Does Sleeping on Your Face Cause Droopy Eyes or Uneven Eyes?

As we age, our eyelids naturally sag and droop. A combination approach would be best to see visible improvement. In terms of non-surgical treatment options, I would recommend a Chemical Brow Lift (using Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau) and filler injections to rejuvenate the temples, eyebrow, eyelid, eye troughs, upper eye hollows, and forehead. I typically combine this with Ultherapy and thread lifting to lift the brow; RF and skin tightening laser treatments to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin; and laser or superficial RF devices for improvements in texture, color, and any crepey skin around the eyes as needed. In some cases, surgery is the best solution to achieve the desired results. See an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Patients that have sleep apnea are predisposed to an eyelid problem called "floppy eyelid syndrome". As the name suggests, this causes the eyelids to be very loose, sometimes droopy, and often irritated.



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.

Genetics and certain lifestyles such as smoking, sun worshipping, excessive weight gain, or high stress are more likely to make droopy eyelids appear. Sleeping on your face isn't so much a huge factor usually. If it is a concern that bothers you, I recommend getting an examination by a qualified doctor who can better determine if you need treatment.

Sleeping on your face can cause stretching of the tissues over time, especially in people with other disorders, such as sleep apnea.  You also may develop some dependent swelling around the eyes, which should resolve after you are upright for a while.  An oculoplastic surgeon can evaluate your eyelids and counsel you on any changes you are experiencing.

Even people who sleep on their backs all night long get baggy eyelids.  It is mostly what you inherited from Mom or Dad and then a little bit from sun damage and squinting in the sun.  But after surgery for a few weeks you WILL need to sleep on your back not face down.