In your younger years, having heavy eyelids is an indication that you’re tired. However, once you pass middle age, your eyelids may feel heavy even after you’ve woken up from a full night of sleep. Not only do eyelid muscles gradually weaken, but fat and loose skin just above the eye can press down on the upper eyelids, causing a hooded effect. Some patients have ptosis (droopiness) in one or both eyelids from an early age (or even birth) due to nerve damage or weak muscles.
Droopy eyelids are a common cosmetic concern — and occasionally a vision concern if the eyelids hang so low that it limits the field of vision. At Enhance® Medical Center, renowned plastic surgeon Charles S. Lee, MD, helps patients to restore eyelids that open more fully for a rejuvenated appearance.
Surgical Solutions
Upper blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is arguably the most effective way to treat droopy eyelids. When performing upper eyelid lift, Dr. Lee carefully removes the excess skin and fat just above your eye so that your eye can open fully. He also tightens your eyelid’s weakening musculature so that it has more strength to stay open. (Please note that this is a separate surgery from lower blepharoplasty, which addresses the dark circles below your eyes.)
If your forehead has a lot of extra skin and tissue that weighs down on the eyelids, Dr. Lee may instead suggest brow lift (or perhaps a combination of these procedures) to allow your eyes to open more fully. While this surgery’s primary goals are to elevate the eyebrows and reduce the horizontal wrinkles and frown lines between the eyes, brow lift often has the added benefit of improving sagging eyelids.
Non-Surgical Solutions
Depending on the severity of your eyelid droopiness and your desired results, you may also be able to see significant improvement with non-surgical solutions. Botulinum toxins like Botox and Dysport are a great way to lift the eyebrows and surrounding skin, which allows the eyelids to open more fully. However, you must choose an expert injector like those found at Enhance® to perform this specific treatment since even a slightly misplaced injection can lead to additional droopiness in the eyelids.
Other non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy and thread lift can help to tighten and lift the skin at the bottom of the brow for improved eyelid openness. Both are gentle procedures, which is an important quality since the skin around the eyes is especially sensitive.
Make an Appointment at Enhance® Medical Center
If you want to appear less tired, angry and old, you may see significant change simply by addressing your hooded eyelids. Whether you decide to choose a surgical or non-surgical procedure, rejuvenation is possible at Enhance®. Please call (310) 271-5954 for a consultation.
