Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul.” And because the actual human eye shows no physical signs of growth or aging, Emerson may have been referring to the eyes’ ever-telling companion – wrinkles.

Unfortunately, over time, the development of wrinkles can be sped up even more by environmental factors, genetics, and the effects of the sun. In fact, wrinkles and bags around the eyes are usually the first feature to indicate aging. This is why this area of the face popularly receives some sort of rejuvenation treatment for a more aesthetic pleasing appearance.

Botox®, an injectable used to reduce wrinkles including crow’s feet, was the top minimally invasive procedure in 2011, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Lower eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) to remove bags beneath the eyes were also popular, and joined rhinoplasty and brow lifts as one of the top three cosmetic surgical procedures performed that same year. Upper eyelid lifts, which removes sagging skin below the eyebrows, were also regarded as a top procedure.

Although it is certain that wrinkles don’t discriminate between the sexes, 91% of those who chose either surgical or nonsurgical treatment were women, and blepharoplasty moved up in the ranks as one of the procedures most often performed on patients between ages 35 and 60.

So, although the “antiquity of one’s soul” may or may not be a good thing, the research shows that the youthful eye is one to be desired for the majority of Americans. You can take years off your appearance by making just one small change to an area that is quick to show your age.

Skin resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion and lasers have also been successful at removing wrinkles around the eyes. To find out if you are a candidate for Botox, or another facial procedure, please call our board certified plastic surgeons at (972) 620-1700 or fill out our contact form.