Heavy, drooping eyelids can weigh you down and make you feel unattractive. Whether you are seeking treatment for cosmetic or functional reasons, you deserve to feel confident and comfortable with your body. To figure out how to best treat it, we can look at individual causes and symptoms. Today, we’ll take a look at the 10 most common causes of heavy eyelids and some treatment options.
Some common causes include:
- Exhaustion. Sleep and rest allow our body to regenerate cells. When we skip out on good, quality sleep, we lose the benefit of its restoring powers. Your body makes new collagen when you sleep which keeps your skin plump and less likely to wrinkle.
- Heredity. You may be prone to having droopy eyelids because it is a family trait.
- Aging. One of the first signs of aging is heavy, drooping eyelids. As you age, your muscles and tissues weaken, and gravity causes the fat naturally supporting your eyes to sink downward, making them appear swollen. Fluid may also collect in the area below your eye.
- Ptosis. This condition is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye due to muscle weakness. This can happen in one or both eyes and may limit or even completely block vision in some cases. Although mainly common in older adults, people of all ages can experience ptosis.
- Dermatochalasis. Dermatochalasis, colloquially known as “baggy eyes,” describes eyelid skin that is baggy and excessive on the upper and/or lower eyelids. This is generally age-related and due to skin losing its elasticity.
- Sun damage. Over time, too much sun exposure can damage your skin cells and the collagen that keeps your skin firm and plump.
- Smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes disrupts your sleep cycles and the smoke breaks down the elasticity of your skin.
- Allergies. Allergies and sinus issues can cause inflammation in the eye area, causing them to swell up.
- Alcohol use. Despite being a liquid, alcohol dries out your skin. Dehydration makes the skin under your eyes weak and saggy.
- Blepharitis. Blepharitis is a condition that causes inflammation and redness of the skin around the eyes. Crusting around the eyelashes is common.
Your treatment options:
Together we can look for the root cause of your droopy eyelids and determine the best course of action to correct them. Dr. Quintero can treat upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your specific needs. Non-surgical treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers can tighten the skin and make your eyes appear more youthful.
An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, may be right for you if you have excess upper eyelid skin that is interfering with your eyesight, or simply for cosmetic purposes. An upper eyelid lift removes any excess skin, and sometimes excess muscle and fat from the upper eyelids. The goal is to provide a more open, youthful look to the eyes. Typically, most candidates are at least 35 years old.
Regardless of what you decide, we aim to provide our patients with natural-looking results that fit their individual goals. Our talented plastic surgeon can help you decide the best treatment for you.
Looking for a plastic surgeon in the Louisville, KY area?
Let’s talk! If you are tired of having baggy eyelids and want to look more youthful or are simply struggling with your vision, contact us today. At your consultation we will discuss what the best treatment plan is for you and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Set up your consultation here.
