We’ve all seen those small lines and creases around the eyes that make us look older, tired, or stressed. Medically known as periorbital wrinkles, those pesky wrinkles under the eyes can add years to our appearance if left untreated. But not all wrinkles around the eyes are created equal.
Crow’s feet, for example, refer to the fine lines that radiate outward from the outer corners of the eyes. Under-eye wrinkles specifically refer to the wrinkles below the eyes.
Under-eye wrinkles typically begin to form in our late 20s or early 30s. As we age and lose collagen, the skin under and around the eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This leads to small creases and lines under the eyes, even with minimal movement or expressions. The under-eye area lacks oil glands, making it prone to early wrinkling.
As we continue aging, sun exposure, genetics, lifestyle habits, and gravity all collude to etch deeper crevices under the eyes. People with fair skin or those who smoke tend to develop pronounced wrinkles under the eyes at an earlier age. While we can’t turn back the clock, today’s cosmetic treatments offer a variety of effective options to soften the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes.
Several factors lead to the development of wrinkles under the eyes, including:
A variety of minimally-invasive and non-surgical treatments can help smooth wrinkles under the eyes, including:
Derived from Vitamin A, retinol boosts collagen production and accelerates skin cell turnover. Consistent application reveals newer, plumper skin layers underneath. It also refines the skin texture to smooth fine lines.
Consistent use of a prescription-strength retinol cream can noticeably reduce wrinkles under the eyes after about three months. Mild redness or peeling may occur initially.
Hyaluronic acid has incredible water-retention abilities to plump the skin and lift wrinkles. When applied topically around the eyes, it hydrates thin under-eye skin, easing creases. For optimal results, apply a hyaluronic serum morning and night after cleansing.
Improvement is gradual over 2-4 weeks of consistent use. This gentle ingredient is suitable for all skin types.
Botox is an injection derivative of botulinum toxin. It relaxes the underlying eye muscles to smooth lines caused by repeating facial expressions. Botox blocks nerve signals, softening dynamic wrinkles under and around the eyes.
Treatment takes just 15 minutes, with no downtime needed afterward. While results vary by individual, the effects of Botox typically last 3-4 months.
Injectable fillers add lost volume under the eyes to prop up sunken skin and minimize shadows. Common options like Restylane and Juvederm take just 30 minutes to inject small amounts strategically around the under-eye area to lift wrinkles.
Some residual swelling may persist for 1-2 days. Results typically last about a year. Repeat injections help maintain the wrinkle-smoothing effects.
Laser skin resurfacing removes the outer damaged layers of skin to reveal newer cells while stimulating collagen. This refines wrinkles and crepey skin around the eyes. An erbium laser precisely targets the thin skin under the eyes.
While the full face can be treated, under-eye wrinkles benefit the most from this procedure. Roughly a week of recovery is needed until redness fades. For longer-lasting improvements, annual touch-up treatments are ideal.
Microneedling creates tiny channels deep under the skin to spur collagen growth. Results will continue improving over six months. Focused microneedling under the eyes smooths stubborn wrinkles, especially when combined with hyaluronic acid.
The procedure involves sweeping a pen device with tiny needles over the skin after numbing cream is applied. Thousands of microscopic punctures are created. Mild redness and tiny scabs subside within 2-3 days. Microneedling is safe for all skin tones and types.
While wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, we can slow their progression with some preventative habits, including:
While genetics dictate our eye area’s natural aging process, proactive wrinkle prevention in our 20s and 30s can help delay and minimize wrinkles under the eyes. But for treating existing wrinkles, cosmetic procedures offer the most dramatic improvements.
SpaMedica offers a variety of non-surgical treatments for Under-Eye Wrinkles. To find the best solution tailored to your needs and to learn about the potential risks and benefits of each option, we encourage you to book a consultation with us today!
Most patients require 8-10 units of Botox per eye to smooth moderate under-eye wrinkling. Severely wrinkled eyes may need up to 15 units per eye. However, there is no universal rule since each patient responds differently based on their facial anatomy and muscle strength. An experienced injector will evaluate your wrinkles and make an appropriate dosing recommendation during your consultation.
Genetics, sun damage, and muscle movements are the main culprits. If your parents battled under-eye wrinkles early on, chances are you inherited that trait. Fair skin is also more vulnerable to sun-induced collagen breakdown around the eyes. Plus, each time we smile, laugh, or squint, we reinforce wrinkle-causing folds under the eyes over decades. Addressing these key factors from an early age can help delay the appearance
For non-invasive rejuvenation, injectable fillers produce the most dramatic improvements in under-eye wrinkles. Strategically restoring lost volume re-plumps sunken eye skin, eases creases, and minimizes dark circles. Fillers reinforce thin skin to make it more resistant to wrinkling. Topical skincare like retinol and hyaluronic acid serums also help, but it takes months for more subtle improvements compared to immediately visible filler results of wrinkles under the eye.
A soft tissue dermal filler for facial contour augmentation, for lip enhancement, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Juvederm, one of the most popular dermal fillers available, used to soften lines, wrinkles & add volume lost through the aging process.
Microneedling uses a tiny micro-needle pen to make small punctures on the surface of the skin, which in turn helps your body generate fresh collagen and elastin fibres as it heals.
Works to relax the facial muscles that are responsible for facial movement, reducing and softening signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
