Droopy eyelids, medically called ptosis, can not only affect your appearance but can also impair vision in cases of severe ptosis. While many might consider cosmetic surgery to fix drooping eyelids, many non-surgical methods can improve the appearance of the upper eyelids that you may want to resort to first. Below, Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand breaks down how to fix droopy eyelids without surgery.
If a droopy eyelid affects your vision or self-confidence, you deserve relief. At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer surgical and non-surgical treatments to fix or improve age-related ptosis symptoms.
Call 949-359-8397 to schedule your outpatient procedure at our Orange County clinic today.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
The skin loses elasticity as you age, and the eyelid muscles weaken. Other factors or conditions that can make upper eyelids sag include congenital ptosis, diabetes, stroke, nerve damage, or neurological disorders. Lifestyle factors, like prolonged exposure to sunlight and smoking, can also contribute to early aging and skin weakening in the upper eye area.
When to Seek Upper Eyelid Treatment for Droopy Eyelids
If your eyelids droop and cause vision problems, or you constantly raise your eyebrows to have better vision, it might be time to consider ptosis treatment options. Additionally, if you’re unhappy with the cosmetic look of a drooping eyelid on one eye or both eyes, seeking a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand can help you understand your treatment options.
How to Fix Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery
We offer several non-surgical droopy eyelid treatments at our Bakersfield Medical Spa.
Injections
Injections like Botox can be a great nonsurgical droopy upper eyelid treatment. We temporarily relax the levator muscle by injecting neuromodulators into the eyelid muscles. This causes a subtle lift to the sagging upper eyelid.
This process elevates the appearance of the eyelids, making them look more open and alert, but it also lets the levator muscle rest with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Botox smoothes the skin around the eyes, reducing wrinkles and providing a rejuvenated, youthful look. Moreover, its minimally invasive nature makes it an ideal choice for patients looking for quick and effective solutions to eyelid concerns without the risks, symptoms, or recovery time associated with surgical options.
We offer Botox injections in Orange County, Bakersfield, and Newport Beach areas.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are another non-invasive treatment option. When expertly injected, they can provide a subtle yet effective lift to sagging eyelids, offering a natural and rejuvenated appearance.
One type of filler, Sculptra, doesn’t just add volume to sagging skin. Sculptra also works by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen production, gradually restoring the structural integrity and fullness of the skin.
When injected around the eyelid area, it helps replenish lost volume and aids in vision problems.
Sculptra is particularly favored for its long-lasting results, as the boost in collagen production can sustain a rejuvenated appearance longer than other fillers. For those seeking to mitigate lid droops without undergoing surgery, dermal fillers, like Sculptra, offer a compelling and effective solution.
We offer Sculptra injections in Orange County, Bakersfield, and Newport Beach areas.
Prescription Eye Drops
Recently, prescription eye drops, called Upneeq, have emerged as a novel solution for mild to moderate excess skin around the eyes. These drops temporarily raise the eyelid by improving eyelid muscle strength. They are an excellent option for those seeking a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects.
Be sure to ask your ophthalmologist or eye specialist if Upneeq eye drops are the best treatment option for your lids.
Surgical Options for Droopy Eyelids
Though non-surgical methods are effective, in some cases, surgery might be the best choice to achieve long-lasting and significant improvements. If droopy eyelid(s) affect your vision and overall self-confidence, be sure to ask Dr. Daneshmand about the following types of reconstructive surgery.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, stands out as the best long-term solution for those struggling with droopy eyelids or a “lazy eye.” This surgical procedure is specifically tailored to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids, effectively addressing the issues of sagging eyelids that contribute to a tired, aged look, and, in some cases, even impair vision.
By creating a more defined eyelid crease and removing unnecessary droopiness, a blepharoplasty can dramatically rejuvenate the eye area, resulting in a more alert, youthful, and refreshed appearance. The procedure is particularly beneficial for those with significant sagging or puffiness that non-surgical methods cannot completely fix.
Furthermore, the results of our Orange County eyebag removal surgery are typically long-lasting, giving a permanent solution to those looking to restore a brighter, more open look to their eyes. With its ability to combine cosmetic enhancement with functional improvement, blepharoplasty remains a highly popular and effective choice for correcting droopy eyelids.
Canthoplasty
Canthoplasty, also known as “cat eye surgery,” is another surgical option offering significant benefits for correcting droopy eyelids, particularly in cases with notable laxity or downward displacement of the lower eyelids.
This procedure involves the tightening and repositioning of the canthal tendon, which provides support and shape to the eyelid. By reinforcing this structure, canthoplasty effectively lifts and stabilizes the eyelid, restoring a more youthful and alert appearance to the eyes.
This procedure is particularly desirable for patients who experience sagging or drooping that extends to the outer corners of the eyes, a common issue that cannot always be addressed by blepharoplasty alone.
Our Orange County cat eye surgeon can enhance the aesthetic appeal by giving a more naturally contoured and tightened look to the eyelids and can improve eye function by correcting any distortions that might affect vision or eye health.
Its targeted approach makes it a vital tool in the repertoire of eyelid rejuvenation techniques, offering a tailored solution for more complex or advanced cases of eyelid drooping.
How to Prevent Droopy Eyelids
In many cases, prevention is always better than cure. To prevent or slow down the process of eyelid drooping, we recommend:
Sun Protection
Protecting the delicate skin around your eyes from UV rays is crucial. Apply sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30), and regular use of sunglasses can prevent sun damage and early aging around the eyes.
Healthy Lifestyle and Staying Rested
Sleeping less than 7 hours per night can make lid drooping appear much more noticeable than it actually is. Be sure to prioritize your sleep not only for the sake of your eyes but for the sake of your health as well.
Maintaining a balanced diet, sleeping well, and avoiding smoking can significantly impact skin elasticity and overall eye health.
Regular Check-ups
Regular visits to an eye care provider (ophthalmologist) or a plastic surgeon can help catch and address early signs of acquired ptosis.
Decrease Screen Time
This is a tough one, considering that many of us spend most of our lives staring at a computer screen, but try to decrease screen time when you can. Decreasing screen time, or just taking frequent breaks, can help prevent eye strain, which can lead to droopy eyelid(s) over time.
Call Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today
Located in the heart of Orange County, Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re considering non-surgical methods or considering surgery for droopy eyelids, our team of skilled plastic surgeons and estheticians is here to guide you through every step.
We blend expertise, care, and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best cosmetic results for our patients.
Droopy eyelids don’t have to be a permanent feature of your appearance. With the right approach, you can enjoy a brighter, more youthful look that reflects your inner vitality. Call us today at 949-359-8397 to learn more about how we can help rejuvenate your appearance in a way that suits you best.