Look youthful and bright-eyed with these treatments that help lift, smooth and firm skin, and reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
Look youthful and bright-eyed with these treatments that help lift, smooth and firm skin, and reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
The eye area is more prone to signs of ageing than the rest of the face as the skin in the area is thinner and is perpetually in motion from blinking or making facial expressions. So how can we tackle aesthetic concerns in the area? Dr Benjamin Yim, founder of Dr Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre, recommends treatments for some common problems.
Problem: Fine lines
Resulting from the natural loss of collagen and elastin as we age, fine lines can be aggravated by squinting or smiling, smoking and sun exposure.
Treatment: Botulinum toxin, Thermage and Ulthera
Commonly known as Botox®, botulinum toxin can be injected into the outer eye area to relax muscles, which in turn minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Thermage and Ulthera can be used as complementary treatments for better results, especially on wrinkles that are not caused by facial expressions, says Dr Yim. Both are non-invasive procedures; Thermage utilises radio-frequency energy to smooth and tighten skin, while Ulthera uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen production.
Problem: Tired-looking eyes
“Patients are often motivated to treat this because of comments from friends,” says Dr Yim. “Often, it’s because the under-eye has become sunken, creating a shadow.”
Treatment: Fillers
Dr Yim suggests using hyaluronic acid fillers to fill out the sunken area. Results, he says, are immediate, improving over two or three days and lasting up to a year.
Problem: Eye bags
These are fat pads that bulge below the eyes, and are caused by weakened collagen fibres and muscles. The skin sags, and fat migrates from around the eyes to under them.
Treatment: Fillers
“If the eye bags are mild to moderate, filler injections in the under-eye area can smooth the transition from the eye bag fat to the cheek,” Dr Yim explains. “This results in a more youthful appearance.”
Problem: Sagging skin and wrinkles on the upper eyelids
Consequently, the eyelids appear droopy and the eyes take on a hooded look.
Treatment: Thermage
Results appear gradually over five months, and the treatment can be done every two years.
Problem: Droopy eyebrows
Downturned brows can make a person look sad and unhappy, and can worsen the look of hooded eyes.
Treatment: Botox, fillers or Ulthera
These can give the brows a natural-looking lift. Results from botox and fillers last up to six months, while those from Ulthera last about a year. To maintain the effects, botox, filler and Ulthera treatments can be done yearly.
