, firm and revitalise this delicate area of the face.
Eye contour rejuvenation without surgery is therefore possible.
On this page: the causes of the appearance of wrinkled eyelids, the solutions available to reduce lower eyelid wrinkles and the various aesthetic medicine techniques for rejuvenating and refreshing the eye area.
Two types of wrinkle can appear under the eyes.
- Dynamic wrinkles around the eyes: caused by repetitive movements of facial muscles, such as smiling or frowning. These wrinkles are more visible when the face is in motion.
- Static wrinkles around the eyes: result from the loss of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. They are visible even when the face is at rest.
It is also essential to distinguish between lower eyelid wrinkles and lower eyelid wrinkles. dark circles (darker areas under the eyes) and bags (swellings or lumps of fat). These imperfections can occur at the same time as wrinkles and require specific treatments.
Several factors are responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the upper and lower eyelids.
- Natural ageing: with age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin. This reduction in the skin's structural support leads to the formation of wrinkles.
- Loss of volume: at this level, fat melting and bone reabsorption cause a reduction in malar support, resulting in tissue subsidence.
- Exposure to the sun: UV rays are responsible for photo-ageing of the skin, particularly in sensitive areas such as around the eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen, leading to premature sagging of the skin.
- Heredity: some people are genetically predisposed to developing eyelid wrinkles at an earlier age.
- Fatigue and lack of sleep: lack of sleep can cause poor lymphatic drainage, contributing to the formation of puffiness and dark circles and accentuating skin folds.
- Repetitive facial expressions: repeated muscular movements around the eyes, such as blinking or smiling, can encourage the appearance of dynamic wrinkles which, over time, become permanent.
- Dehydration: the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and vulnerable to dehydration, which accentuates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Although it's difficult to fight the natural ageing process, certain habits can prevent or delay the appearance of wrinkled eyelids. These measures are easy to follow and can help to protect and nourish the skin on your eyelids:
- Use sunscreen daily: UV protection is essential to prevent photoageing and protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Moisturise the skin regularly: applying a moisturising eye contour cream morning and night helps to maintain good hydration and prevent the formation of fine lines due to dehydration.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants: antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables and certain fats (omega-3) help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Get enough sleep: lack of sleep encourages water retention under the eyes, contributing to the appearance of puffiness and skin folds.
- Avoid smoking: smoking accelerates skin ageing by destroying collagen and depriving the skin of oxygen.
- Carry out lymphatic massages in the morning and evening.
- Remove make-up remover residue by spraying with thermal spring water.
Wrinkled eyelids and lower lid wrinkles can alter the face, making it look older or tired. Fortunately, there are effective, non-invasive and personalised medical solutions to treat these signs of ageing.
Treatment is personalised and it is advisable to consult an experienced doctor who will be able to guide you towards the treatment best suited to your specific needs.
Le ablative laser stimulates the creation of a thicker dermis through heating and ablation procedures. Depending on the treatment method chosen, the after-effects and results will vary.
With the fractionated modality, the result is an improvement rather than the disappearance of fine lines. The protocol involves 4 sessions, two months apart. Social exclusion is short, lasting around 3-5 days.
This is the only possible treatment for the upper eyelid.
With the continuous mode, wrinkles disappear. A single session is sufficient. Social exclusion lasts about 7-10 days. Thereafter, the skin remains pink for about 3 months.
Dr Romano uses a TCA peel or a phenol ligth peel to reach the middle dermis. Depending on the extent of wrinkles and sagging, the doctor will perform a medium peel.
A single session is sufficient, although in some cases a second session may be necessary, particularly for very thin skin that would not tolerate too much treatment in a single session.
The principle is identical to that of the continuous ablative laser: removal of the dermal layers to obtain new, denser skin. The after-effects are also identical.
However, Dr Romano prefers to carry out the laser peel rather than a chemical peel because laser treatment densifies the skin much more.
Loss of bone and fat volume in the orbit and temporal region is treated with an injection ofhyaluronic acid. The aim is to exert traction on the skin, thereby stretching wrinkles.
The results are visible immediately after the session, with a noticeable smoothing of wrinkles and a reduction in the crumpled appearance of the eyelids. It's a fast, virtually painless treatment, with no need to avoid social life, and natural-looking results.
It is not possible to inject hyaluronic acid directly into the skin. In the orbit, this product can only be injected deep into the bone. Superficial injections can lead to complications such as permanent oedema, surface irregularities and the Tyndall effect.
Le Botox is used to block the action of the orbicularis muscle of the eyelids in its outer part (treatment of crow's feet wrinkles), which improves eyelid wrinkles but not skin sagging.
The effects of Botox are visible after a few days and last around 4 to 6 months.
Some doctors also inject Botox into the central part of the lower eyelid, but Dr Romano is not in favour of this technique, as there is a high risk of it spreading and the result only lasts a few months.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
|
Hyaluronic acid
|
CHF 700 per syringe |
|
Botox
|
600 CHF |
|
Fractional ablative laser
|
CHF 400 per session. Four sessions are required
|
|
Continuous ablative laser |
CHF 1,200 per session. A single session is required
|
|
Medium peel |
CHF 1,200 per session. A single session is required
|
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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