The skin and tissue around the eyes are extremely delicate, making the contours around the eyelids among the first facial features to exhibit signs of aging and fatigue. Even when you’re feeling energetic and well-rested, characteristics like sagging eyelids, dark shadows, and hollow under-eyes can create the appearance of exhaustion. When patients visit Scottsdale plastic surgeon Geoffrey Leber, MD, FACS to smooth the region around their eyes, understanding what causes tired-looking eyes (and what can be done to achieve a more refreshed aesthetic) can help you regain a more authentic and youthful version of yourself.
What Causes the Eyes to Look Tired?
Several factors contribute to the appearance of tired-looking eyes, most of which are related to the natural aging process. Over time, the delicate skin around the eyes loses collagen and elasticity, leading to drooping, wrinkles, and puffiness. The fat pads beneath the lower eyelids may also shift or bulge outward, causing under-eye bags. In some cases, volume loss in the mid-face can also create hollows or “tear troughs” that exacerbate shadows underneath the eyes, further contributing to the appearance of fatigue.
Lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, dehydration, sun exposure, and stress can also worsen these issues. Genetics play a role too, and some individuals are more predisposed to puffiness or pigmentation under the eyes — regardless of age or rest.
Common Signs of Aging Around the Eyes
Recognizing early signs of aging in the eye area can help determine which treatments are best applicable to your concerns. Common indicators include:
- Sagging or drooping upper eyelids that make the eyes appear heavy or hooded
- Puffy lower eyelids or prominent under-eye bags
- Fine lines and wrinkles, particularly “crow’s feet” in the outer corners of the eyes
- Dark circles caused by thinning skin, shadowing, or pigmentation
- Hollow areas beneath the eyes that create a tired or sunken appearance
Fortunately, several surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to address these concerns and effectively rejuvenate the eye area.
Blepharoplasty: Restoring Youthful Contours
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is the gold standard solution for individuals seeking a long-lasting improvement in the appearance of their eyes. This aesthetic surgery removes/repositions excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids, tightening and smoothing the area for a brighter look.
Upper blepharoplasty can correct droopy eyelids that may be interfering with vision or creating a heavy, fatigued look. In the lower eyelids, blepharoplasty targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin. The result is a smoother, more open, and more alert appearance that can take years off your face. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, blepharoplasty achieves natural-looking results that harmonize beautifully with the rest of your features.
Neurotoxins: Relaxing Wrinkles
For patients seeking a non-surgical approach, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and other neurotoxins remain popular options for rejuvenating the eye area. These injectable treatments temporarily relax the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines. By smoothing these creases, neurotoxins can help brighten and lift the eyes, creating a more rested and youthful expression.
When strategically placed around the brow area, neurotoxins can also create a subtle lift in the brow that further opens the eyes — an effect often referred to as a “non-surgical brow lift” or a “BOTOX brow lift.” Results typically last three to four months, and can be maintained with regular touch-ups.
Dermal Fillers: Replenishing Lost Volume
Volume loss beneath the eyes is also one of the leading causes of a tired appearance. As the fat pads in the mid-face diminish with age, the under-eye area can appear hollow or shadowed. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products like Restylane® or JUVÉDERM®, can be used to fill these hollows and restore a fuller, more defined look.
When injected into the tear troughs or mid-face, fillers can blend the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, softening shadows and brightening the under-eye region. The results are immediate, and with proper technique, the outcome can look natural and refreshed rather than overdone. Depending on the filler type, results can last from 9 to 18 months.
Dr. Leber offers aesthetic solutions to smooth the contours around the eyelids and help you look and feel more authentically like yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Leber today at our Scottsdale practice to learn more about our extensive facial rejuvenation options, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation. Our office provides a myriad of surgical and non-surgical treatments so you can find the perfect technique to achieve your goals.