The skin around the eyes is a significant contributor to visible aging. Its thinness means that it’s usually the area that begins to show signs first, and it’s also a part of the body that’s prone to sagging due to the fact that the fat pads underneath are pulled down over time with gravity.

As such, cosmetic eye treatments are often the first thing that people choose when they consider antidotes to aging skin.

There are many different types of treatments, each with its respective strengths and weaknesses. Today, you’ll learn about three of the most effective techniques.

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Blepharoplasty

The blepharoplasty is one of the most common and effective eye treatments available.

The procedure is performed to remove the excess skin and fat that has drooped down below the orbital region with age. The remaining skin and fat pad is then very carefully repositioned, rejuvenating the area for a more youthful appearance. Care is taken not to damage the tear trough or reposition the eyelid (a poorly performed blepharoplasty can result in the eyelid sagging down).

You’ll usually recover from the operation in about two weeks, and the results are permanent. It works best for people with pronounced sagging, so your surgeon will evaluate you appropriately to ensure you’re suitable.

Under-Eye (Orbital) Implants

Orbital implants specifically help those who have experienced significant fat loss in the orbital area and the cheeks. By using a prosthetic implant, a surgeon can essentially replicate the structure of real bone, adding volume to the area that has been reduced or repositioned.

Implants are usually made from silicone, Medpor, or PEEK, and are designed to fit perfectly with the person’s skull by using the data obtained from a preliminary cone beam CT scan (CBCT).

The implants are 3D printed and given to the surgeon shortly before surgery. From here, the surgeon will make a small incision under the eyelid, place the implant, and secure it with tiny titanium screws. It usually takes a few weeks for the post-surgery swelling to go down.

Under-Eye Fat Grafting

And finally, there’s under-eye fat grafting. This is an additive procedure whereby droplets of your own fat are harvested, sterilized, and then placed under the eye to add volume to an area where age-related deficiency is present.

This is a great option for those who prefer a more natural approach and want to avoid dermal fillers, and it generally works best for people with deep hollows in the tear trough area. Recovery is minimal for this procedure, with only some minor swelling and bruising, but it’s important to note that sometimes, the fat can be absorbed back into the body, at which point the area will need to be repeated.

Wrapping Up

While there are other methods for surgically rejuvinating the eye area, these three remain the most reliable and the most popular. The above descriptions offer an introduction, but you’ll receive in-depth advice via a consultation with a qualified surgeon, so be sure to have your questions ready.