Posts Tagged ‘eyelid wrinkles’

What Can I Do To Help Reduce My Eyelid Wrinkles?

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Q: I’m interested in learing more about dermabrasion or micropeeling. Can this be done on the eyelids? (above and below) Will this help reduce the beginnings of a fold in the top eye crease? I live two hours away. If you can answer these two questions about this procedure would help me determine if I should come in for a consultation.

A: By the way your question is phrased, it appears that you seek a non-surgical solution to the appearance of wrinkles on the eyelids. There are a variety of skin resurfacing methods that are commonly used on all other areas of the face so it is reasonable to ask about their use on the eyelids.

The eyelids represent skin that is very unique from that of the rest of the face. It is different primarily because it is so thin. Being thin makes it very sensitive with higher risks of scarring if the skin resurfacing method is not carefully selected and performed.

Microdermabrasion (superficial) and dermabrasion (deep) are not effective (microdermabrasion) or safe (dermabrasion) skin resiurfacing methods for use on the eyelids. Traditional laser resurfacing is not either for the same reason that dermabrasion should not be used, it penetrates too deep.

The use of laser micropeeling and chemical peels, however, are both effective and safe methods for the eyelids. Laser micropeeling at the depth of 20 microns or less, TCA (trichloroacetic acid) chemical peels of 15%, 25% and 35% as well as the newer Vi chemical peel are all potential choices. Which one of these is best for your eyelids will require an actual consultation to determine.

Another very effective option is the combination of ‘mini-blepharoplasties’ with chemical peeling. The actual removal of a small amount of excess skin and then tightening the rest can be a very effective eyelid wrinkle-reducer.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana

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Getting Rid of Lower Eyelid Wrinkles

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Q: I am in the very early stages of looking into treatment for the area under my eyes.  I believe the problem could be easily fixed by the right Dr. and this is my first attempt to find out what is involved and how much it would cost.  The skin directly under each eye is all wrinkled and takes completely away from my appearance and has caused me to be completely self conscious for many years now and if I can do something about it, I would like to.

A:  Aging around the eyes is often one of the first signs that many people notice as they get older. Changes in the lower eyelid are usually more obvious than that of the upper eyelids since they are not hidden or distracted by the eyebrow and are larger by surface area. Since so much of human conversation involves direct eye contact, how our eyes look is seen by all. It is no wonder then that many people seek plastic surgery for an improved and more youthful eye appearance.

While there are many topical creams out there, and they do have some anti-aging merits, they are no replacement for more invasive eyelid skin treatment methods. Depending upon the amount of loose skin that exists on the lower eyelid, some version of a lower blepharoplasty or eyelid tuck can be very helpful. Through a fine line incision along the lower eyelash line which extends slightly out from the corner of the eye, loose skin is removed and the lower eyelid is tightened.

Lower blepharoplasty will definitely help remove some but not all of the eyelid wrinkles. You never want to risk removing too much skin from the lower eyelid in an effort to work out every sinle wrinkle and then end up with a pulling down of the eyelid after. (ectropion) Lower blepharoplasty is an excellent wrinkle reducer but should not be thought of as a complete wrinkle remover.  

Dr. Barry Eppley

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