What Can I Do About my Skin Fold on One Eye?

The extra skin fold in your left upper eyelid (picture taken in mirror) is due to either genetic or traumatic injury to the muscle that elevates the upper eyelid (levator palpebrae superioris, LPS).  This situation is referred to as ptosis (droop) of your upper eyelid.  It can be corrected by shortening the tendon of the LPS.  This will eliminate the double fold in your left upper eyelid. 

I recommend you seek an evaluation by a Board Certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon experienced in eyelid ptosis surgery.  

Your pictures suggest the presence of a unilateral eyelid ptosis. This condition occurs when the muscles that elevate the eyelid become weakened or detached. When this situation arises, surgical correction is usually always necessary. The specific procedure utilized is dependent upon the anatomic deformity.For this reason, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

eyelid asymmetries and fold issuesfrom the photos , i see fold problems and drooping on the right.this can be fixed with surgery in this area and reattachment to the muscle

Hi. There are a few differences between your upper eyelids.  1)  the extra "skin fold" that you see.  2) right upper eyelid ptosis (droopy upper eyelid) more than left.  3) more fat deflation (hollowness) of the right upper eyelid/brow area.  There are various nonsurgical and surgical options that you may benefit from depending on your goals.  See an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

So looking at your photos closely, I can see two separate asymmetries between the two eyes.

1. Left epicanthal fold. I think this is what you are referring to in your question. There is a fine crease that extends from the inside corner of your left upper eyelid and curves around the medial canthus [inside corner of the eye] and continues to the lower eyelid crease. This anatomic variant is usually seen in the asian eyelid. It can be addressed surgically [epicanthoplasty] though it may leave a small scar that may take a few months to fade.

Honestly, it is very subtle, as you see all the other experts did not pick up on it. You are probably the only person that really sees it.

2. Mild right upper eyelid ptosis. The right eyelid is ever so slightly lower than the left eye. This is likely the cause of the double upper eyelid crease. If the right upper eyelid is raised slightly, it will likely change the way the upper eyelid skin drapes over the eyelid.

 

Both these issues can be addressed surgically.

 

If you decide to explore this further, I would recommend consultation with an ASOPRS trained Oculoplastics surgeon. You can find one close to you on the ASOPRS dot org website.

 

Based on the photos you appear to have drooping eyelid on one side and that's creating a difference in your eye opening and upper eyelid crease asymmetry. I was wondering if you have this condition all your life or just developed it recently. This can be improved surgically and I recommend that you seek out in person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon and learn about your options. 

Best Wishes,

Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery

Based on the photos provided, an asymmetry is present. This may be a ptosis or droop of the right upper lid or less likely it could be that the left eye is larger and more prominent. It is best to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon for examination and to discuss possible corrective options as well as rule out any underlying medical conditions.

You mention the problem is with your left eye, but when I look at your pictures, it appears your right eye is the one with the problem.  I'm not sure if the picture is a mirror image or the actual image.  In any case, it appears that you may have some ptosis of the right upper eyelid.  Ptosis is when the eyelid droops further down than it should.  This can cause the eyelid to feel heavy and is most likely the cause of the double line on that eyelid .  I would consult with an oculoplastic surgeon to be evaluated, and if you do have ptosis, it can be surgically repaired.  

You have a condition called ptosis there are variety of reasons for this. It comes down to difference in the mechanism that opens your eyes- and it can be corrected with surgery but usually need surgery on both eyes because of complex reflex- your brain detects less light going into your right eye, your brain tells your you to open your eyes wider- but your right can't because you have ptosis therefore you open your left eye wider which makes the asymmetry worse. 
See a specialist plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist in your area to have a correct diagnosis and if deemed appropriate, surgery to correct it if is becoming a problem for you,
Wish you the best in your journey,
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

It is apparent in the right upper eyelid you have a double eyelid crease. This is commonly seen when there is weakness of the eyelid muscle. The eyelid position is a few millimeters lower in the right upper eyelid in comparison to the left. This requires a surgical procedure known as ptosis repair. The surgery should result in an even eyelid position and a single eyelid crease. Seek out a board certified surgeon who is comfortable doing ptosis repair.