Is this silent sinus syndrome or do I just have droopy eyelids? (photos)

Question

one of my eyelids is ''thicker'' and also it appears to be more deep set than the other one. i never noticed it until recently whilst looking through my pics..so....do i just have droopy eyelids or could it be a symptom of silent sinus syndrome?

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Thanks for your photo and interesting question.  It is difficult to determine a diagnosis from just one photo, but your orbital asymmetry could be a result of several conditions.  The upper lid on the left side of your photo has a thicker and higher pretarsal skin showing with a slightly lower (ptotic) lid margin in relation to the pupil.  The eyebrow is slightly higher than the other as your facial muscles accommodate for the droopy lid position.  This is likely due to past trauma, a congenital condition, or developmental weakness of the levator muscle support.  An evaluation for enopthalmos from a Silent Sinus Syndrome can only be done by examination in consultation with a qualified surgeon, and this is not possible to determine from your photo.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

If there has been a change in your eye position (with right eye fallen lower), then it could be silent sinus syndrome. Otherwise, it is likely inherited eye/orbit asymmetry along with eyelid asymmetry. See an oculoplastic specialist for evaluation.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Dear Daisy,Thanks for your questions.There is some asymmetry of your eyelids.  I agree that you may have some ptosis of one of your eyelids, which is a fairly simple procedure to correct.  Your appearance is unlikely to be due to your sinuses.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

Kevin Dieffenbach, MD · Answer

Aloha Daisy,From only 1 photo it's hard to tell, but the only thing I see is your Right Lower eyelid appears slightly lower than the Left. The upper eyelids look pretty normal to me.I would recommend you seeing an experienced Surgeon Certified by The 
American Board Of Plastic Surgery[ABPS] and a member of The American 
Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)  for a consult.Mahalo, Dr D

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Generally there will be a history of sinus disease.  The affected eye will be low compared to the unaffected side.  You photos just seems to reflect mild upper eyelid ptosis.

Is this silent sinus syndrome or do I just have droopy eyelids? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Droopy eyelids

Answer: Droopy eyelids

Answer: If you are concerned about silent sinus syndrome, see an ophthalmologist for an assessment.

Answer: If you are concerned about silent sinus syndrome, see an ophthalmologist for an assessment.

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Is this silent sinus syndrome or do I just have droopy eyelids? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Droopy eyelids

Answer: Droopy eyelids

Answer: If you are concerned about silent sinus syndrome, see an ophthalmologist for an assessment.

Answer: If you are concerned about silent sinus syndrome, see an ophthalmologist for an assessment.

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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.