Three Reasons Your Eyes Look Older

Aging eyes often have a notable feature, heavy upper eyelids. The other complaint that we hear about as much as that one is puffiness in the lower eyelids. Each of these physical signs of aging around the eyes can be very frustrated. Heavy eyes look tired no matter how long you sleep or how many cucumber peels you apply. To address the aging eyes once and for all, many people choose to have blepharoplasty, a conservative procedure we’re happy to offer at our Bloomington office. Here, we discuss some of the reasons the eyelids start to look different as we get older. 

Loss of Elasticity in the Skin

The skin relies on a small group of chemicals to heal itself, repair daily damage, and stay firm and plump. These chemicals, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid get used up during our 20s onward. This is because the cells that make them don’t make as much as they used to. Without the strong foundation of chemicals, the skin gets lax. It gives in to the force of gravity, and tissue on the eyelids starts to sag and hang. 

Muscle Weakness around the Eyes

We use the muscles around our eyes from the time we’re born. These muscles become stronger and stronger over time, pulling on the skin and causing dynamic wrinkles like frown lines and crow’s feet. However, sometime around age 40, they begin to weaken. With muscle tissue receding over time, the fatty tissue in the upper and lower eyelids can look puffy. Sometimes, even the fat pads degrade, creating a hollow appearance.    

Lines and Wrinkles

The repeated movement of the muscles around the eyes causes lines that, over time, get etched in place. Due to the thinness of the skin on the eyelids themselves, both upper and lower, tiny lines may appear here, as well. 

Blepharoplasty for Younger Looking Eyes

While many people turn to nonsurgical treatments like injectables to address aging eyes, there is nothing that can achieve what blepharoplasty can. The eyelid lift has become one of the leading plastic surgery procedures in recent years. This surgery outperforms other modalities in reinstating the smoother, firmer looking skin that indicates youthfulness. 

Dr. Tattini develops eyelid rejuvenation around each individual based on their needs and preferences. To learn more, contact us at (309) 664-1007 and schedule an appointment.