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Droopy Eyelids

Droopy eyelids is a common complaint amongst our patients, especially for those above the age of 40, where this problem becomes more common and more apparent. Before we explore the causes, contributing factors, as well as treatment options for this condition, it is paramount to understand the difference between droopy and hooded eyelids.

Droopy or Hooded eyelids, what is the difference? And why does it matter?

Droopy eyelids are medically known as ptosis, and it occurs when the upper eyelid fails to fully open and rests at a lower position, partially covering a portion of the eye. This is usually due to the weakness of the muscles of eye opening, namely the levator muscles of the orbicularis oculi.

On the other hand, hooded eyelids, medically known as dermatochalasis is where excess skin sags in the upper lid, causing it to droop over the natural crease, and has more to do with skin laxity, rather than a weakness in the muscle.

Both eyelid ptosis and dermatochalasis have the potential to impact vision and can coexist.

Hooded Eyes

Skin drooping over the upper eye crease
The crease is less noticeable

Non Hooded eyes

Skin is not covering the upper eye crease
The crease is clearly visible

What are the causes of Droopy eyelids (Ptosis)?

What are the causes of Hooded eyelids (Dermatochalasis)?

Hooded eyelids on the other hand, are due to skin laxity and skin excess, and come naturally with age. However, some individuals may suffer from this condition more than others, due to genetics and other factors.

One of the most common factors is actually overactive frown muscles (corrugators). If you were to look into the mirror, and watch yourself do a maximal frown, you will notice you have just pulled your forehead skin downwards and to the middle. With repetition of such movements over years, our skin the forehead gets stretched and loses its elasticity, and this contributes to dropping and laxity of the forehead and upper eyelid skin.

Diagnosis of Droopy or Hooded Eyelids.

Some people may have droopy or hooded eyelids that are so severe that it causes vision problems, when part of their visual field is blocked by the eyelid or its excess skin. You may need to see an eye specialist who will be testing you for a visual field defect. In this case, you may be eligible for surgery.

What are the treatments available?

Droopy eyelids (ptosis) and hooded eyelids (dermatochalasis) are two distinct and different medical conditions which require different treatments.

The most effective treatment for ptosis is surgery. The levator muscles will be tightened and lifted up to an elevated position. There are certain risks associated with surgery and there are also non-surgical options available. 

One of them is Ultherapy™ when we focus the treatment on treating the connective tissues on the upper eyelid, just below the brow and also above the brow. We utilised hyper focused ultrasound energy to precisely contract and thicken the connective tissues responsible for holding up the upper eyelids as well as the brow.

If the problem is with dermatochalasis, skin tightening procedures will be the most appropriate. Some of these treatments can include RF Skin Tightening, which comes with a tip especially designed for treating the upper eyelid skin. In fact, the RF Skin Tightening is the only FDA approved solution for skin tightening of the upper eyelids. Others include Ultherapy which doesn’t just lift the upper eyelid, but it is also FDA approved for brow lift. It can also help to reduce the appearance of eyebags by tightening all of the skin and connective tissues around the eyes.

Smooth Eye Laser is another good option which utilises a long pulsed as well as fractional laser to rejuvenate and tighten the skin around the eyes for a lift. For those who prefer a gentler approach may benefit from Exilis Ultra, which is a radiofrequency treatment targeted in stimulating collagen and elastin production around the eyes.

And as with all things, prevention is better than cure. For those of you who suffer from strong frown muscles, you may want to consider preventative muscle relaxing injections. When administered early, it can prevent the progression of droopy eyelids by relaxing the muscles responsible for pulling down the lids. This approach is effective in maintaining a youthful and lifted appearance.

At VIDASKIN, we understand the impact droopy eyelids can have on your confidence and vision. Our comprehensive approach to treating ptosis and dermatochalasis combines advanced non-invasive procedures like RF Skin Tightening, Ultherapy, and Smooth Eye Laser with preventative options such as toxin injections. When needed, our surgical expertise ensures tailored solutions for each individual. Reclaim your youthful and vibrant appearance with our customized droopy eyelid treatments. Schedule a consultation today to explore the best options for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the cause of the droopy eyelid. A droopy eyelid can be due to skin laxity of the mobile eyelid or structural deficiencies and volume loss in the forehead and temples, resulting in sagging of the eye area. Non-invasive treatments include radiofrequency skin tightening, dermal fillers and BTX. Severe cases of ptosis may require corrective surgery. We recommend consulting a medical doctor to assess which treatment is best suited to your needs.

Drooping of the eyelid is called ptosis. Ptosis may result from damage to the nerve that controls the muscles of the eyelid, problems with the muscle strength (as in myasthenia gravis), or from skin laxity and sagging that occurs with aging. Ptosis caused by aging occurs gradually and over many years, it also often involves both eyes. If you have sudden onset unilateral ptosis, this may indicate an underlying medical condition, please seek immediate medical attention.

Nowadays, many of us seek regenerative and non-invasive medical treatments. A common cause of droopy eyelids is skin laxity and this can be improved by radiofrequency skin tightening devices or lasers that stimulate collagen production and regenerate the skin. This treatment is non-invasive and natural as it improves your skin quality over time and relies on your own skin cells to improve your collagen. 

Droopy eyelids can occur at any age. In general, most cases of ptosis occur in people over 40 years old.

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