Drooping Eyelid Causes
Eyelid drooping can be caused by excess skin or hooding of the upper eyelid, ptosis (levator muscle problem), or heaviness of the eyebrow. No matter the cause, drooping eyelids can make you feel less attractive and even impede your vision. The condition affects both men and women. Fortunately, eyelid lifts and other forms of cosmetic procedures can make a big difference if droopy eyelids are affecting your vision of self-esteem.
Drooping Eyelid Repair
The repair procedure depends on the amount of excess fat and skin, the lid muscle condition, and the position of the brow. An ophthalmologist who specializes in aesthetic and functional repair can help identify what’s causing your eyelids to droop and recommend the right path to address your concerns.
Blepharoplasty
The eyelid naturally folds. These folds can sag and push the eyelids down, draping over the eyelashes and eyelid margin. This type of eyelid hooding may be a hereditary feature or can occur with aging. Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery we offer that removes some of the eyelid fold and restores a more youthful appearance.
Ptosis Repair
Eyelid ptosis is one of the most common reasons people experience drooping eyelids. Ptosis surgery involves tightening the eyelid lifting muscle (levator), when the muscle function is good. When the muscle is no longer functioning properly, resection or a frontalis sling may be necessary.
Sling Procedure
When the levator muscle function is absent or very poor, a sling procedure is the best treatment to achieve a desirable lid level.
A skilled oculoplastic surgeon can perform an “eye lift” to restore the lid level, contour, symmetry, appropriate crease and fold, and good lash position by bringing both precision and keen aesthetics to the procedure.
You’ll see better and look better thanks to this outpatient eyelid surgery, performed in Charlottesville, VA.
Brow Lifts
Did you know that the eyebrows may contribute to drooping eyelids? Learn about brow ptosis and direct brow lifts.
What to expect.
Your surgery will be performed by an ophthalmologist who specializes in droopy eyelid procedures, including the ones listed above. During surgery, you will have either oral or intravenous sedation. After the local anesthetic is in place, you will not feel pain or unpleasant sensations. You may be aware of pressure, some movement, and gentle tugging. You will not be able to “see” the surgery as it takes place. After the procedure is complete, you will be able to open your eyes and will likely sense a greater field of vision. Your eyelids will feel tight, but you will be able to open and close them.
It is wise to allow at least a week or two of healing before returning to an active lifestyle. Detailed instructions are provided prior to surgery. For the first two days, cold compresses while you are awake will help dissipate the swelling and bruising. Antibiotic ointment applied to the incisions helps dissolve some sutures, prevents infection, and soothes inflammation. (Note: The ointment may temporarily blur your vision by getting into the tear film.) Most patients have a tight feeling in the eyelids for a few weeks. The tightness is normal and usually resolves by eight weeks.
Total healing time following surgical repair of drooping eyelids varies from individual to individual. Still, generally, you are very presentable by the beginning of the second week, sometimes as early as three days after surgery. Follow-up is essential—early to remove sutures and later to evaluate after swelling has disappeared, and lid crease incisions have faded. Dr. Kaltreider or Dr. Kirzhner will evaluate the stability of the lid position, symmetry, contour, and lid crease at the later visit to ensure you are happy with your eyelid and that all parameters are optimal for the health of your eye and eyelids.
A Small Practice Located in Central Virginia
Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics is a small practice located in Charlottesville, VA, close to the University of Virginia. Our two Board-Certified Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons – Dr. Maria Kirzhner and Dr. Sara Kaltreider, offer a mixed-method approach to help clients identify opportunities to feel and look their best. From reconstructive surgeries, to simple cosmetic offerings like injectables, our practice is here to serve you.