Is it possible to fix my eyelids without a blepharoplasty? (Photo)

You have bilateral central levator disinsertion ptosis with a compensatory eyebrow elevation. You need bilateral anterior levator resection ptosis surgery with an anchor blepharoplasty. Posterior approach ptosis surgery (Mueller's muscle conjunctival resection ptosis surgery) will not work for you and I don't recommended. Blepharoplasty does not address the upper eyelid ptosis and is the wrong approach for you. Don't have that done. Fillers or drops will not help you. You need an anterior levator resection ptosis repair with an anchor blepharoplasty. This surgery will allow your compensatory eyebrow elevation to relax and will restore a more open almonds eyelid shape and address the aysmmetry. This is highly specialized. Don't just go to any eyelid specialist. You need to see some who focuses aesthetic ptosis surgery. Your eyes can be your best feature.

Hello and thank you for your question. A formal evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are both surgical and non-surgical options to correct this, depending on the situation.

For less significant upper eyelid skin excess or more mild improvement, there are nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin.

Surgery (browlift and/or upper blepharoplasty) is a great option for more significant improvement- for example if the hooded eyelids have more excess skin present.

Dr. Donald Groves is an expert facial plastic surgeon that I work with, who specializes in these types of procedures. It is important that if you are considering surgery that you go to someone who is well trained and very experienced with these delicate operations to get the best results. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert, or an aesthetic facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Groves; we are both located right here in Los Angeles.

Best,
Dr. Emer

if you tried botox and it didn't really do it for you, then you just need to save up your money for surgery.

Ptosis is when somebody has droopy eyelids. This leads to excessive show of the upper eyelid, and there can also be a symmetry as you are concerned about. I think it would be best for you to consult with a reputable oculoplastic surgeon about your options for repair. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

You do not look like a monster.
It looks like you have slight ptosis or droppings of one of your eyelids. At least in the first picture.
When looking at the picture it is on the left side (your right side). Ptosis is dynamic and it can be challenging to see it in one or two pictures. It changes by changing visual gaze angle. The same side also appears to have an eye socket that sits higher in your skull and may also be larger. This shows by the brow also sitting higher.
I think in your case the primary issue is based on bone structure with a possible secondary soft tissue component. Most plastic surgeons tend to be soft tissue oriented and tend to see things through that perspective. I’m not recommending craniofacial surgery but recognizing the skeletal component can help recognize potential limitations with soft tissue approaches. That is not to say unilateral eyelid surgery may not be beneficial. In complex situations it’s helpful to differentiate what is primary, what is secondary and what is tertiary. The first step in coming up with a good treatment plan should always be having a good understanding of what the problem actually is. In your case it is multifactorial.
Most people have some of this. The human face is not symmetrical on anyone.
During embryological development, the two sides of the face develop independently from each other and eventually fuse in the midline.
The human brain is accustomed to seeing facial asymmetry as being normal.
We typically don’t see friends and family as being a symmetrical, even though they are.
Sometimes when people recognize their own asymmetry, it may seem like a unique feature.
If you look at computer simulated symmetrical faces, you may notice they have an odd and unfamiliar appearance.
There’s lots of interesting information about this if you do a quick Google search
Ptosis correction can be done without a blepharoplasty and is typically covered by medical insurance.
There is also eye drops that will give temporary relief called oxymetazoline.
I suggest consulting with Oculoplastic surgeons in your community.
In my opinion, it’s never a bad idea to have multiple consultations before considering selecting a provider or before scheduling any surgical procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD