Eye Concerns

• Injectables
• Conditions
• Eye Concerns

Medically Reviewed 8th May 2024, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

Which Conditions Affect the Eye Area

Ageing has several effects on the face and it is common that these concerns arise around the eye area. Thinning of the skin and breakdown of the underlying bone and muscles can both have a significant effect around the delicate eye area.

The speed that eye concerns take hold, as well as their severity, can be impacted by lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, genetics and facial weight changes. However, in some cases, eye area conditions such as Under-Eye Bags or Dark Circles can also occur naturally, and people may wish to address this regardless of age.

Here, we look at conditions that commonly arise around the eyes, as well as considering how Injectables can be used to address these concerns either as standalone treatments, or in combination to enhance the final results leaving a youthful and open eye area. 

Crow's Feet

Also known as Lateral Canthal Lines, Crow’s Feet are the lines and wrinkles that radiate towards the temples, from the outer corners of the eyes. Some people feel they look unappealing, and they can make the eyes look more closed.

Crow’s Feet are caused by natural ageing due to the collagen and elastin breaking down in the skin. These lines often form earlier than other lines and wrinkles, as the outer area of the eye is very mobile and this section of skin becomes contracted when we smile or squint, creating lines in the skin, which over time become permanent.

When Crow’s Feet form, it can lead to the skin around the eyes becoming loose, which may lead to the skin around the eyelids drooping. This can exacerbate an aged appearance in the eye area.

Dark Circles

Dark Circles become obvious under the eyes, usually due to how thin the skin is in this area. This means any underlying issues become more apparent through the skin than they do in other areas.

Dark Circles in the under-eye area can have a huge number of causes including fatigue, allergies, genetics, and eye strain. When considering treatment for Dark Circles, it is important to investigate what the cause may be to draw up the most suitable treatment plan with your consultant.

Having Dark Circles under the eyes, it can intensify the appearance of other eye concerns, as well as creating a very tired overall appearance. 

Droopy Eyelids

The skin of the upper eyelids can lose its tone and strength becoming droopy and sagging. As well as being an aesthetic concern, Droopy Eyelids can also lead to functional concerns, narrowing the field of vision and making it harder to see well. The eyelids sagging results in the eyes looking smaller.

The upper eyelids usually begin to droop due to either loss of collagen and elastin (a normal part of the ageing process) or because the skin has stretched and isn’t able to return to its normal position, which occurs commonly with weight loss.

Drooping Eyelids is one of the most common aesthetic eye concerns and many people are worried about having sagging upper eyelid skin because it makes concerns such as Sunken Eyes and Under-Eye Bags look more severe. 

Sunken Eyes

The eye area can look very sunken and hollowed both under the eye and in the upper area of the eye as well. This can result in the eyes looking much smaller and a permanently tired look.

Sunken Eyes can occur through the natural ageing process as the underlying fat and bone around the eyes begin to recede. Dramatic weight loss can also result in a hollowed appearance around the eyes as the skin stretches and isn’t able to return to its usual position.

Having Sunken Eyes can make other eye concerns, but in particular lines and wrinkles, appear more severe. The very tired appearance hollowed eyes result in can make the face look more aged. 

Under-Eye Bags

The fragility and flexibility of the skin in the eye area means that folds and bags can form in the skin, creating bags around the under-eye area. These bags can make the eyes look smaller and can also make the face look tired and aged.

Bags under your eyes form due to the tissue and muscles around the eye, which support the skin, weaken. This can occur due to ageing, genetics, or weight loss. This results in the skin losing tone and creating folds.

Depending on the severity and causes, Under-Eye Bags can be challenging to treat, and it is important to understand the cause to establish the correct treatment plan. Bags under the eyes can worsen the appearance of other concerns around the face, including Sagging Cheeks and Undefined Cheekbones.

Under-Eye Wrinkles

The delicate under-eye area is very prone to lines and wrinkles, and these can make the eye area look tired and aged.

Similar to Crow’s Feet, wrinkles under the eyes occur due to collagen and elastin naturally breaking down in the skin, combined with the area moving regularly and being very delicate. Many people will find that the under-eye area is one of the first places they notice signs of ageing.

The appearance of Under-Eye Wrinkles can draw attention to concerns such as Dark Circles or Sunken Eyes, exacerbating the appearance of any issues affecting the under-eye area. 

Injectables for Eye Concerns

As the eye area is so delicate, it is important to find a skilled medical professional who has extensive experience with treating the skin around the eyes. Injectable treatments can be used to effectively address a number of aesthetic concerns in the eye area relieving the loss in confidence that they may result in.

Anti-Ageing Injectables for Eye Concerns

Anti-Ageing Injections are injectable treatments which relax the underlying muscles resulting in smoother and more toned skin. The active ingredient in these treatments is a neurotoxin which alters the function and structure of the nervous system – in controlled amounts this can address many aesthetic concerns.

For people who are concerned about Crow’s Feet and Under-Eye Wrinkles, Anti-Ageing Injections can be used to smooth the skin, lessening the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Consistent use can also prevent existing lines from becoming worse and may prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming.

In some cases, Anti-Ageing Injections can also be used to treat Drooping Eyelids and Under-Eye Bags. This is dependent on the severity and the cause of the concern, and it is important to discuss this with your consultant to decide on the best treatment option for you.

Dermal Fillers for Eye Concerns

Dermal Fillers are a highly effective option for treating concerns around the eyes. Your consultant will use a specialist lightweight Filler which is suitable for use in the delicate area and doesn’t stretch or overwhelm the skin.

Dermal Fillers are a common treatment for many concerns in the eye area including:

• Sunken Eyes – For people who are worried about their eyes becoming more hollowed, Dermal Filler can be used in the Tear Trough area to fill out the area and restore the lost volume.
• Dark Circles – In cases where Dark Circles under the eyes are caused by the breaking down of the fat pads and bone around the eyes (making the blood vessels underneath the skin more apparent). Filler can be used to lift and support the skin, making the space between the skin and the blood vessels wider and lessening their appearance.
• Crow’s Feet and Under-Eye Wrinkles – Dermal Fillers can be used to smooth deeper lines and wrinkles around the eyes. This can be done either as a standalone treatment, or in combination with Anti-Ageing Injections depending on your exact concerns.

Eye concerns can cause a drop in confidence and make people look more tired and aged than they are. This can have a serious impact on the appearance of the entire face, not just the area around the eyes. Injectable treatments can quickly and effectively improve these issues and enhance the appearance of the eye area.

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW