How does the aging process around the eyes work?

Anatomy and physiology of ageing in the eye region

The eye region consists of delicate layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, and bone structures. Each of these layers plays a unique role in maintaining the youthful contours of the face. However, the aging process takes place at each of these levels and leads to the visible signs of age. These changes occur in bone structure, fat distribution, skin quality and due to a discrepancy between the volume of the skin and the underlying structures.

1. Bone atrophy: Fundamental changes in bone structure

The bone structures around the eyes, such as the eye sockets, forehead and cheekbones, are the fundamental support for the face. If we get older, bone atrophy up, with the bones gradually losing volume.

• Enlargement of the eye sockets: The eye sockets are getting larger due to the decrease in bone mass, which causes the eyes to lie deeper in the skull. This reduces support for the surrounding tissues and leads to a hollow eye.

• Flattening of the cheekbones: The cheekbones lose volume, leading to a reduction in the natural support of the skin and fat compartments. This contributes to the development of puffiness and sagging skin under the eyes.

2. Loss and displacement of fat compartments

One of the main causes of aging around the eyes is the loss of volume in the subcutaneous tissue fat compartments. These fat compartments give the face youthful fullness and support the skin, but they undergo significant changes as we age:

• Loss of volume in the fat compartments: The fat compartments lose their original volume, leading to a sunken, tired look. This loss of volume occurs under the eyes, in the temples and in the cheeks, which significantly alters the structure of the face.

• Fat displacement: In addition to loss of volume, fat often travels downwards, especially under the eyes, due to the weakening of ligaments such as the tear trough ligament. This leads to the formation of puffiness and deep shadows under the eyes, as the fat that was previously evenly distributed sinks down and accumulates.

3. Skin structure: Decline in elasticity and collagen

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more vulnerable than the skin on other parts of the face. Due to the aging process, the skin not only loses its elasticity, but also the production of collagen and elastin decreases significantly. These proteins are essential for tight, resilient skin.

• Thinner skin: As we age, the skin becomes thinner, contributing to the visibility of underlying structures such as blood vessels. This often leads to dark circles and a pale complexion.

• Loss of elasticity: The decrease in elastin and collagen reduces skin resilience, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles such as crow's feet.

• Wrinkles and fine lines: Because the skin is constantly moving through blinks and facial expressions, wrinkles develop over time, especially crow's feet around the eyes.

4. Discrepancy between skin and underlying volume: The skin becomes too big

One of the most crucial aspects of the aging process around the eyes is the discrepancy between the skin and the underlying structures. While bone volume decreases and fat displaces or decreases in volume, skin often remains relative Oversized for the remaining volume. This process occurs due to the combination of fat tissue loss, bone atrophy and skin sagging.

• Too much skin: The skin, which used to be held tight by subcutaneous fat and bone structures, begins to look redundant because the underlying support has been reduced. These results in excess skin, which is expressed in puffiness, creases and wrinkles.

• Skin sagging: Because the volume of the face decreases but the skin continues to cover the same surface, skin sagging occurs. This causes the skin to appear to droop, giving it a tired and older appearance.

This process, where the skin becomes too large in relation to the underlying tissue, is one of the most common causes of puffiness and a tired look.

Dynamics of facial expressions

In addition to structural changes in bone, fat and skin, facial expressions also play a role in the aging process. The constant movement of orbicularis oculi-muscle around the eyes (for example by blinking and laughing) provides dynamic wrinkles. Over time, these wrinkles can become permanent, contributing to an aged appearance.

How does this affect the overall appearance?

The combination of bone atrophy, loss of volume, sagging skin and the discrepancy between skin and underlying tissue makes the eye region look hollow and tired. The skin seems to “sink” because the underlying structures offer less support, leading to the formation of puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. This process causes a cumulative effect, making the eye region look significantly older and more tired than other parts of the face.

The importance of an anatomically-based approach to treatment

Understanding the profound anatomical and physiological processes behind the aging process is crucial in developing effective treatment options. Because the ageing of the eye region involves multiple layers, a holistic approach is needed. Treatments that aim to restore volume, firm the skin and address excess skin can combine to naturally rejuvenate the eye region.

Conclusion: The aging process around the eyes is a complex combination of bone atrophy, fat displacement, skin sagging and the discrepancy between the skin and the underlying volume. By understanding these anatomical changes, treatments can be better tailored to the specific needs of the patient, with the aim of restoring a youthful and fresh appearance without losing the natural character of the face.