Cosmetic tweakments have become one of the biggest beauty trends. From fat-dissolving injections to abdominal contouring, there are a whole host of treatments designed to refine lines, enhance features and reduce the signs of premature ageing.
As recently as 5 years ago, having ‘work done’ involved going under the knife but advancements in non-surgical procedures have meant there has been a seismic shift away from surgery.
Botox and fillers now account for nine out of 10 cosmetic procedures in the UK and are worth £2.75 billion in an industry estimated to total more than £3.6 billion (Harley Street Aesthetics, 2018).
With the ability to contour almost every part of our bodies, it seems ‘tweakments’ are no longer classed as taboo. They are openly discussed on television screens and celebrities on social media display the results.
Fox eyes
A trend gaining huge popularity in the aesthetics industry this year is a look described as ‘fox eyes’, otherwise known as ‘designer eyes’.
The almond-shaped and upturned eyes have become so popular that people on social media platforms such as TikTok are shaving off their eyebrows to achieve a more lifted look—dubbed the ‘fox eye challenge’.
While very few people are born with such a unique eye shape, or ‘designer eye’, it is now possible to rejuvenate the eyes and achieve this desired look without having invasive surgery.
Plasmage treatment
Known as the non-surgical blepharoplasty, Plasmage treatment works by creating a series of small dots on the skin that triggers for an immediate reaction—the tissue is tightened, lifted, contoured and renewed.
Plasmage uses gas to achieve this effect. An ionisation of gases from the air occurs, creating a small electric arch. These electric arches are used to treat a specific area, such as the eyelid, while the surrounding skin remains unaffected.
Not only limited to the upper eyelid, plasmage treatment can also be used for a number of skin problems, as well as for rejuvenating different areas of the face.
Dr Nick Milojevic, one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors and owner of the Milo Clinic in London, was the first practitioner in the UK to offer this treatment. His clinic is now carrying out between 10–15 procedures per day.
He says: ‘One of the main reasons we get eye bags is because over time we lose the volume in our cheeks, but this is not just a treatment for ageing concerns—many young people, both men and women, will be born with dark circles and deep bags and will still have them even if they’ are getting eight-plus hours of sleep per night. In this case, we can treat under 18-year-old clients, as long as we have consent.
‘The advantages of avoiding eye bag removal surgery are: no surgical scarring, no general anaesthesia, no overnight hospital stays and no time off work’ (Milo Clinic, 2020).
Hyaluronic acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, Restylane Silk and Juvederm also remain one of the most popular options when it comes to tweaking the eye.
The hollows at the upper cheek or under-eye area can be temporarily improved using these fillers, which give a soft, natural correction.
Effects typically last approximately 6 months after the first treatment but can last even longer after subsequent treatments (The Aesthetics Society, 2020).
The celebrity effect
A similar trend to the ‘fox eye’ that stirred huge public interest was the ‘Madonna Lift’. Many were left wondering how the celebrity managed to get such a wide-eyed look without undergoing traditional eyelid surgery. The non-surgical laser procedure she undertook is now offered at many clinics in the both the UK and US and remains a popular choice.
The Madonna Lift is a technique using a fractional CO2 laser to revamp the entire eye area, reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark rings and wrinkles and lift the eyebrow for a younger look.
The fractional CO2 laser beams remove tiny fractions of skin creating microscopic channels in the tissue so that new collagen can grow back in its place.
Dr Bruce Katz pioneered this procedure using the latest fractional laser resurfacing technology, which is claimed to be safe and effective with minimal downtime (Juva Skin, 2020).
While many people are seeking non-surgical treatments to achieve their desired look, leading cosmetic surgeons have reported a 30% rise in eye-bag removal operations
How young is too young?
The eyes are often the first place to be affected by signs of ageing. From loose and droopy eyelids to under eye hollows, dark circles and bags to heavy-looking brows, eyes can make us look tired or sad when in fact we are feeling quite the opposite.
Dr Craig Teller at Bellaire Dermatology in the US describes the natural wrinkling process as: ‘Imagine a folded piece of paper that you keep in your pocket. You take it out every day, multiple times a day, unfold it, fold it back and put it back in your pocket. Over time, the creases in the paper are permanent, deep and much harder to smooth out’ (Garcia, 2020).
Surgery: a quick fix?
While many people are seeking non-surgical treatments to achieve their desired look, leading cosmetic surgeons have reported a 30% rise in eye-bag removal operations—known as blepharoplasty—among people under 30 (Lowe, 2020).
Harley Street surgeons say more and more people are seeking a permanent solution for their ‘tired eyes’ and are undergoing the surgical procedure, which typically costs between £2000 and £6000.
Former British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) President, Rajiv Grover, commented: ‘In recent years, we have seen popular culture heavily influence the type of procedures that are most in-demand. Reality TV, and social media in particular, are powerful influences, but are a double-edged sword when it comes to aesthetic surgery. As patients strive for the ‘filter perfect’ look that is plastered all over our smartphones and TVs, many turn to surgery for a ‘quick fix’, which is a concerning theme that we have noticed.
‘BAAPS members have seen a rise in patients seeking inappropriate procedures and we have been advising more patients against surgery than ever before and to consider other, less invasive options if necessary’ (BAAPS, 2020).
The NHS will only carry out the surgical procedure (blepharoplasty) if a patient's eyesight is affected by drooping eyelids, or is causing them demonstrable physical or mental discomfort.