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.

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

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photograph.  Your upper lid margin appears to sit slightly low on both eyes. Your upper lid skin excess seems to be weighing on your upper lid as well. I would get evaluated for upper eyelid ptosis first and if that is not present, i.e., your levator muscle in your eyelid is working well, then an upper blepharoplasty should help to take some of the weight off of your upper eyelid and improve the position of your eyelid as well as refresh your eyelid appearance.  This should also help to improve the asymmetry that you have.  Best wishes.

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.

Boaz Aman, MD · Answer

Good after noon U would suggest an upper eyelid blepharoplasty ( skin and muscle removal) combined with fat excision on in the part of the lid close to your nose

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If you're only concerned about the one eyelid , then a unilateral upper eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in an attempt to balance your hooded side with a normal side. This procedure would take about 20 to 30 minutes in the office setting, no general anesthesia required.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At least on my cell phone, the picture is distorted and it’s difficult to make an assessment.
I think you should start the process by having a few in person consultations with oculoplastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, or plastic surgeons in your community who seem to have a lot of eyelid experience.
 Bring pictures of your face the same way plastic surgeons take before and after pictures and use those as a reference during the consultation.
During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patients who had similar upper eyelid conditions.
To find the right provider, I suggest having several in person consultations.
I highly recommend you avoid virtual consultations.
I don’t think you’re going to find non-surgical options to be particularly useful.
 Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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

Answers (9)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Lower blepharoplasty to help bags while smiling? (photo)

One eyelid wrinkling and hollowing? What can I do about this? (photo)

20 - Best options to fix small eyes? (Photos)

Would you recommend fat repositioning or fat removal with fat grafting for my lower blepharoplasty? (photo)

3 years post op - Do I need revision or can I fix the scars? (Photos)

Surgery for under eye wrinkles (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS