How to Fix Droopy Eyelids with Cosmetic Eye Surgery

Droopy eyelids are a relatively common condition, especially as people age. Excess skin on the upper eyelids and bagginess in the lower lids cause a droopy-eye appearance. There has been an increased interest in cosmetic facial procedures in recent years. 

 

As people age, the skin begins to sag and the thin skin on the eyelids loses elasticity, taking on a sleepy or droopy appearance. While droopy eyelids may be harmless, the aesthetic look of them may be bothersome. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them, including cosmetic eye surgery. 

 

Causes of Droopy Eyelids

Drooping eyelids can be genetic, with some people having them from birth while others develop them later in life. Drooping eyelids can result from a condition called ptosis. They can also result from an injury. 

 

While the condition is more common among older adults, it can happen to people of all ages. Droopy eyelids can sag and cover the eye pupil, affecting sight. When this happens, surgery is necessary to maintain vision. 

 

Fixing Droopy Eyelids

Droopy eyelids occur when the upper eyelids drop or sag lower than normal. Consult a doctor to determine if your droopy eyelids are related to aging, an underlying condition, or genes. In some cases, doctors can fix droopy eyelids without surgery by using injections like Botox or dermal fillers. 

 

The procedures can help tighten the eyelid skin, making the eyes look more youthful. If you want to reduce eyelid drooping, your best option may be cosmetic surgery. Surgery can help improve your appearance. 

 

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery 

Surgeons perform eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, for reconstructive, cosmetic, and functional reasons. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin, and in some cases, excess fat and muscle from the eyelids. 

 

When performed for cosmetic reasons, the surgery helps create a more youthful appearance. Surgeons perform cosmetic eyelid surgery alongside other procedures such as forehead lifts and filler injections.

 

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

When you decide to get eyelid surgery, you will need to stay home and limit your activities for a few days. Get someone to drive you home after the surgery and help you around the home for a day or two. 

 

Some items will come in handy after the surgery, including ice cubes, an ice pack, small gauze pads, eye drops, washcloths, and some painkillers. Use the painkillers and eye drops as the doctor recommends.

 

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery usually takes about two hours if it involves both the lower and upper lids. The doctor will administer local anesthesia and oral or IV sedation before the surgery. The specialist will make incisions along the natural eyelid lines before separating the skin from the tissue underneath. 

 

The surgeon will remove the excess fat and skin before closing the incisions using tiny stitches. The stitches will usually stay on for three to six days. Several surgical techniques can fix droopy eyelids. 

For more on how to fix droopy eyelids with cosmetic eye surgery, contact Shepard Eye Center at our offices in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Solvang, or Orcutt, California. You can call (805) 667-0100 for Santa Maria’s office, (805) 793-1800 for Lompoc’s office, (805) 410-9998 for Solvang’s office, or (805) 937-9532 for Orcutt’s office to schedule an appointment.