How can I fix my droopy upper eyelid? (photo)

Question

I'm currently researching my options, both surgical and non-surgical for my droopy upper eyelids. There is significant asymmetry, with my right upper eyelid being most impacted.

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, also known as an upper eyelid lift or eye lift, that aims to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids to create a more youthful, rested, and defined look.

Here's a breakdown of what upper blepharoplasty entails:

What it Addresses:

Excess skin (dermatochalasis): Loose or sagging skin that can create folds, obscure the natural eyelid crease, and sometimes even impair vision.
Fat deposits (steatoblepharon): Fatty bulges that can make the upper eyelids look puffy or heavy.
Muscle laxity: Weakening of the orbicularis oculi muscle can contribute to the appearance of aging in the upper eyelids.
Goals of Upper Blepharoplasty:

Create a more defined upper eyelid crease.
Reduce the appearance of hooding or sagging of the upper eyelids.
Remove excess skin that may be affecting peripheral vision.
Achieve a more rested and youthful appearance around the eyes.
The Procedure:

Anesthesia: Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
Markings: The surgeon will carefully mark the natural creases of your upper eyelids to guide the incisions. The amount of skin to be removed is also marked.
Incisions: Incisions are made in the natural folds of the upper eyelids, where the resulting scars will be well-concealed when your eyes are open.
Tissue Removal/Repositioning: Through these incisions, the surgeon will remove excess skin, underlying fat deposits, and sometimes a small strip of muscle. In some cases, fat may be repositioned instead of removed to create a smoother contour.
Closure: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, which are usually removed within 5-10 days or may be dissolvable.
Recovery:

Immediate Post-Op: Expect swelling, bruising (similar to a black eye), and discomfort around the eyes. You may experience dryness, watery eyes, and temporary blurred vision from lubricating ointments.
First Week: Swelling and bruising will gradually subside. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help. You'll likely need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and rubbing your eyes.
Second Week: Most of the visible bruising and significant swelling should resolve. You may be able to return to light activities and work, depending on your profession and comfort level. Makeup can often be worn to conceal any remaining discoloration.
Several Weeks to Months: Residual swelling may persist subtly for several weeks. Incision lines will gradually fade over months, eventually becoming barely noticeable in the natural eyelid creases. The final results of the surgery become more apparent over this time.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  An upper blepharoplasty to regain symmetry.  We would love to meet and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for asking such a great question. When looking at your upper eyelids, there is lid ptosis (a fancy word for "sagging") & redundant skin present to the upper lids. The best and most permanent solution to this would be the surgical procedure called an "upper blepharoplasty".

This is a procedure where the excess skin present to the upper eyelids is removed. This procedure can be done with local anesthesia if done by itself, or can be paired with other procedures when under general anesthesia.

Other non-surgical approaches like Botox can be used to try and lift the brow slightly to help with symmetry between the two sides, but it will not get rid of the excess skin which is the underlying issue.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Non-surgical: try a botox brow lift.
Surgical: may need brow lift and /or upper blepharoplasty
Best to be evaluated in person to see what you might be interested in doing

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, you appear to have excessive hooding skin, and your left upper eyelid margin appears lower than your right. Combining a ptosis repair with upper blepharoplasty surgery may lead to an improved, and more symmetrical upper eyelid appearance. I hope this helps! Dr Joseph

How can I fix my droopy upper eyelid? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Lids

Answer: Lids

Answer: Ptosis repair combined with upper blepharoplasty.

Answer: Ptosis repair combined with upper blepharoplasty.

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.

How can I fix my droopy upper eyelid? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Lids

Answer: Lids

Answer: Ptosis repair combined with upper blepharoplasty.

Answer: Ptosis repair combined with upper blepharoplasty.

Browse related questions

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.