Droopy eyelids: how to get rid of them

The skin around the eye area is thin and particularly supple. The eye contour area, especially the eyelids, is the area most affected by aging. Similarly, the muscle that controls blinking (the levator muscle) is the most stressed in the human body so consequently, over time, a ptosis or palpebral ptosis appears. The eyelids start to droop and the eyes become dull and tired. Drooping eyelids are when the upper eyelids start to sag and cause excess skin to form in a fold.

This condition generally affects both eyelids. Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that it only occurs on one side, affecting only one of the eyelids.

Therefore, when you have a droopy eyelid, you may experience some discomfort in the eye or even a reduction in your field of vision.

What are the causes of droopy eyelids?

There are many causes of droopy eyelids. With regard to upper eyelid sagging, the main cause is due to the natural ageing of the skin. Over time, there is a deterioration in the levator muscle.

However, drooping eyelids can also be seen in people with less developed eyelid muscles. The tendon detaches and no longer supports the eyelid. This anomaly can be hereditary.

Drooping eyelids can also be caused by trauma or eye surgery such as cataract surgery. It can also be a neuromuscular deficiency (such as myasthenia) or even a paralysis of the ocular nerve.

Droopy eyelids: how to deal with it

Nowadays, there are different procedures to help you wave goodbye to droopy eyelids. They are more or less invasive and you will be advised on the procedure depending on the extent of the laxity but also depending on your expectations.

Generally, the most commonly used treatment for correcting droopy eyelids is blepharoplasty. This eyelid surgery corrects the effects of ageing that make your eyes look heavier and removes certain defects that give your eyes a tired and puffy appearance.

If the eyelids are slightly drooping, there are several techniques with lighter consequences than surgery (Plexr®, Thermage®, Ulthera®).

These non-invasive devices are also suitable for maintaining the result of long-term eyelid surgery.