Droopy Eyelids Causing Higher Eyebrows? How to Fix It? (photo)

Question

Hello there. I've always noticed you can see a lot more eyelid on me than on others. I also noticed that my right eyelid is lower than the left one. I think that as a result of this my eyebrows are higher than they are supposed to be, is this possible? Do you think my high eyebrows (esp the right one) can be lowered by doing something about my droopy eyelids? Please note that this picture was taken when I was just awake and they lower throughout the day. Thank you

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

The sensation of extra eyelid skin on the eyelid can cause increased activity of the frontalis muscle, the muscle that raises the eyebrows.  When this occurs the eyebrows will be raised and in some individuals horizontal lines created on the forehead.  You are correct that often treating this skin excess can allow the frontalis muscle to relax and the brows to descend.   In my opinion from the limited photo and lacking an exam, this does not appear to be the case in your situation.  You do not demonstrate significant eyelid skin excess and therefore blepharoplasty would not provide this benefit to you.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  Your condition is quite common. The muscular attachements that lift your left eyelid have been stretched or torn. Either mechanically from contacts, congenitally, or from normal aging.  This leads to the high lid crease and more lid show on the left and lower position of the left eyelid. When the eyelid starts covering your pupils your forehead muscles contract to help raise your eyelid causing your eyebrow to be higher on the affected side. Correction of the eyelid ptosis should help both problems. All the best.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

You should see an oculoplastic surgeon in your area as it appears like you may have ptosis of your eyelids.  In response to droopy lids, your brow is trying to compensate by elevating.  Treating your ptosis may help you brow position.  Make sure you see a board certified surgeon.

	Best,

Gregory J. Vipond, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your eyelids are a little heavy, then the body will try to compensate by lifting up the eyebrows in an attempt to help lift the eyelid. This can result in your eyebrows looking higher as well as the eyelids looking more exposed or longer than someone without eyelid heaviness or ptosis. Depending on the degree of eyelid drooping and eyelid movement, there are several different surgical options for correction. A qualified plastic or oculoplastic surgeon would be best to discuss your options. When the eyelid heaviness is corrected, often the eyebrows will relax as you no longer have to try and open your eyelids more than normal.

Paul S. Howard, MD · Answer

It appears from your photo that you have a mild bilateral upper eyelid ptosis, the left a bit worse than the right (your photo may be inverted). Regardless, you have the cause and effect backwards. The lowering of your lids during the day would cause a reflex raising of your brow to compensate. The fix would be a ptosis repair. There are several types of repair available and any of them would work. The placement of the upper eyelid incision and the repair to elevate (slightly) the resting position of the upper lid should decrease the amount of upper lid skin that you see. The result should take care of your brow position without the need for surgery on the brow.

Droopy Eyelids Causing Higher Eyebrows? How to Fix It? (photo)

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Answer: High Eyebrows with Droopy Eyelids

Answer: High Eyebrows with Droopy Eyelids

Answer: Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) and Brow Position

Answer: Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) and Brow Position

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Droopy Eyelids Causing Higher Eyebrows? How to Fix It? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: High Eyebrows with Droopy Eyelids

Answer: High Eyebrows with Droopy Eyelids

Answer: Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) and Brow Position

Answer: Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) and Brow Position

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.