What can be done to correct the appearance of my translucent, sagging and thin eyelid skin? (photos)

Question

I'm in my early 30s and my eye skin is saggy, paper-like and translucent. I went on some acne medications (isotretinoin and spironolactone) in my 20s which turned my skin tranclucent and it's never recovered. I've been using retinal eye creams and red light therapy for years. I wear sunscreen and take care of my skin but nothing helps. I'm not sure if I'm a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty though because of the poor quality of my skin. Am I doomed?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A formal evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are both surgical and non-surgical options to correct this, depending on the situation.

For less significant upper eyelid skin excess or more mild improvement, there are nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin.

Surgery (browlift and/or upper blepharoplasty) is a great option for more significant improvement- for example if the hooded eyelids have more excess skin present.

Dr. Donald Groves is an expert facial plastic surgeon that I work with, who specializes in these types of procedures. It is important that if you are considering surgery that you go to someone who is well trained and very experienced with these delicate operations to get the best results. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert, or an aesthetic facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Groves; we are both located right here in Los Angeles.

Best, 
Dr. Emer

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions and posting your photos. There aren’t many good options to treat thin skin. Some patients have had mild to moderate success with PRP and microneedling. It is difficult to determine if you need blepharoplasty from the photos, but the thin skin would not be an issue. Find an experienced oculoplastic surgeon for best guidance. 
Good luck,

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The sagginess can be corrected by an upper blepharoplasty.  However, your photographs are very limited.  I would need a frontal view of the full face to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Morpheus 8 is radio frequency microneedling. We have seen amazing results in so far as tightening lower eyelid skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hi dear your problem is not just excess skin. This is also called edematous eyelid. Having surgery would be the best thing to do. However, you may experience periodic swelling from time to time. Please contact us for more detailed information and consultation

What can be done to correct the appearance of my translucent, sagging and thin eyelid skin? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: You may wish to consider Morpheus 8.

Answer: You may wish to consider Morpheus 8.

Answer: Eyelid

Answer: Eyelid

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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What can be done to correct the appearance of my translucent, sagging and thin eyelid skin? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: You may wish to consider Morpheus 8.

Answer: You may wish to consider Morpheus 8.

Answer: Eyelid

Answer: Eyelid

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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.