How Do You Fix Droopy Eyelids?
Do you have droopy eyelids? Does your upper eyelid droop so much that it interferes with your vision? Have you ever wondered how you fix droopy eyelids? You are in luck! The droop can be fixed and Elmquist Eye Group explains how below.
Unfortunately, droopy eyelids are one of the first signs of aging. The skin in both the upper and lower eyelids is much thinner than other facial skin, so as sagging begins, eyelids can look droopy and begin to show our age. People lose elasticity in the eyelid skin, and the thin skin around the eyelids is particularly susceptible.
The lower lid can look puffy as well. This is caused by a bulge of the fat layer inside the eye. As the membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, the fat on the lower lid bulges forward.
Aging is the biggest risk factor for droopy eyelids. On the upper lid, the skin can sag so much that the lid might fold down over the eyelashes or might even interfere with vision.
The good news is that eyelid droop can be fixed by a surgical repair called blepharoplasty. It is important to know that a doctor usually won’t recommend a medical procedure unless your vision is greatly impacted, so most people who opt for this procedure do so cosmetically, meaning that insurance likely will not cover the procedure.
Most of our patients have the cosmetic procedure because they want to improve their facial appearance and look younger. Blepharoplasty involves removal of the excess skin and fat that is causing the eyelid to droop or bulge. In some cases, our doctors will also surgically tighten the muscle in order to lift the eyelid.
We always make the incisions along that natural lines of your eyelids, and use small stitches that last about a week. You will have sedation during the procedure, and you should have another person drive you home and stay with you at least the night right after your surgery. For several days, your eyelids will need to heal, so you should stay home from work and limit your usual activities.
Regarding painkillers, our doctors will recommend an over-the-counter non-prescription painkiller for you. Note that we usually do not recommend medications like aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve or Naproxen; all of these increase your risk of bleeding.
The results of blepharoplasty can last for years. Lower lid surgery almost always lasts forever and rarely needs to be repeated. Upper eyelid surgery may need to be repeated in about five years. Genetics, sun exposure and other factors all come into play here. After all, your eyelids will continue to age after the surgery. Sometimes, our doctors might recommend a forehead lift the second time around.
How do you fix droopy eyelids? Come see Dr. Rodriguez! Give us a call at (239) 936-2020 for a blepharoplasty evaluation, and find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure.