A novel non-surgical approach to lower eyelid rejuvenation
Tired of those hollows, bags, and dark shadows under your eyes? If you are, the good news
is there are several very effective and simple office-based procedures available to address this problem
area with little to no downtime.
Your eyes are the first thing others see when they look at your face. An immediate impression
is formed about your age, energy, and fatigue level. Often you feel well rested and full of energy, but to
others you look tired. Many of patients come in telling me that people comment that they look tired when
in fact they are not. This can create a significant negative impression, both socially and professionally.
And when it comes to rejuvenation of the eyes this concern is the most common reason people seek help.
Understanding the Changes
As we age, we lose volume in certain parts of our face while we gain volume in other parts.
Generally speaking, the region around our eyes and cheeks begins to lose fat, while the jowls and neck
begins to gain fat. This progression has little to do with your body weight. The fat volume in the upper
cheek and around the eyes are genetically predisposed to volume loss.
When we lose the fat layer along the lower eyelid region and upper cheek, the eyes begin to
look hollow. The outline of the bony rim begins to show. This gives the impression that we're fatigued and
older. In our practice, this is an important and highly emphasized sign of aging that we treat on a regular
basis. Rejuvenation of the eyes is one of the most high impact methods of facial rejuvenation.
Traditional Eyelid Surgery and Associated Problems
Traditional approaches focus on blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery in which skin, muscle and
fat are removed in order to sculpt the eyes. The reality is many times the eyes would actually look older
and often just different as a result. This misses the whole goal of eyelid surgery, which is to make the
eyes look refreshed and revitalized.
On a weekly basis we see 2 or 3 patients who feel like their eyes have become hollowed and
gaunt looking as a result of fat removal lower eyelid surgery performed years ago. I have spent so much time
correcting these problems that I now treat eyes in a much more conservative and naturally rejuvenating way.
How is this done? By adding volume, not removing it.
Rejuvenation of the Eyes: the State-of-the-Art
Adding volume is the most effective way of rejuvenating the eyes. The real advantage is that
it is non-surgical and highly effective. My first choice for treating the hollows under the eyes is Restylane
or Juvaderm for mild changes in a younger patient (30-40s) This technique is used to fill the tear troughs
(cresent-shaped hollows in the corners of the eyes near the nose).
In patients with more advanced volume loss that extends into the upper cheek region, and beyond
the tear troughs, fat transfer is an excellent permanent solution. Fat transfer works by restoring the shape
and contour of the midface and cheeks. This gives the upper face a much younger appearance without making the
person look different. Another advantage of fat transfer is that the results are permanent. If the patient
wants to address the cheeks with an injectable, Radiesse or Sculptra are used in place of fat.
Of course, every case is unique and an individualized consultation is required to assess what
the best strategy is for you.
Dr. Karam voted
"2010 Best Cosmetic Surgeon"
Ranch and Coast Magazine
Readers Choice Award
Contact Dr. Karam