Drooping of the upper lids results from the loss of skin elasticity and the integrity of underlying eyelid structures. This can lead to an aged appearance and a decrease in the field of vision. Patients that wear make-up often complain about their makeup smearing throughout the day when the upper eyelid skin is redundant.
There are non-surgical and surgical techniques used to rejuvenate the upper eyelid.
Depending on the amount and texture of the skin, the eyelid skin can be resurfaced using a variety of lasers. If there is a large degree of skin laxity, an upper eyelid blepharoplasty (eye lift) or an eyebrow lift (forehead lift) may be the treatment of choice. Eyelid lifts are performed in The Washington Eye Laser & Cosmetic Center at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Excess skin is excised using a hidden lid crease incision and the protruding fat is sculpted, excised or repositioned to rejuvenate the eyelid. The hidden eyelid crease incision prevents visible scarring. An eyelid lift leads to a more rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. There are small anatomical differences in each eyelid, which means that each eyelid lift needs to be customized.
There are many conditions that lead to drooping eyelids which our oculoplastic surgeon will evaluate for during your consultation. If the medical treatment of your condition does not lead to a correction of your drooping lids, a surgical procedure may be a possible solution.
Surgical repair of a drooping lid requires a skillful surgeon with extensive training in ophthalmic plastic surgery. Our oculoplastic surgeons have special training and expertise in treating cosmetic and functional concerns around the eye. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure usually performed using local anesthesia. Please contact us for a consultation with our oculoplastic surgeon.
