Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)

What causes Droopy, Sagging Eyelids?

As we age, the tissue around your eyes as well as some of the eyelid supporting muscles tend to become weak due to numerous factors including gravity, loss of elastic tissue in the skin, and weakening of the connective tissues of the eyelid frequently contribute to this lax and redundant eyelid tissue.

As skin loses elasticity it stretches. This results in droopy upper eyelids that sag slightly or, in some cases, cover the pupil, which is known as dermatochalasis. In other cases, the droopy upper eyelids could be the result of a weak muscle, specifically known as eyelid ptosis. Our board-certified Oculoplastic Surgeons are able to evaluate the cause of your eyelid droopiness and best treatment.

In the case of the lower lids, the normal fatty tissue that provides support to the eyes may gradually move into your lower eyelids. In some cases, fluid may also accumulate within the space under your eyes. This will result in your lower lids swelling and bagginess.

Besides the natural aging process, other causes of droopy eyelids may be:

• Age‑related weakening of the muscle used to open the eyelid
• Trauma or disease that can cause damage to the eyelid muscles and ligaments
• Congenital weakness
• Stretching of the muscle or tendon following routine cataract surgery
• Eye tumors
• Some children are even born with it

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of eyelid ptosis and/or dermatochalasis include:

• An upper eye surface that is too small to apply makeup
• Extra skin on the upper eyelids that hangs low enough to cause obstruction of vision
• Tilting the head back or arching the eyebrows in order to see better
• Excess skin on the lower eyelids that causes bulging or puffiness
• Drooping lower eyelids that show the whites of the eyes
• Bags or dark circles under the eyes

How are Droopy Eyelids treated?

Eyelid surgery can be performed on upper and lower lids by removing skin, muscle, and/or fat from around the eyes. Patients will be sedated while receiving local anesthesia and numbing eye drops to maintain comfort levels. Afterward, eyes appear more refreshed and youthful and there will be a less obstructed view for patients with vision impairment. While this is an outpatient procedure, a friend or caregiver will need to drive the patient home afterward.

One of our ophthalmologists will evaluate your facial structure, including an examination of the skin quality, amount of fat, and muscular tissue surrounding your eyes. This evaluation will determine the underlying issue and which treatment would best address the problems.

While many people with droopy eyelids or under‑eye bags are suitable candidates for surgery, there are some uncommon eye disorders that mean surgery might not be the best option. Upneeq may be recommended as a nonsurgical prescription option. For this reason, our ophthalmologists will always undertake a thorough assessment of all patients prior to surgery in order to determine suitability.