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Visible Upper Eyelids and Unhappy w/ Eye Profile - Can I Change This?

I'm 20 years old, and I really don't like the way my eyes are. I don't like that the skin of my upper eyelids is visible and I don't like the way my eyes seem to stick out from a profile view. My eyelids are also droopy and I always look sleepy. I'd like upper eyelids that just seem to sink into the fat above them, like Natalie Portman's. Is there anything I can do to fix this or at least improve this? Or do I have to just accept it? Please help!

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by saraj121 in Essington, PA

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Prominent eye profile

It is impossible to create more fullness in the upper lid sulcus. From the pictures presented, it appears that the patient has a very deep sulcus on the upper eyelid. Fat injections into this area are not always successful and it is probably best not to do anything.

Prominent Eyes and Eyelid Surgery

Sara, the difference between the shape and look of your eyes and Ms. Portman's eyes is likely in the underlying bony architecture. You do have prominent eyes which may be due to a thyroid disorder, or may be caused by having shallow orbits as mentioned previously. Any decompression procedure would not likely be worth undertaking for a cosmetic procedure. However, what is missing from the pictures and not mentioned previously is that you seem to have a... more

Upper Blepharoplasty

I agree with ruling out hyperthyroidism as a cause of prominent eyes. This also could be genetic. Performing eye lid surgery without addressing or correcting hyperthyroidism may lead to significant, serious, complications. Unfortunately, it is impossible to achieve the result you desire, at least with today's technology.

Bulging eye correction, upper eyelid skin excess,blepharoplasty

Your eyes are quite attractive and I would not recommend changing them! The bulging may be due to hyperthyroidism so you may want to get a test for that. THe excess skin could be removed in the upper eyelid area but you appear to have so little that I would again not recommend it. Wit time, you will have more(comforting thought!) there and your eyebrows will come down. Then, you would be a candfidate for a blepharoplasty and/or an endoscopic brow lift. Watch my videos!

Sunken Eyelids

Having a hollow appearance to the upper lids can be a result of aging or simply the way you're built. In your case, as a young woman, this is simply your genetic appearance. Let me start by saying that your eyes are lovely and not unattractive in any way. However, your opinion of yourself is more important than anyone's opinion. If this is something that bothers you a little bit you should really think long and hard about having a procedure to change it. If this is something... more

Unhappy with eye appearance

Yes, Ms. Portman does have beautiful eyes. Sadly, I don't have any magic to give you her exact look. As a number of surgeons have mentioned, your eye appearance is related to a combination of features. A little ptosis (droop) of the eyelid, perhaps a little forward prominence of the eye combined with a cheek that is a little weak, and so on. The good news is that some of these can be improved. Cheek augmentation could help, perhaps canthopexy. Speak... more

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery in Younger patient

Hi saraj121 in Essington, PA, Improving the appearance of the eyes in younger patients is greatly different as compared to typical eyelid plastic surgery for older patient. Your photographs suggest, as other eye plastic surgeons have mentioned, a shallow orbital bone. In other words, there is less bone space around your eye. As a result, the eye may protrude out a bit. Treatment for shallow orbit involves creating more space around the eye. This surgery is called decompression... more

You have bilateral ptosis

The reason for the hollowness of the upper eyelid is bilateral ptosis. Your pictures show that even though you are using your forehead muscles to lift your eyelids , you still have upper lid ptosis. You will need for levator muscle function evaluation and possible ptosis repair. The other issue is your upper eyelashes that are pointing downward and i also elevate them at the time of the ptosis repair. As you see from the response there is a wide range of recommendations and you need full... more

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Fat Injection to change Eye Profile

The difference between you and Natalie appears to be your lack of fat in the upper orbit. Though you do not appear to have ptosis (droop) of the lids from the picture, it is hard to tell. You need an evaluation by someone experienced in eyelid surgery and fat grafting. That surgeon should be able to tell if you have ptosis and need correction. They should also be able to discuss grafting the upper lid area to fill and round it to what you desire.

Visible Upper Eyelids and Unhappy w/ Eye Profile - Can I Change This?

Before you consider any surgery I would obtain a medical work up for your eyelid position, ptosis, with a field of gaze examination. Also a medical work up for thyroid issues. From Miami Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Prominent eyes

Your eyes seem prominent because you have relatively shallow orbits (the bony space behind the eyeball). Expanding the orbit is possible. It is called orbital decompression and is most commonly done in Graves' disease. This is relatively major surgery with significant downtime and risks. You may be able to find an oculoplastic surgeon that is willing to perform a lateral decompression into the ethmoid sinus and the lateral wall of the orbit.

You need a very precisely performed anchor blepharoplasty.

Dear Sara You have a couple of things going on that account for the appearance of your eyes. First, as you point out, your eyelids are ptotic. Your right upper eyelid is actually heavier than the left upper eyelid. Second, due to the heaviness of the upper eyelids, you are subconsciously compensating by raising the eyebrows. The compensatory brow lift makes the sub-brow space look empty compared to Natalie Portman's eyes. Finally, there is laxity of the... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Prominent eyes

The problem with your eye/lids are that you have very prominent eyes with poor maxillary bone support. Your eyelids are at a disadvantage in covering your eyes, with low lateral canthus. There are options to improve the function and appearance of the eyelids. Please consult an oculoplastic surgeon. Dr Taban

Eye shape

People have different eyelid shapes and this cannot be changed to a great degree. Yes, Natalie Portman has a different shape than you but you can not possibly achieve the same look.