A vibrant look is a sign of joy and vitality. But over time, the skin loses its elasticity. Droopy eyelids not only make the face look sad. They also make women or men with droopy eyelids appear significantly older.
But don't worry! Nowadays, people worldwide benefit from numerous methods to treat eyelids – and without surgical intervention! But what options are available and which method is suitable for whom? This article provides answers!
Youthfully radiant eyes without droopy eyelids
Let's be honest: Most people only start to think about the biological aging process when they first notice visible changes in their skin.
When the crease between the eyebrows and the upper lash line disappears, doctors refer to it as droopy eyelids. These cover the movable upper eyelid and make the eyes appear tired and lifeless. At the same time, sagging upper lids can make the affected individuals look old.
But how do these annoying droopy eyelids develop? Many people develop droopy eyelids over the course of their lives. The skin, the largest organ of the human body, loses its elasticity. The reason: Elastin and collagen production decreases. Additionally, the body produces less and less hyaluronic acid.
As a result, specific facial areas become lax. In the case of droopy eyelids, the upper eyelid loses its firmness. The skin here is particularly thin and sensitive. UV radiation damages it and, among other things, slows down cell growth. The skin no longer regenerates adequately.
Furthermore, droopy eyelids can be genetically predisposed. Droopy and monolids are particularly pronounced in Asia.
What to do about droopy eyelids?
Is every glance in the mirror difficult? And does every photo leave something to be desired in terms of appearance? Those who suffer from droopy eyelids are frustrated that they can't communicate their positive, friendly, and motivated side through their appearance.
After all, pronounced droopy eyelids quickly make one look tired and give the affected individuals an unhealthy appearance. In extreme cases, sagging upper lids even obstruct vision.
There is also a risk that the skin in the folds, also known as intertrigo, may become irritated and red. Consequently, self-confidence suffers, leading affected individuals to socially isolate themselves.
Moreover, the daily makeup routine is particularly burdensome for women. While in earlier years, the process was rewarded with a vital, fresh glow, today mascara and eyeliner settle unattractively on the drooping upper eyelids.
Plastic and aesthetic surgery offers various options to tighten the upper eyelids and help interested parties achieve a new sense of life. However, a risky operation is not necessarily required.
Because medicine offers numerous options to treat drooping eyelids non-invasively. Patients can confidently avoid the dangers associated with surgical procedures.
A tip: Even optical flaws that seem harmless can be corrected without surgery. For example, dark circles can be removed by having a doctor perform an injection with a hyaluronic acid filler.
Like drooping eyelids, dark circles are caused by external influences affecting the sensitive skin around the eyes. Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle can also cause the skin to sag prematurely. It is important to identify the cause of the dark circles to treat them specifically.
What options are there to remove drooping eyelids?
Interested parties can opt for a surgical eyelid lift. However, since blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, risks cannot be completely ruled out.
After the surgery, swelling or redness may occur, for example. Wound healing disorders, wound infections, or scars are also possible. In rare cases, pigment disorders may occur after the surgery.
Eyelid lifting without surgery is less effective. However, it is gentler and can still achieve satisfactory results. For example, the upper eyelids can be lifted as part of Thermage.
Without surgery
Many women and men shy away from the scalpel and look for alternative methods that do not require surgery. Gentle alternatives such as laser treatment or Plasmage involve a short healing period and can help create a more alert look and optimize radiance.
Upper eyelid tightening with PlexR®
Tight eyelids thanks to plasma technology: As part of the PlexR® therapy, the doctor treats the excess skin on the upper eyelid. The patented PlexR® eyelid tightening originates from plasma technology.
In doing so, the treating physician uses the energy of a device to shorten the elastic skin fibers. The patient benefits from a visible lifting effect without surgery. Since the basal layer is not penetrated, the PlexR® therapy can also be used in the eye area.
In addition, the PlexR® treatment is intended to cause excess tissue to contract locally due to the energy impact. The surrounding tissue is not affected. Because the device does not touch the skin, it can regenerate more quickly due to the lack of heat exposure.
The skin is vaporized and permanently removed. For this, the doctor numbs the affected skin area with a numbing cream. The doctor then disinfects the area.
As part of plasma technology, the doctor uses a mixture of atoms, molecules, and electrons. These act like a micro scalpel but do not come into contact with the skin. The procedure is called "sublimation."
The PlexR® plasma can also support the skin in regeneration, which can shorten the healing process. The procedure is subject to strict controls and has a CE-0051 certification. Renowned universities like the University of Athens have already studied PlexR®.
The PlexR® treatment takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately 500 euros. After the treatment, the doctor covers the treated skin with makeup. Pain is minimal.
Depending on the procedure, patients should rest and cool the area for one to seven days. After about seven days, the scab will fall off. From this point on, the skin will redden. This condition lasts for about four weeks. One or more follow-up treatments can enhance the effect.
The laser treatment
With laser upper eyelid tightening, the doctor can achieve a visible and long-lasting effect. However, this only applies to droopy eyelids that are not too pronounced.
Since the skin is treated with a laser, the healing phase takes longer than with PlexR® upper eyelid tightening. The heat can stimulate the skin to regenerate and produce collagen and elastin. A visible effect usually occurs after the two-week healing phase.
No tissue is removed in this process. Instead, the doctor uses a laser device that burns the subcutaneous tissue. As a result, the upper layer of skin smooths out. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary.
For severely pronounced droopy eyelids, non-surgical laser treatment for upper eyelid tightening does not lead to a visible effect. However, in combination with a droopy eyelid surgery, the laser treatment can help achieve an optimal result.
The Thermage
Gentle results without pain: Thermage is particularly gentle. It is a heat treatment, and its effect occurs after about six months. The heat reaches the lower layers of the skin and promotes collagen production.
But can droopy eyelids be treated with Thermage? Admittedly, gentle methods come with less effect than surgical measures. However, since sagging upper eyelids are often caused by tissue relaxation in the forehead and eyebrow area, the upper eyelids can be visibly improved with the heat treatment.
With a ThermaTip, the doctor directs a controlled amount of RF energy to the patient's upper eyelids. At the same time, the physician cools the skin area. Through the even heat supply, the skin quickly contracts and can appear significantly smoother.
The Thermage treatment is generally suitable for all skin types and does not involve any injury to the skin region. For this reason, side effects and pain are rare.
However, it is important to note: Those who undergo the treatment at age 65 or older may achieve poorer results. The reason: The skin undergoes a natural aging process. From about age 65, cells no longer renew adequately. Additionally, doctors advise against undergoing the treatment under the age of 25.
Thermage can also be used to lift the eyebrows, combat bags under the eyes, or tighten the lower eyelids. Furthermore, Thermage can refine enlarged pores, improve scars and stretch marks, tighten the skin on the face and body, eliminate a double chin, or support a butt lift.
Thermage can cause skin redness. This should subside within the next few days. Visiting a sauna or solarium and sunbathing are not recommended during this time.
The advantage: Doctors usually achieve visible effects with just one treatment. These become apparent in the first 9 months after the treatment. Additionally, the upper eyelid tightening lasts up to 5 years.
After 9 months, a second Thermage can be performed if needed. The area should not be heat-treated again in the following four years.
Patients with skin cancer, pregnant women, or people with eczema, wounds, or fresh scars should avoid Thermage. The same applies to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Botox
Botulinum toxin type A, also known as “Botox,” is a protein. It is derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and was first labeled as “sausage poison” in 1820. That year, country doctor Justinus Kerner discovered a link between the consumption of rancid foods and deaths caused by paralysis.
In medicine, botulinum toxin type A is used to treat neurological disorders, excessive sweating, and wrinkles. Eyelid lifts can also be performed with Botox type A.
Scientists have also identified serotypes B, C, D, E, F, and G. The term “toxin” is no longer used. Instead, doctors refer to the approved medication as “botulinum.”
Botulinum can inhibit muscle contraction by blocking specific neurotransmitters. As a result, the muscles relax, and the skin appears smoother.
During a Botox eyelid lift, the doctor injects the substance into the orbicularis oculi muscle. The effect usually appears shortly after the treatment and lasts about 6 months.
Other options
Those who wish to avoid both surgical procedures and non-invasive eyelid lifts can use home remedies. The trick: effective home remedies can be health-promoting and not only help tighten the upper eyelids and make the eyes look more awake.
For instance, controlled water consumption leads to optimal hydration. Thus, the home remedy works holistically.
Cold water
Cold water can be invigorating. For this reason, you should either take contrast showers or wash your face daily with cold water. The side effect: washing with cold water awakens the senses and dispels fatigue.
Cucumbers
In many films, characters reach for fresh, juicy cucumber slices and a quark mask. The fact is: cucumbers are mostly water. Therefore, they are excellent as eye pads.
To achieve an effect, the cucumber slices should remain on the eyelids for about 30 minutes. The vegetable's acidity draws moisture from the skin, causing it to contract.
Facial exercises
No pain, no gain! If you train daily, don’t neglect one thing: your face. Because even facial muscles can benefit from a consistent stimulus.
To do this, close your eyes and raise and lower your eyebrows for one minute. The exercise can be done daily.
Vitamin B12
Sagging facial skin can be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegetarians and vegans, in particular, consume insufficient amounts of the vitamin. In consultation with your doctor, a healthy diet can be supplemented with dietary supplements to achieve beautiful skin.
FAQ – Eyelid lift without surgery
How can I tighten my eyelids myself?
An effective optimization of sagging upper eyelids is achieved through a medical eyelid lift.
How can you tighten the upper eyelid?
Upper eyelid tightening can be done, for example, with Thermage or a Botox treatment.
What does an eyelid lift without surgery cost?
Prices vary depending on the type and extent of treatment.
What to do about wrinkled upper eyelids?
Sagging upper eyelids are characterized by excess skin that can impair vision. To tighten the upper eyelids, either surgery or a non-invasive procedure can be performed.
The conclusion – tight upper eyelids without a scalpel
The good news first: Not every flaw requires surgery. If individuals suffer from sagging skin and, for example, have droopy eyelids, there is growing interest in medical eyelid lifts.
However, surgical intervention is only necessary if the droopy eyelids are very pronounced and the patient is hoping for a significant effect. Alternatively, non-invasive methods such as PlexR®, laser, or Thermage treatments can be considered. Droopy eyelids can also be treated with botulinum.
Additionally, home remedies like cucumber slices or vitamin supplements can help make facial skin appear younger and firmer. Facial exercises or cold water might also achieve a special glow.
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