How to stop droopy eyelids?
Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.
Why do eyelids droop?
The cause of drooping eyelids is multifactorial. The main cause, however, is the natural ageing of the skin, which affects the levator muscle.
Over the years, the upper eyelid sags: this is known as palpebral ptosis, or simply ptosis. The skin around the eyes is very fragile, supple and extremely thin. As a result, this area of the face, and the eyelids in particular, is relatively exposed to the signs of ageing. The excess skin forms a fold over the eye and can impair sight, some patients experiencing a reduction in their field of vision.
The levator muscle, which is responsible for blinking, is the most mobile muscle in the body. The phenomenon can also occur in people with less developed eyelid muscles, where the tendon provides less support.
Usually both eyelids are affected. In some people, however, only one eyelid droops.
A drooping eyelid instantly makes the eyes look tired, and gives the whole face a sad, dull expression.
Other causes, such as heredity, trauma, surgery or neuromuscular damage, can also lead to sagging of the eyelid.
What is blepharoplasty in cosmetic surgery?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, also called palpebral surgery, used to correct various defects.
Several techniques can be proposed, depending on the disorder to be treated:
- Upper blepharoplasty treats the drooping upper eyelid by removing excess skin and fat.
- Lower blepharoplasty is used to treat sagging skin of the lower eyelid, swelling or pockets of fat.
- Addition blepharoplasty involves harvesting autologous fat and reinjecting it into the area where it is lacking. It is also used to remove excess skin, but only where that skin contributes to the sagging of the upper eyelid.
- Pinch blepharoplasty is an operation performed to smooth wrinkles and creased skin on the lower eyelids, without affecting the subcutaneous tissues, unlike conventional blepharoplasty.
How do I know which type of blepharoplasty is right for me?
The first consultation with Dr Hayot is very important, as it allows him to examine each patient and propose eyelid surgery adapted to each problem (drooping upper eyelid, hollow dark circle, coloured dark circle, wrinkled lower eyelid, and so on).
Dr Hayot’s expertise in eye surgery allows him to perform a particularly meticulous procedure, for a natural result in harmony with the rest of the face and without altering facial expression.
To correct a drooping eyelid, he may consider an augmentation or addition blepharoplasty if the problem calls for it, in order to rejuvenate the eyes.
Other techniques, such as microlipofilling to restore volume, pinch blepharoplasty to smooth the lower eyelid, or the removal of bags under the eyes, may be indicated in your particular case.
That is why the first appointment is crucial in defining a tailor-made solution.
This page is for information. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is judged on examination.