Over time, the skin of the eyelids – which is very thin and delicate – begins to change. We speak of “crepey eyelids” when the eyelid skin starts to lose its elasticity, resulting in folds and fine lines. These changes can create a constant tired appearance.
Eyelid wrinkles often appear due to several factors such as aging, sun exposure, dehydration, or genetics. These wrinkles are typically among the first to appear on the face and can be worsened by repeated facial expressions, such as smiling.
Crepey eyelids and lower eyelid wrinkles are common aesthetic concerns affecting both men and women, particularly with age. These imperfections around the eyes can give the face a tired, aged, or even severe appearance, even in healthy individuals. Several aesthetic medicine treatments exist to smooth, firm and revitalise this delicate area of the face.
Rejuvenating the eye contour without surgery is therefore possible. On this page : the causes of crepey eyelids, available solutions to reduce wrinkles of the lower eyelids, and the different aesthetic medicine techniques to refresh and rejuvenate the eye area.
Two types of wrinkles may appear under the eyes.
• Dynamic wrinkles around the eyes : caused by repeated facial muscle movements, such as smiling or frowning. These wrinkles are more visible when the face is in motion.
• Static wrinkles around the eyes : caused by 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, dark circles (darker areas under the eyes), and under-eye bags (swelling or fat accumulation). These imperfections may appear simultaneously and require specific treatments.
Several factors contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the upper and lower eyelids.
• Natural aging : with age, collagen and elastin production decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and skin elasticity. This reduction in structural support results in the formation of wrinkles.
• Volume loss : at this level, fat atrophy and bone resorption reduce malar support, which causes tissue sagging.
• Sun exposure : UV rays cause skin photoaging, especially in sensitive areas like the eye contour. Prolonged exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and leads to premature skin laxity.
• Genetics : some people are genetically predisposed to developing eyelid wrinkles earlier.
• Fatigue and lack of sleep : insufficient sleep may cause poor lymphatic drainage, contributing to puffiness, dark circles, and more pronounced skin folds.
• Repetitive facial expressions : repeated muscle movements around the eyes, such as blinking or smiling, can lead to dynamic wrinkles that become permanent over time.
• Dehydration : the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and vulnerable to dehydration, which enhances the appearance of fine lines and folds.
Although it is difficult to prevent natural aging entirely, some habits can help delay or reduce the appearance of crepey eyelids and eyelid wrinkles. These simple practices can protect and nourish the delicate eyelid skin :
• Apply sunscreen daily : protecting against UV rays is essential to prevent photoaging and protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Regularly moisturise the skin : applying an eye contour cream morning and night helps maintain hydration and prevent fine lines caused by dehydration.
• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants : antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (omega-3s) help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
• Get enough sleep : lack of sleep promotes fluid retention under the eyes, contributing to puffiness and skin creasing.
• Avoid smoking : smoking accelerates skin aging by destroying collagen and depriving the skin of oxygen.
• Perform lymphatic massages morning and evening.
• Remove all makeup residue using a thermal water spray.
Crepey eyelids and lower eyelid wrinkles can alter the appearance of the face, making it look older or tired. Fortunately, there are effective, non-invasive and personalised medical solutions to treat these signs of aging.
Treatment should be tailored to each patient, and it is recommended to consult an experienced physician who can guide you toward the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
Ablative laser stimulates the creation of a thicker dermis through heating and ablation processes. Depending on the treatment mode chosen, the results and recovery differ. With the fractional mode, the result is an improvement – not a complete disappearance – of fine lines. The protocol consists of four sessions spaced two months apart. Social downtime is short, around 3 to 5 days. This is the only possible treatment for the upper eyelid.
With the continuous mode, wrinkles disappear. A single session is sufficient. Social downtime is around 7 to 10 days. After that, the skin remains pinkish for about three 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 skin laxity, the doctor will perform a medium peels.
A single session is usually sufficient. In some cases, a second session may be necessary, particularly when dealing with very thin skin that cannot tolerate an intensive treatment in one go.
The principle is the same as with the continuous ablative laser : removal of dermal layers to regenerate denser new skin. The aftercare is also similar.
However, Dr. Romano prefers to perform laser peel rather than chemical peeling, as the laser treatment provides greater dermal densification.
Bone and fat loss in the orbital and temporal areas is treated using hyaluronic acid injections. The goal is to exert traction on the skin, which helps to stretch and smooth the wrinkles.
The results are visible immediately after the session, with a noticeable smoothing of wrinkles and a reduction in the crepey appearance of the eyelids. This is a quick, virtually painless treatment with no social downtime, offering natural-looking results.
It is not possible to inject hyaluronic acid directly into the skin. In the orbital area, the product must be placed deep, in contact with the bone. Superficial injection in this area can lead to complications such as persistent swelling, surface irregularities, or the Tyndall effect.
Botox is used to inhibit the action of the orbicularis oculi muscle at the outer corner of the eyelids (treatment of crow’s feet wrinkles), which improves eyelid wrinkles but does not address skin laxity. The effects of Botox become visible after a few days and last about 4 to 6 months. Some doctors also inject Botox into the central part of the lower eyelid, but Dr. Romano does not recommend this technique due to the high risk of diffusion and the fact that the results last only a few months.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Hyaluronic acid for
|
700 CHF 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
|
Des méthodes naturelles comme l’application de compresses froides, l’utilisation de gel d’aloe vera ou de sachets de thé refroidis peuvent temporairement raffermir la peau des paupières. Cependant, leurs effets sont limités et variables selon les patients.
Pour maquiller des paupières fripées, il est conseillé d’utiliser une base lissante, d’éviter les fards irisés qui accentuent les plis, et de privilégier des teintes mates. Un trait d’eyeliner fin peut également aider à définir le regard sans alourdir la paupière.
Des traitements non chirurgicaux comme le laser de photorajeunissement (il est possible d’utiliser uniquement le laser erbium pour cette indication ), qui utilise l’énergie plasma pour retendre la peau des paupières, produit des améliorations visibles. Il est important de noter que ce traitement ne présente pas d’effets secondaires notables, hormis une rougeur pendant quelques jours.
Le laser Erbium en modalité non fractionné est une technique non invasive qui permet de traiter l’excédent de peau sur les paupières supérieures sans recourir à la chirurgie. Cette méthode offre des résultats visibles, constants et variables, adaptés aux personnes présentant un relâchement cutané modéré. Le laser Erbium Glass ne donne pas de résultats et est dangereux au niveau des paupières.
Les traitements laser pour les rides des paupières peuvent provoquer une sensation de chaleur ou de picotement, mais sont généralement bien tolérés. Une crème anesthésiante est souvent appliquée avant la procédure pour minimiser l’inconfort.
Les premiers signes de vieillissement des paupières apparaissent généralement à partir de 25 ans, avec l’apparition de ridules et de rides autour des yeux. Ce phénomène est dû à la finesse de la peau dans cette zone, la rendant plus vulnérable aux signes de l’âge. Cependant, des facteurs tels que la génétique, l’exposition au soleil et le mode de vie peuvent influencer l’apparition et la progression de ces signes.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
