Given the intense pressures of modern life, it’s no surprise that appetite for protocols and treatments that target tired eyes is at an all-time high. A systemic change that improves work-life balance for women is paramount to easing the burden of fatigue and sleep loss, but in the meantime, there are modern ways to restore freshness and ensure you feel your best.
While fine lines and dark circles are a natural phenomenon that doesn’t need fixing, there are plenty of options available both in the clinic and over the counter to give your eyes the care they need.
Interests in blepharoplasty, also known as eye lift operations, have been steadily increasing in recent years. THE British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) notes that more than 6,000 operations took place in the UK in 2023; this is a 15% increase compared to 2022.
“Because the skin on the eyelids is around seven times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, the eyes are ground zero for ageing,” said Olivia Falcon, founder of The Editor’s Listpreviously wrote about Bazaar UKdetailing her own experience with blepharoplasty, what happens when you have it, and what you should know before taking the plunge.
This form of surgery essentially removes excess skin or fat to address various concerns such as hollowness, loose skin, or eye bags. It requires plenty of downtime, so ophthalmic plastic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Hawkes shares that your doctor should be a specialist ophthalmic plastic surgeon who is trained in both ophthalmology and ophthalmoplasty to ensure maximum care, safety and natural results.
Ahead, everything you need to know about quick recovery from facelifts and non-invasive alternatives:
Aftercare tips
How to speed recovery, according to the ophthalmic plastic surgeon Dr. Maryam Zamani
- Apply a cold compress: Use a clean, ice pack on the treated area for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first two days to reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
- Keep your head up: Sleep on your back with your head on two pillows for at least the first week after surgery to keep swelling and fluid build-up to a minimum.
- Avoid vigorous activity: Avoid heavy lifting, forward bending, or vigorous exercise for up to two weeks, as these can increase blood flow to the face and cause bleeding or swelling.
- Follow and use wound care instructions and prescribed ointments: Keep the incisions clean and apply any prescription antibiotic ointment as directed. Do not pick or rub the incision site. Use cold boiled water or sterile water from the pharmacy.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors and use a high-SPF sunscreen when the incisions heal to prevent discoloration. Avoid smoky and dusty environments. A protective face shield is recommended in the shower.
- Minimize exposure to high temperatures: Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot showers for up to three weeks. Heat can dilate blood vessels and increase swelling.
Non…
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol during recovery as it may delay healing.
- Use contact lenses until they are cleared by your surgeon.
- Apply make-up near the incision site until healing is complete.
The next best thing…
Six refreshing, knife-free alternatives to surgery:
For tightening: The Eudelo Quadri Eye Lift
This treatment includes SoundLift ultrasound to tighten the muscles, plasma blepharoplasty pen technology to shrink the skin, and muscle relaxant injections to smooth the entire eye area. eudelo.com
For dark circles: The Well’s Global Eyecon Treatment
A customized protocol that begins with chemical peels that target pigmentation developed for the sensitive eye area and can include tear filler and even IV treatment for bright-eyed results. thewell-clinic.com
For rejuvenation: Polynucleotide eye treatment
To boost collagen and rejuvenate the skin, this collagen boosting treatment can be combined with injectable skin boosters – an approach followed by Dr Ashwin Soni of the Soni Clinic, who adds Restylane Vital Light for added benefits. thesoniclinic.com
For thin skin: Jalupro Young Eyes
A new injectable that combines hyaluronic acid, amino acids and peptides to regulate the cell cycle and encourage collagen production. mallucci-london.com
For charging: Restylane Eyelight
Restylane Eyelight is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that fights under-eye hollows and reduces shadows. drmaryamzamani.com
For tired eyes: The Glow Clinic’s Eye Glow Renewal
Combining injectable Sunekos, which enhances skin elasticity, with microneedling, this treatment lightens dark circles while smoothing fine lines and lifting sagging skin. theglowclinic.ie
The de-puffing protocol
The personal worshiper Su-Man Hsu on how to treat puffiness and promote lymphatic drainage around the eyes using a gua sha tool:
- Place a warm towel over your eyes. The heat helps open pores, promotes blood circulation, relaxes the skin and relieves dryness and fatigue.
- Apply the facial oil evenly around the eyes. Next, take your gua sha tool and use a “press-hold” technique on the acupuncture points in the area. Repeat this at each point three to five times. The pressure does not have to be very strong. a slight sensation is enough. If you are not familiar with acupoints, just use a light scraping motion, moving from the inner corner outwards.
- Scratch each area only five to 12 times to avoid excessive skin irritation and inflammation.
Laser focus
The best targeted, non-invasive treatments for dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness, according to esthetician and laser specialist Debbie Thomas at Clinic D Thomas.
1. Fotona Smooth Eye
A gentle laser that stimulates collagen and elastin production to ease the appearance of fine lines and lift heavy brows.
2.Radiofrequency Microneedling
This dual approach uses heat for skin tightening benefits, while microneedling activates the body’s natural healing response to smooth uneven texture.
3. DNA Nano Bio Revive
The nanoneedles deliver a cocktail of 59 skin-boosting ingredients, including concentrated hyaluronic acid, vitamins and enzymes for deep hydration and regeneration.
The eye treatment:
Next generation serums, gels and creams to compete and extend the procedure in your clinic.
