Droopy Eyelids

What are droopy eyelids?

Having droopy eyelids refers to excess sagging in the upper eyelids. There are two types of droopy eyelids: ptosis and dermatochalasis.

Ptosis

If the edge of your upper eyelid falls too low, you have ptosis. This type of droopy lid may affect vision, as the lids often act like shades over your vision when low. Often our body compensates by lifting the brows to see better, but this can often cause chronic headaches and fatigue. 

Dermatochalasis

If you have excess saggy skin in the upper eyelid, you have dermatochalasis. This can give a hooded and tired appearance to the eyes. Often, patients may have difficulty putting on makeup such as eyeshadow or mascara due to eyelid folds or the skin resting on the eyelashes. 

However, droopy eyelids are often a combination of both ptosis and dermatochalasis. 

What causes droopy eyelids?

Droopy eyelids may develop from many causes. However, aging is the most common. As you get older, your skin loses its strength and elasticity. Because the eyelids are so thin and delicate, the aging effects may be more prominent.

Additionally, the muscles that hold up the eyelid may weaken or slip from their natural attachment, allowing the eyelid to droop and affect vision. 

Rarely, some people are born with droopy eyelids, or they may result after an injury.

When should I seek help for droopy eyelids?

If you have droopy eyelids that affect your vision or appearance, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta. 

The highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon takes a holistic approach to care and conducts thorough evaluations to fully understand your concerns and goals so she can design the most effective treatment plan.

When it comes to droopy eyelids, she wants to give you a naturally refreshed look without changing your appearance. 

How are droopy eyelids treated?

Dr. Gupta offers surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for droopy eyelids.

Surgery for droopy eyelids

Dr. Gupta performs blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to treat droopy eyelids caused by excess eyelid skin. She also performs ptosis surgery to correct the eyelid position which may be lowered due to weakening or dehiscence of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. She customizes your surgical plan to address your specific concern, whether it's extra eyelid skin, eyelid ptosis, or both.

Nonsurgical treatments for droopy eyelids

Dr. Gupta may suggest non-surgical treatments such as Upneeq® for the treatment of ptosis when indicated. For patients with dermatochalasis who do not wish to have surgery, Botox around the eyelids may help soften fine lines/wrinkles and improve appearance.

To schedule a consultation with the highly skilled oculoplastic surgeon to discuss treatment options for your droopy eyelids, call the office of Shivani Gupta, MD, MPH, or use the online booking tool.