Droopy eyelids can be from multiple causes. Age-related reasons is the most common reason patients seek surgical treatment. The drooping can be from ptosis (descent) of the eyelid margin, eyebrow and/or from excess skin of the upper eyelids. Because the eyes are the center of attention for your face, undergoing eyelid rejuvenation is a very popular procedure. Most plastic surgeons are trained extensively in eyelid plastic surgery, but oculoplastic surgeons are generally regarded as the experts for the eyelids as this is the focus of their training and practices. Eyelid surgery can be performed quite commonly as an outpatient and also in an ambulatory surgical setting under anesthesia. Most patients that have undergone eyelid surgery wish they had done this sooner as the results are very gratifying. Blepharoplasty is the term for an upper eyelid lift to remove excess skin. Additional procedures can be done at the time as the blepharoplasty to include ptosis repair, fat sculpting/repositioning, weakening of the frowning muscles, lifting of the outside corner of the eyelids, internal brow elevation etc. Seek a surgeon with a great reputation and experience as complications though rare can occur. Best regards.

There are many things that can cause an eyelid to droop and this is particularly significant if it happens only on one side. Sometimes this is a sign of a seriuos medical condition but usually it has to do with aging.

The treatment obviously depends on the cause, but again, usually takes the form of surgery. Usually "cosmetic" procedures are done under conscious sedation and local anesthesia on an out patient basis.

If your problem has functional implications treatment may be covered by your insurance carrier.

You should have a detailed eye examination and then a consultation with a surgeon who has experience in dealing with drooping eyelids. Surgery is usually very successful and rewarding.

I hope this information helps you.

Droopy eyelids may be the result of excess skin or muscle weakness, or both. Excess skin and a modest amount of fat may be excised under local anesthesia. If the levator muscle is weak or atrophic, the surgery is more difficult, but good results may still be achieved . A visual field exam may be of benefit to determine if your vision is affected by droopy lids. The talk to your surgeon about ptosis and Dermatochalasis. Dermatochalasis is caused by a loss of elasticity in the connective tissue supporting the structure of the eyelid. Ptosis is actual lid drop. Blepharoplasty is generally the best for this condition. Good luck!!

In my previous response to upper eyelid rejuvenation and sagging upper eyelids one must also consider a condition called ptosis. Most commonly we see a condition called senile ptosis which is dehiscence of the Levator muscle aponeurosis and this can be repaired while simultaneously performing upper eyelid blepharoplasty. It is very important to evaluate the presence of ptosis preoperatively before undergoing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

Upper eyelid rejuvenation can simply be fixed by an excision of skin called a blepharoplasty. The differential diagnosis of a drooping eyelid is extensive and some of the common causes include: bells palsy, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Horner syndrome, multiple sclerosis, thyroid ophthalmopathy, myasthenia gravis, Lyme disease and oculomotor nerve palsy to list a few. Excess skin is the most common cause.

There are many other factors to consider when rejuvenating the upper eyelid. Some patients require elevation of their eyebrows through a procedure called a brow lift. Other procedures can be performed during the upper eyelid blepharoplasty including excision of the depressor muscles, the corrugator muscles, the procerus muscle and the lateral orbicularis oculi These muscles , when excised , can elevate the eyebrow from medial to lateral very similar to the action of Botox. Sometimes excessively large fat pads need to be conservatively removed and the lacrimal gland may need to be sutured to a more superior position. Alternatively, if the eyelid is hollowed out fat grafting maybe necessary. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon is mandatory.

Seek the evaluation and treatment (upper blepharoplasty) by a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic surgeon.

You should see an oculoplastic surgeon to appropriately diagnose visual field defects and possible ptosis.

Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a procedure that removes excess skin, muscle and/or fat to give the eyes a more awake and bright appearance. The upper eyelid incisions are made so that the closure ends up within the upper eyelid crease and is very inconspicuous. Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can often offer special techniques to enhance the results. One is in managing the obicularis muscle which is directly below the skin and causes crow's feet and a downward pull of the outer eyebrow. Through the same excised skin area, the muscle can be divided and separate in the crow's feet area. This results in less muscle activity, less crow's feet, and often an elevation of the outer eyebrow. Another technique involves the corrugator muscles which cause the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. (Note that these are the same muscle treated with Botox for frown lines). Again, these muscles are approached through the same blephoroplasty incision and can be partially removed to decrease their activity leading to less noticeable frown lines. This same technique is also used in some chronic migraine sufferers to limit the pinching effect these muscle have on the cranial sensory nerves passing through them which is believed to cause migraines.

Don't forget the lower eyelids! These can also be improved surgically and should be considered as well.

I perform blepharoplasty in the office setting under local anesthesia with oral sedation. This significantly reduces the overall cost of the procedure.

You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. There are surgical and nonsurgical options that can help. The procedures can be covered by your insurance if you have testing that confirms that the drooping is affecting your vision.