Over time, the skin of the eyelids, which is very thin and fragile, changes. We speak of crepey eyelids when the eyelid skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to the formation of folds and fine lines. These changes can give the impression of permanent fatigue.
The wrinkles of the eyelids often appear due to several factors such as aging, sun exposure, dehydration or genetics. These wrinkles are generally the first wrinkles to form on the face and can be worsened by repeated facial expressions, such as smiling.
Crepey eyelids and wrinkles of the lower eyelids are common aesthetic concerns that affect both men and women, especially with age. These imperfections around the eyes can give a tired, aged or even severe appearance to the face, even in people in good health. Several treatments in aesthetic-oriented medicine exist to smooth, firm and revitalize this delicate area of the face.
Rejuvenating the eye contour without surgery is therefore possible.
On this page : the causes of the appearance of crepey eyelids, the available solutions to reduce lower eyelid wrinkles and the different techniques of aesthetic-oriented medicine to rejuvenate and refresh the eye contour.
Two types of wrinkles can appear under the eyes.
• Dynamic wrinkles of the eye contour : caused by repeated movements of the facial muscles, such as smiling or frowning. These wrinkles are more visible when the face is in motion.
• Static wrinkles of the eye contour : result from the loss of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. They are visible even when the face is at rest.
Furthermore, it is essential to distinguish lower eyelid wrinkles from dark circles (darker or hollow areas under the eyes) and bags (swelling or fat deposits). These concerns can be present 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.
Although it is difficult to fight against the natural aging process, certain habits can prevent or delay the appearance of crepey eyelids and eyelid wrinkles. These measures are easy to follow and can be useful for protecting and nourishing the skin of your eyelids.
Crepey eyelids and wrinkles of the lower eyelids can alter the face, giving it an older or tired appearance. Fortunately, there are effective, non-invasive and personalized medical solutions to treat these signs of aging.
The treatment is personalized, and it is recommended to consult an experienced doctor who will guide you toward the treatment best suited to your specific needs.
The ablative laser stimulates the synthesis of a thicker dermis through heating and ablation processes. Depending on the chosen treatment modality, the after-effects and the results are different.
With the fractional modality, the result is an improvement and not a disappearance of fine lines. The protocol includes 4 sessions two months apart. Social downtime is short, about 3–5 days.
This is the only possible treatment for the upper eyelid.
With the continuous modality, the wrinkles disappear. A single session is sufficient. Social downtime is about 7–10 days. Afterwards, the skin remains pink for about 3 months.
Dr. Romano performs a TCA peel or a light phenol peel to reach the mid-dermis. Depending on the severity of the wrinkles and the laxity, the doctor will perform a medium peel.
A single session is sufficient. Sometimes a second one is required, particularly in the case of very thin skin that would not tolerate an overly aggressive treatment in a single session.
The principle is identical to that of the continuous ablative laser : removal of dermal layers to obtain a new, denser skin. The after-effects are identical.
Nevertheless, Dr. Romano prefers to perform the laser peel rather than the chemical peel because the laser treatment densifies the skin much more.
The loss of bone and fat volume in the orbital and temporal areas is treated with injections of hyaluronic acid. The goal is to create traction on the skin, which helps stretch the wrinkles.
The results are visible immediately after the session, with a noticeable tightening of the wrinkles and a reduction in the crepey appearance of the eyelids. This is a quick, almost painless treatment, without social downtime, and offering natural results.
It is not possible to inject hyaluronic acid directly into the eyelid skin. In the orbital area this product can only be placed deeply, in contact with the bone. Superficial injection is responsible for complications : permanent edema, surface irregularities, Tyndall effect.
The toxin is used to block the action of the orbicularis oculi muscle in its outer part (treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles), which improves eyelid wrinkles but not skin laxity.
It is important to note that lower eyelid wrinkles are not, in themselves, an indication for botulinum toxin ; however, their appearance can be indirectly reduced thanks to the treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles.
The effects of botulinum toxin are visible after a few days and last about 4 to 6 months.
In Geneva, several medical techniques make it possible to smooth and tighten the eyelids. Prices vary depending on the chosen method. Hyaluronic acid injections are offered at 700 CHF per syringe, while a botulinum toxin treatment costs 600 CHF. To effectively stimulate cell renewal, a fractional ablative laser treatment is offered. The cost is 400 CHF per session and the protocol includes four sessions. The continuous ablative laser session costs 1200 CHF, only one session is needed. Finally, the medium peel, also performed in a single session, is offered at the same price of 1200 CHF. The choice of technique and the necessary treatment(s) are defined during the medical consultation, depending on the type of skin laxity and the quality of the skin.
Natural methods such as applying cold compresses, using aloe vera gel or cooled tea bags can temporarily firm the skin of the eyelids. However, their effects are limited and vary from one patient to another.
To make up crepey eyelids, it is advisable to use a smoothing primer, avoid shimmery eyeshadows that accentuate folds, and opt for matte shades. A thin line of eyeliner can also help define the gaze without weighing down the eyelid.
Non-surgical treatments such as photorejuvenation laser (it is possible to use only the erbium laser for this indication), which uses plasma energy to tighten the eyelid skin, produce visible improvements. It is important to note that this treatment has no notable side effects, except for redness lasting a few days.
The non-fractional Erbium laser is a non-invasive technique that makes it possible to treat excess skin on the upper eyelids without resorting to surgery. This method offers visible, consistent and variable results, suitable for people with moderate skin laxity. The Erbium Glass laser does not provide results and is dangerous on the eyelids.
Laser treatments for eyelid wrinkles can cause a sensation of heat or tingling, but are generally well tolerated. A numbing cream is often applied before the procedure to improve patient comfort.
The first signs of eyelid aging generally appear from the age of 25, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. This phenomenon is due to the thinness of the skin in this area, making it more vulnerable to signs of aging. However, factors such as genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle can influence the appearance and progression of these signs.
