Can the viral 'skin pinch' procedure really give you younger-looking eyes? We asked a surgeon.

If it feels like there's a new cosmetic surgery treatment that's trending every other day, that's because there is. From 'Barbie tox' to liquid nose jobs, jawline slimming and threads, social media has given rise to a whole load of cosmetic procedures like never before.

The latest treatment that's trending on TikTok? The 'skin pinch' procedure.

Popularised as a quick, minimally invasive way to target wrinkles and crepey skin under the eyes, it's touted as the go-to procedure to make you look fresher and more awake, without the downtime involved with a traditional eyelid lift (also known as a blepharoplasty).

So is it really as good as everyone says it is? And what's actually involved in the procedure?

Watch: Four mascara myths that'll change the way you put it on. Post continues below.

It's also crucial to keep in mind that we're talking about a real surgical procedure — and any decision to undergo cosmetic work should not be taken lightly. After all, your eyes are very important and not exactly something you want to mess with willy-nilly.

However, if the wrinkles and sagging under your eyes is something that bothers you and you're looking for some expert-backed information about the procedure (instead of blindly trusting everything you see on social media), we've got you covered. 

We asked specialist plastic surgeon Dr Steven Liew, founder of Shape Clinic, everything we need to know about the trending 'skin pinch' under-eye procedure — including how it compares to eyelid lift surgery and the real risks and complications involved.

Here's everything to know.

What is the 'skin pinch' procedure?

A good place to start, right? Dr Liew describes the 'skin pinch' procedure as "a simple form of lower eyelid surgery" where essentially, "we target the excessive skin in the lower eyelid." 

And while TikTok loves to slap a buzzy name on cosmetic procedures (See: 'traptox'), if you're wondering the technical term of the procedure, it's actually known as a "skin pinch lower blepharoplasty". 

"It is simple because it is a procedure that can generally be performed under local anaesthetic in the clinic setting," explained Dr Liew.

When it comes to what's involved in the procedure, Dr Liew explained that it's performed under local anaesthetic and only targets the excess skin (not the muscle or fat underneath).

"We pinch the excessive skin to ascertain how much skin can be safely removed," said Dr Liew. "I tend to combine the skin pinch procedure with tightening of the lower eyelid muscle in order to give a much better appearance to the lower eyelid as well as to improve the scarring."

Who is a good candidate?

Because there is a small amount of skin removed from under the eye, Dr Liew told us this procedure is best for people dealing with mild to moderate excess and lax skin, "without excessive fat in the form of eye bags."

Meaning? If you're someone with heavy eye bags and excess fat under the eyes, a traditional blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a better option for getting rid of puffiness.

With the 'skin pinch' procedure, Dr Liew explained, "his or her main concerns tend to be bunching of skin on the lower eyelids when they smile. The skin pinch blepharoplasty is best suited to people with this concern."

What kind of results can you expect?

When it comes to results, Dr Liew said patients can expect a smoother lower eyelid at rest. "Additionally, clients say they look better when they smile as there is less skin bunching."

The result? Brighter, fresher and more youthful-looking under eyes.

What kind of downtime is involved?

According to Dr Liew, the procedure is quick (usually about 30 minutes) and the downtime is minimal — between five to seven days. 

"This is not a painful procedure," he told us. "Most patients tend to only require low-dose painkillers for the first 48 hours. The recovery process is not a difficult one."

"We tend to advise patients to use a cold compress and sleep with two pillows for the first 48 hours and make sure they don't do any exercise for the first two weeks. We then implement scar therapy. Most patients tend to have a non-visible scar appearance from about six weeks on."

What are the risks?

While Dr Liew said the potential risks of this procedure are minimal, it's important to note that as with any medical procedure it's certainly not risk-free — doing your research and seeing an experienced professional is crucial.

"When dealing with a lower eyelid it is important to deal with someone who has experience so that just enough skin has been removed, but not too much."

"If we remove too much, then there is a risk of the lower eyelid being pulled down permanently creating complications that is unsightly with excessively watery eyes."

How much would it cost?

In terms of the cost, Dr Liew said it varies between $4,000 to $6,000. 

"The cost can vary depending on whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time," he added, which is quite common.

"We say ‘procedures’ as we tend to combine with some laser surgery to improve the quality of the skin or sometimes, we combine it with polynucleotide injection, once again to improve the texture and the quality of the skin."

"All in all, the lower blepharoplasty is a very popular procedure because it works, having minimal downtime. Patients tend to be very happy with both the results and the lowest social downtime."

Have you heard of this procedure before? What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Feature Image: Getty.