Sagging eyelids occur as the muscle supporting them weakens, and the eyelid begins to stretch. As a consequence, small, fatty pouches may accumulate below and above the eyes, resulting in droopy upper eyelids and bags beneath the lower lid. Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery used to improve the appearance of sagging eyelids. However, many people prefer to practice facial exercises to lift eyelids and regain a more youthful appearance.
Upper Lid Stretch
In her book "Flex Effect: Facial Resistance Training," facial exercise trainer Deborah Crowley recommends the upper lid stretch to strengthen the palpebral muscle. That's the muscle used to close the upper eyelid. Place the middle three fingers of each hand on your upper lids, just beneath the brows. Push the eyelids upward until you feel your brow bone beneath your fingers. Hold this position and contract the muscle by shutting your eyes and stretching the upper lids downward, as far as comfortably possible. Hold the position, not letting go of the lids, for a count of six. Repeat 10 times.
Upper Lid Pull
Close your eyes and place your middle fingers in the center of each closed eyelid. Hold the lids still and contract the muscle by trying to open your eyes. Hold while counting to six, and perform 10 repetitions.
Eye Squeeze
The orbicularis oculi muscle surrounds the entire eye area. By exercising this muscle, you can help improve the appearance of the upper and lower lids. Close your eyes tightly while counting to to three. Quickly open the eyes and wide as possible for another count of three, while at the same time looking quickly from side to side. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Eye Enhancer
Place your middle fingers side-by-side at the top of your nose, between the brows. Cover the corners of your outer eyes, where "crow's feet" wrinkles commonly form, with your index fingers. While looking upward, lift the lower lids in a squint. You should feel the muscles beneath your index fingers flutter or twitch. Hold the position for three seconds. Repeat 10 times, focusing on the pulsating muscle.
Top Lid Elevator
In his book "Five Minute Face Lift," Reinhold Benz advocates opening the eyes as wide as possible so the white of the eye is clearly visible around the iris. Hold the pose with as much force as you can muster for about 30 seconds to prevent drooping upper eyelids.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Blepharoplasty
- Webshots: Face Exercises
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 1998
- "Five Minute Face Lift"; Reinhold Benz; 1994
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