One of the most tell-tale signs of aging is the development of hollow eyes. The term “hollow eyes” refers to a sunken appearance under the eyes leading to a “hollow” look. If you already have deep-set eyes, hollowing can be even more dramatic, causing you to look older than you are, or chronically tired. Improving the look of sunken eyes is a common request at Southern Surgical Arts, especially now that they can be treated with minimally-invasive methods as well as surgical interventions.
Keep reading for five things you should know about hollow eyes and how they can be treated.
Hollow eyes can be caused by volume loss under the eyes and upper cheek areas, aging, genetics, or a combination of these factors. If your mother or father developed a sunken look to their eyes as they aged, chances are you will, too. Additionally, being dehydrated, stressed, or tired can exaggerate the sunken appearance.
Hollow eyes can increase the appearance of dark shadows, because fat loss may lead to blood vessels beneath the surface becoming more visible. Once hollowing has occurred, you may not be able to achieve the same results with concealer and foundation that you once did.
Hollow eyes can be treated with your own fat. A qualified cosmetic surgeon can “harvest” fat cells from elsewhere on your body where they are not wanted and purify and relocate those cells where you do. This all-natural treatment is long-lasting and leaves the skin under the eyes looking plumper and more youthful. Additionally, your surgeon can add platelet-rich plasma (Platelet Rich Plasma) to the fat for improved results. Platelet Rich Plasma is also natural, derived from your own plasma, with growth factors that improve fat transfer survival and provide a “glow” to the skin.
Another effective treatment for hollowing is to inject dermal fillers such as Juvederm beneath the eyes. These hyaluronic acid fillers are excellent for plumping out hollow places to leave the skin looking more youthful and attractive, and can help to minimize the appearance of dark circles as well.
Thin skin under the eyes can be unforgiving, revealing inexpert work clearly with texture issues and unevenness. It’s very important to choose a cosmetic or facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience working with this delicate area. Ask to see “before and after” pictures of previous patients so that you can get a feeling for his technique and artistic ability before you choose a surgeon.
Every patient’s needs are different, and so treatment methods will also differ from patient to patient. Your surgeon may recommend a minimally-invasive treatment method or you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Your surgeon may also recommend a combination of treatment modalities for the best, most beautiful results.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can energize tired-looking eyes, please call Southern Surgical Arts at 423-266-3331 for a free consultation.