Getting Rid of Those Hollowed, Aged Eyes Why Total Eye Rejuvenation Starts with Vertical Restore®

One of the earliest and most frustrating signs of facial aging I frequently hear from my patients involves the appearance of their eyes. The vibrant, youthful sparkle gives way to a hollowed, tired look—even when they feel energized and lively inside.

This isn't merely about wrinkles or sagging skin. It’s actually a structural change, marked by the loss of volume in the midface and under-eye areas, combined with downward-shifting facial tissues. While fillers or traditional eyelid surgery can provide temporary improvements, they rarely restore the natural, youthful harmony my patients desire.

This is precisely why I developed my Vertical Restore® procedure—it has truly revolutionized total eye rejuvenation.

Understanding Aging Eyes

Facial aging never happens in isolation. For example:

Fat and structural support diminish in the upper cheeks and lower eyelids, while unwanted volume accumulates in the jowls and neck
These changes are genetically predetermined, largely independent of your body weight
The depletion of fat pads under the eyes and cheeks results in a hollowed, aged appearance, creating shadows that make even rested individuals look fatigued

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Why Traditional Eyelid Surgery Isn’t Enough

Classic blepharoplasty, which involves trimming excess skin, muscle, and fat, was once considered the gold standard.

However, I’ve found these procedures often overcorrect the area, leaving eyes appearing overly tight, flat, or unnatural. Instead of rejuvenating, traditional eyelid surgery can sometimes accentuate a tired or artificial look.

True rejuvenation requires restoring the natural volume and youthful structure—without compromising your identity.

The Vertical Restore® Advantage: Comprehensive Eye Rejuvenation

I specifically developed Vertical Restore® to treat the entire aging face—including the eyes—as a single, unified structure. Unlike traditional facelifts that pull horizontally and neglect the upper face, Vertical Restore lifts facial tissues vertically, addressing the outer brow, midface, jawline, and neck in one cohesive procedure.

For my patients, this comprehensive approach makes a significant difference:

Outer Brow Elevation

Vertical Restore gently elevates the outer brow, creating a more open, refreshed appearance while maintaining your natural expression.

Midface and Cheek Support

By repositioning the cheeks upward, the lower eyelids regain crucial support, eliminating the hollowed appearance without the need for cutting or removing lower lid tissue.

Integrated Fat Transfer

To enhance volume restoration, I frequently incorporate fat transfer into the Vertical Restore procedure. This adds youthful fullness back into the tear troughs, cheeks, and midface, achieving permanent, natural-looking results with seamless transitions between eyelids and cheeks.

Skin Resurfacing

Additionally, I employ advanced skin resurfacing techniques to smooth fine lines and enhance skin quality, providing my patients with a complete, transformative outcome.

Restore Rather Than Merely Filling

My philosophy is simple yet transformative: look as youthful and vibrant as you feel, naturally and comprehensively. The goal isn't to simply fill or pull the skin but to authentically restore facial structures to their youthful, harmonious positions, with subtlety and artistic precision.

If your eyes no longer reflect your inner vitality, joy, or actual age, it might be the perfect time to consider the next step. My team and I in San Diego are dedicated to helping you rediscover the face you fondly remember. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how Vertical Restore® can achieve your aesthetic goals.

Reviews

Francine M.

I had a vertical restore at age 65 with Dr Amir Karam. It has been a little over a year and I am delighted with the results. Some of my friends have not even noticed - I just look rested. Dr Karam will provide you with all the information and supplements that you need to make the procedure and the recovery time as comfortable as possible. I usually bruise very easily but with the supplements that were given to me prior to my procedure and afterwards, my bruises were gone within a week.

I highly recommend Dr. Karam and would go back to him for anything I might want done in the future. I totally trust his approach and recommendations. You won't be disappointed!

Kris R.

I'm one month out from a Vertical Restore with Dr Karam. Dr Karam is an incredibly talented Surgeon. I can barely see my scars already. I also did a laser peel, within 8 days I was wearing makeup and admiring my new jawline and neck. I'm 65 this month and so happy I chose him. He is the best there is. His staff are fun, caring and kind. They made my entire experience so easy. I would not hesitate or even think about going anywhere else. Check out his Instagram account. He does all his content himself. Extremely informative, with many before and after photos. I decided on Dr Karam after researching his Instagram and had made my decision before we had even met.

Janice S.

Dr Karam is a great surgeon, a true artist and a wonderful human being. He has done 2 procedures on me over the last 3 years. Both with excellent results. His fat transfer and his lip lift technique are extraordinary. I wouldn't think of going to anyone else and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for the best.