One of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures is blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. The skin surrounding the eyes is considerably thinner than on other parts of the face and is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Fortunately, plastic surgery is not the only solution, and performing exercises to strengthen the eye muscles can considerably reduce the appearance of drooping eyelids and baggy under eyes.
Lower Eyelid Strengthener
Place your middle fingers in the cleft on the side of your nose by the inner corners of your eyes. Put your index fingers over the outer corners of your eye, covering the crow's feet lines commonly found there. Apply light pressure. Look upward towards your hairline and simultaneously make a squint with your lower lids. You will feel the eye muscles fluttering beneath your fingers. Hold for five seconds while concentrating on movements of the muscles, and release. Repeat ten times. According to Carole Maggio, developer of "Facercise", this exercise will help to strengthen sagging lower lids and reduce bags and puffiness under the eyes.
Lower Eyelid Firmer
As in the previous exercise, position your middle fingers at the inner corners of the eyes and your index fingers on the outer corners. Open your mouth and wrap both lips over the edges of your teeth, forming an oval shape. Look upwards. Squint your lower lids up and, at the same time, raise the corners of your mouth into a wide smile. Hold for a count of 10, relax and repeat four more times. This exercise will strengthen the orbicularis oculi muscle that circles the entire eye and fill out hollows under the eyes.
Upper Lid Lift
Place the four fingers of each hand just below your eyebrows. Push upwards until you can feel your brow bones beneath your fingers. In five small steps, move your upper eyelids down and close your eyes. Hold while counting to six, then release your lids in three movements. Relax, take a few deep breaths and repeat. This exercise should be repeated once a day, five times a week for optimal results.
Eye Squeeze
According to Deborah Crowley, who wrote the Flex Effect exercise program, by toning the orbicularis muscle, you can strengthen and lift both the upper and lower eye lids simultaneously. Squeeze your eyes shut to a count of three. Snap your eyes wide open and count to three more counts, then shift your gaze quickly from side-to-side. Repeat 10 times, five days a week.
References
- Seattle Face: Blepharoplasty
- Eva Fraser: Facial Fitness
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 1998
- "Carole Maggio Facercise"; Carole Maggio; 2002
