All You Need to Know about Droopy Eyelids and Treatment
Time never waits for anyone, and it spares no one. As we age, our skin loses its firmness and starts to sag, including the skin around our eyes. However, there are ways to address the issue of droopy eyelids, the root cause of a sad, tired, and older-looking face, and enhance beauty and improvement. Learn more about droopy eyelids and how to fix them in this comprehensive article!
How Do We Identify Droopy Eyelids?
Droopy eyelid refers to the gradual sagging of the skin around the upper eyelid area. The main cause comes from the aging process, leading to sagging skin under the brow and drooping due to the force of gravity. However, in some cases, it may also be hereditary, such as in individuals with prominent or small orbital bones, or those with naturally elastic and loose skin. Droopy eyelids can appear more noticeable in these cases compared to the general population.
The issue of droopy eyelids often occurs in the outer corner or the external part of the eyes more than the inner part (near the eye corner). This is because the attachment of muscles and skin in the outer corner of the eyes tends to weaken and droop faster than in the inner corner.
What Are the Effects of Droopy Eyelids?
- Eyes appear sadder and less vibrant, which affects one’s self-image and confidence.
- Some find it increasingly difficult to apply makeup, especially when drawing eyeliner.
- When sweating, some might feel that sweat accumulates around the outer corner of the eyes, causing more sensitivity than usual
- In some cases of droopy eyelids, individuals might experience their eyelashes touching the eyes
- In individuals with naturally double eyelids, the sagging skin might lead to obscured vision of the eyelid crease. This transformation from having two visible eyelid creases could turn into a hidden or single eyelid.
- Droopy eyelids can lead to a heavy-eyed sensation, requiring more effort to lift the eyelids and making it difficult to open the eyes fully.
- In those with significant droopy eyelids, side vision might be impaired.
How Are “Eyebrows” Related to Droopy Eyelids?
The first thing a doctor would examine after identifying droopy eyelids is the position of the eyebrows. The position of the eyebrows is compared to the superior orbital rim (the bony rim above the eyes), and it differs between males and females:
- For Women: The position of the eyebrows is located higher than the superior orbital rim by 3 – 10 mm. The outer eyebrows have an arched shape and are positioned higher than the inner eyebrows.
- For Men: The position of the eyebrows is situated at the level of the superior orbital rim and has a flat appearance.
If the eyebrows are positioned lower than described, this condition is referred to as “Brow Ptosis” which leads to significant sagging and drooping of the eyelids. The narrow distance between the eyebrows and the eyes can make the face appear tired and less vibrant.
Read more: Eye Problems – Tired Eyes, Angry Eyes
Best Treatment and Correction of Droopy Eyelids
The approach to treating droopy eyelids depends on the severity of the condition, the underlying causes, and the evaluation by your doctor. The treatment methods can include the following:
- Mild Drooping Eyelids: For cases where the drooping is not severe, treatment options might involve injecting Botulinum toxin (Botox) to lift the brow area or using non-invasive procedures like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) or Ultherapy to tighten the skin and lift the eyelids
- Moderate to Severe Drooping Eyelids: Individuals with significant drooping or those seeking noticeable and lasting results can consider surgical intervention. There are several surgical methods to correct droopy eyelids:
1. Subbrow Lift: The most ideal method for correcting these issues
Read more: Eyelid Surgery Services ; Subbrow Lift
2.Double Eyelid Surgery: Proven effective for improving the appearance of sagging eyelids, but caution must be exercised in treatment. If excessive eyelid skin is removed during the surgery, it can result in the eyebrows and eyelids being drawn too close together, causing the face to look unnatural compared to before.
Eyelid Surgery Services ; Double Eyelid Surgery
3. Individuals with severe Brow Ptosis may consider a brow lift procedure.
To Sum Up:
- The condition of droopy eyelids can lead to a sad and less vibrant facial appearance, difficulty in applying makeup, increased sensitivity in the eyes, the disappearance of double eyelids, or in severe cases, even obstructed vision.
- When you notice the early signs of droopy eyelids, pay attention to the position of your eyebrows, as the problem might also involve drooping eyebrows.
- The choice of treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. For milder cases, non-invasive treatment like Botox injections or HIFU might be sufficient. However, if the condition is more severe, options like Subbrow Lift or Double Eyelid Surgery can be considered.
For a long-lasting solution to these issues, don’t hesitate to consult the KOA Clinic or fill out the provided form for a thorough evaluation. We are more than happy to help!
FAQ
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Surgery is considered when the eyelids are severely drooped, affecting daily life, or when significant and noticeable changes are desired.
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Subbrow Lift is suitable for those with sagging lower eyelids who already have double eyelids or need a natural-looking appearance. Double eyelid surgery is for individuals who want more defined double eyelids. Both methods can effectively address drooping and sagging eyelids.
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As a result of the surgery, there might be visible scarring along the eyebrow area, particularly for individuals with thin eyebrows. Scarring tends to improve 3-4 months after the surgery.
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Subbrow Lift is a relatively straightforward procedure with minimal pain, short recovery time, and it’s suitable for individuals of various ages, including the elderly. Consultation with a doctor is recommended.
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The results can last several years, but as we age, the eyelid skin can naturally sag again. The longevity depends on each individual’s eyelid characteristics.
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Removing excessive eyelid skin might result in incomplete eyelid closure and potentially lower eyebrows which make eyelids droop more easily.
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The suitability depends on the severity of the brow drooping. If it’s not severe, Subbrow Lift can still be performed.
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