Are your upper eyelids drooping over your eyes, making you look tired, or affecting your peripheral vision? Droopy eyelids are a common concern, but the right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some people have excess skin on their eyelids, while others have weakened muscles that need repair.
Keep reading to learn about the two main causes of droopy eyelids and the specific treatments that can help.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
Droopy eyelids are mainly due to one of two conditions. The first is dermatochalasis, which happens when the skin around your eyes stretches and weakens with age.
This causes excess skin and sometimes fat to gather on your upper eyelids, creating a sagging appearance. The second condition is ptosis, which occurs when the levator muscle (the muscle that lifts your eyelid) becomes weakened or separates from your eyelid.
The distinction between these two conditions matters because each requires a different surgical approach. During your consultation, your eye doctor will examine your eyelids carefully to determine which condition you have. This accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment for your specific situation.
Upper Blepharoplasty for Excess Eyelid Skin
Upper blepharoplasty is the surgical solution for dermatochalasis. During this procedure, your eye surgeon makes an incision along the natural fold of your upper eyelid.
They then remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat before closing the incision. The result is a more alert, youthful appearance.
Beyond cosmetic benefits, upper blepharoplasty can significantly improve your vision. When excess skin sags over your eyes, it can block your peripheral vision, especially in the upper and outer parts of your field of vision.
Removing this excess tissue restores your full field of vision. Many patients spend time in a recovery room after the outpatient procedure, then heal at home over the following weeks. Most people see their bruising and swelling improve within 10 to 14 days.
Ptosis Repair for Weakened Eyelid Muscles
Ptosis repair takes a different approach, addressing the underlying muscle problem rather than excess skin. During ptosis surgery, your eye doctor tightens the levator muscle to lift your eyelid to its proper position.
Your eye surgeon can perform this procedure through an incision in the skin of your upper eyelid or, in some cases, from underneath your eyelid, without a visible skin incision. Ptosis repair is necessary when your eyelid droops because of muscle weakness or separation.
This condition can be present from birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life (acquired ptosis). Without treatment, severe ptosis can lead to vision problems, astigmatism, or lazy eye in children. Your eye doctor may recommend ptosis repair alone or, if you have both excess skin and muscle weakness, combine it with blepharoplasty.
Find the Right Treatment for Your Droopy Eyelids
The key to successful droopy eyelid treatment lies in accurate diagnosis. If you have excess skin sagging over your eyes, upper blepharoplasty removes that tissue and restores your appearance and vision. If your eyelid muscles have weakened or separated, ptosis repair tightens those muscles to lift your lids properly.
The good news is that both procedures are highly effective at treating droopy eyelids and can improve your appearance and vision. Schedule a consultation at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Long Island, NY, today to determine which treatment is right for you!
