Heavy Eyelids. In Picture It Looks Like I'm About to Blink. What Can I Do? (photo)

Heavy eyelids can be from many causes. As a professional, I only can make a judgement that is correct from better photos--otherwise it is just a guessing game and not in your best interest. Send photos with relaxed both eyes from the front.

The picture submitted is helpful, but a non animated photo would also help. It seems you would benefit from an upper blepharoplasty. Best to consult a Board Certified PS in your area to examine you and determine what is best in your case.

Kind regards,

Dr. H

A droopy eyelid [ptosis] is very different than excess upper eyelid skin [heavy skin fold] or a droopy eyebrow.

The surgery to correct these problems are vastly different, and do not be fooled, by "all you need is to have a little skin removed".

An experienced surgeon will be able to differentiate between these subtleties. An evaluation by an ASOPRS trained Oculoplastic surgeon would be ideal. Find one on ASOPRS dot org in your area.

Good luck

Oculoplastic surgeons are board certified ophthalmologists who go on to do a two year fellowship in oculofacial surgery.  They will be able to diagnose the basis for your concerns and develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the basis for your issues.  The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery maintains a geographic directory of oculofacial surgeons in your area.

Based upon the side type or oblique facial animated view I would recommend an upper lid blepharoplasty. This can improve the excess skin and fat of your upper lids. Best to seek a few in person evaluations from boarded PSs in your area. 

Heavy eyelids are typically the result of excess skin and fat on the upper lids.  Brow position also determines the amount of hooding that is present.  If extra skin is present and is touching the eyelashes, an upper blepharoplasty would be the best choice.

Without seeing a photo of you it is all a bit speculative, however, I will give my opinion based on your description.

First, is this condition only visible in photos?  If so, you may just have an over-reaction to the flash and actually be blinking. 

If the condition is present when you are examining yourself in the mirror, looking straight forward in a relaxed state, then you might have levator ptosis.  This is a condition where the muscle (levator palpebrae muscle) that opens the eye has a poor attachment to the eyelid.  This condition can be acquired with age or it can be congenital (born with it).  At the age of 31 you likely would have a congenital version or partially congenital and partially acquired.  Either way, the treatment is surgical and involves shortening and strengthening the attachment between the eyelid muscle and the eyelid itself.  Depending on the details, this can be done through the skin on the outside of the eyelid or through the underside of the eyelid (conjunctiva).  The operation is generally easy to recover from with little down-time and usually no pain.  Success rates are very good with the most common problem being that the two eyes are slightly different afterward.

Pictures would help. I see many patients your age with congenital heavy eyelids. A simple upper blepharoplasty may help. However, BOTOX, properly placed, may give you a non surgical brow lift. This may help give your eyes a more eye open appearance.

Thank you for the question,

A thorough Blepharoplasty Consultation and work-up are in order for your 31 year old condition.  The brows, boney orbit, muscle, connective tissue, fat and skin will all be addressed and evaluated.  Perhaps an upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be just what the doctor ordered.

As a board certified Oculofacial Cosmetic Surgeon practicing in New York, I can say based on your description that you either have excess skin on/above your upper eyelid OR weak levator muscles of your eyelids (ptosis). Pictures would better help, but you must consult with a qualified surgeon who can best determine what kind of blepharoplasty candidate you are: upper eyelift surgery OR ptosis surgery.