Drooping eyelids

2025-04-172 min read

Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.

Drooping eyelids

Drooping eyelids

The anatomy of the eyelid region is characterised by very thin skin and a fibro-elastic framework. This area is particularly sensitive to skin ageing, as it plays a key part in facial expression. Eyelid surgery can provide lasting solutions to drooping eyelids.

What are drooping eyelids?

The gradual loss of fat from the upper eyelid leads to excess skin: this is dermatochalasis.

This weighs the eyes down, making them look sad, constantly tired and aged. Crow’s feet and dark circles amplify the effect. Sagging eyebrow tails can also add to the impression of drooping eyelids.

As well as being unsightly, an advanced drooping eyelid can cause varying degrees of functional impairment, including a reduction in the upper visual field. Difficulty applying make-up is also a frequent reason for consultation.

Causes of drooping eyelids

Skin ageing is the factor most frequently encountered. Over time, the production of collagen and elastin diminishes, causing the skin to stretch and form a fold.

An initial consultation is essential before any treatment decision is taken. A discussion and a clinical examination are a key stage in the diagnosis and the treatment strategy.

Treatments for drooping eyelids

Two surgical solutions can correct drooping eyelids: classic blepharoplasty and addition blepharoplasty.

The details of these two techniques are explained to you during a dedicated consultation, and the choice is made according to your wishes and needs.

Classic blepharoplasty to treat drooping eyelids

Classic upper blepharoplasty is indicated when the sagging is caused by an accumulation of fat and skin.

The procedure removes the excess from the upper eyelid, correcting the sagging and opening up the eyes.

Correcting drooping eyelids with addition blepharoplasty

Loss of volume contributes greatly to the ageing of the eyes, particularly in the upper eyelid area.

This is where addition blepharoplasty comes into its own. The procedure combines resection of the excess skin with lipofilling to make up for the initial loss of volume.

Addition blepharoplasty can also complement a classic upper blepharoplasty when the eye appears hollow after a significant amount of tissue has been removed. Combining these two techniques offers a harmonious result, adapted to the specific features of each face.

The results of treatment for drooping eyelids

Treating drooping eyelids aims to rejuvenate the eyes and correct a constant impression of fatigue.

Targeted treatment of drooping eyelids can be combined with hyaluronic acid injections to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The face often needs to be treated as a whole, in order to achieve the harmony required by each individual’s features.

Eyelid surgery must combine expertise and precision to achieve optimal results. During the initial consultation, Dr Hayot takes the time to discuss with you the various options best suited to your case.

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Introduction
The anatomy of the eyelid region is characterised by very thin skin and a fibro-elastic framework. This area is particularly sensitive to skin ageing, as it plays a key part in facial expression. Eyelid surgery can provide lasting solutions to drooping eyelids.

What are drooping eyelids?

The gradual melting of fat from the upper eyelid leads to excess skin: this is dermatochalasis. These manifestations weigh down the eyes, making them appear sad, constantly tired and aged. The appearance of crow's feet wrinkles and dark circles amplifies this situation. Sagging eyebrow tails can also add to the impression of drooping eyelids. In addition to its unsightly appearance, an advanced drooping eyelid can cause varying degrees of functional impairment, including a reduction in the upper visual field. Difficulty applying make-up is also a frequent reason for consultation.

Causes of drooping eyelids

Skin ageing is the most frequently encountered factor. Over time, collagen and elastin production diminishes, causing the skin to stretch and form a fold. An initial consultation is essential before any treatment decision is taken. An interview and clinical examination are a key stage in the diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Treatments for drooping eyelids

Two surgical solutions can correct drooping eyelids: classic blepharoplasty and addition blepharoplasty. The details of these two techniques are explained to you during a dedicated consultation, and the choice is made according to your wishes and needs.

Classic blepharoplasty to treat drooping eyelids

Classic upper blepharoplasty is indicated when the sagging is caused by an accumulation of fat and skin. The procedure removes the excess from the upper eyelid, correcting the sagging and opening up the eyes.

Correcting drooping eyelids with addition blepharoplasty

Loss of volume is a major contributor to the aging of the eyes, particularly in the upper eyelid area. This is where addition blepharoplasty comes into its own. This procedure is based on resection of excess skin, followed by lipofilling to fill in the initial loss of volume. In addition, addition blepharoplasty can complement a classic upper blepharoplasty when the eye appears hollow following the resection of a significant amount of tissue. The combination of these two techniques offers the advantage of a harmonious result, adapted to the specific features of each face.

The results of treatment for drooping eyelids

Treatment of drooping eyelids aims to rejuvenate the eyes and correct a constant impression of fatigue. Targeted treatment of drooping eyelids can be combined with hyaluronic acid injections to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. In fact, the face often needs to be treated as a whole, in order to achieve the harmony required for each individual's features. Eyelid surgery must combine expertise and precision to achieve optimal results. During the initial consultation, Dr. Hayot takes the time to discuss with you the various indications that are best suited to you.