TL;DR:
- What are drooping eyelids? When the upper eyelid covers 2+ mm of the iris, impairing vision or causing aesthetic concerns. Severe cases may be due to ptosis (muscle paralysis).
- Causes: Aging (collagen/elastin reduction), genetics, smoking, muscle weakness, eye nerve damage, or ptosis.
- Surgical treatment (blepharoplasty): Removes excess skin without visible scarring; effects last over a decade. Recovery takes several weeks.
- Non-surgical options:
- Renuvion: Uses helium plasma, painless, lasts ~2 years.
- Laser therapy: Promotes collagen production via micro-injuries.
- Lymphatic massage: Preventive, stimulates collagen building.
- Key takeaway: Treatments like blepharoplasty or alternatives can improve appearance, vision, and self-esteem.
Our eyelids don't have an easy life – keeping the eye open for several hours a day means that after a few decades they can fall a bit out of shape, creating… droopy eyelids. However, head (eyelids!) up – there are ways in which a drooping eyelid or double eyelid can return to its glory days, just like that.
Double eyelid, drooping eyelid – or what?
A drooping eyelid is a condition that we can only talk about when the upper eyelid covers at least 2 millimeters of the iris of the eye. In some people, a drooping eyelid can give the impression of sad eyes, in others – squinted eyes. However, one thing is certain – drooping eyelids do not add to our beauty. Smart women know what makeup with drooping eyelids will work best, but they can't do anything about the restriction of the field of vision caused by a drooping eyelid. Although we become accustomed to it over time, it nevertheless represents a certain impediment to daily functioning. The problem of a drooping eyelid can also affect men, who are at a disadvantage as they cannot camouflage this affliction with cosmetics. It is also worth knowing that there are also more advanced forms of drooping eyelid, resulting, for example, from paralysis of the eyelid muscles, which are referred to as ptosis.
Drooping eyelids – causes
The most common cause of drooping eyelids is aging – reduced production of collagen and elastin, responsible for the density of the skin, causes sagging, which is most evident on the eyelids, where the skin is delicate and thin. Studies show that the amount of collagen fibers in the skin is reduced already after the age of 25, which is why already among cosmetics for women 30+ you will find eye creams and eyelid creams that prevent drooping eyelids. ** Usually droopy eyelids affect both eyes, but it can happen that one of the eyelids is more droopy. What other causes of drooping eyelids can there be?
- genetic conditions,
- smoking,
- muscle weakness,
- paralysis of the eyelid muscles (ptosis),
- nerve damage in the eye area.
Drooping eyelids – blepharoplasty procedure.
Surgical eyelid plasty, otherwise known as blepharoplasty or surgical eyelid surgery is a procedure that has been known for years and proven by many people, and still provides the most spectacular results, compared to other treatments for drooping eyelids. Upper eyelid plasty and lower eyelid plasty, both of which involve the removal of excess skin, are acceptable. The procedure to correct a drooping eyelid does not cause visible scarring, as incisions are made in the crease of the upper eyelid and just below the eyelashes on the lower eyelid. blepharoplasty Laser treatments can be used to better correct any scarring. After the procedure, one must undergo a recovery period of several weeks, allowing the skin to return to shape. However, when considering the price of eyelid plastic surgery, it is worth taking into account the fact that the effects of eyelid surgery last for up to a dozen years, so in such a long term eyelid plastic surgery is a small cost that virtually everyone can afford.
Other treatments for drooping eyelids
There are other less invasive procedures to get rid of or prevent double eyelids. These include:
- RENUVION treatment – an alternative to surgical eyelid plasty is a modern procedure using helium plasma. Simultaneous heating and cooling of tissues in the skin using the aforementioned plasma, allows to achieve the effect of shrinking and smoothing sagging skin. **The RENUVION procedure is painless, and its effects last up to 2 years.
- laser treatments](https://otcoclinic.com/section/plastic-surgery/) – in non-invasive removal of double eyelids, fractional laser can also prove invaluable. Its action is to make gentle micro-injuries that mobilize the skin to produce collagen fibers and elastin, making the skin tighter and firmer.
- Lymphatic massage (Face Fitness) – the gentlest way to combat drooping eyelids is lymphatic massage, which, however, will be far more effective in preventing drooping eyelids than reducing them. The pressure and stimulation of circulation promotes the building of collagen fibers in the skin, which serve to keep it firmer for longer.
If we are having a hard time accepting our drooping eyelids or they are causing a marked deterioration in our self-esteem, it's worth opting for blepharoplasty or alternative procedures to remove a drooping eyelid, just to make ourselves feel better. Sometimes there is nothing to gloss over the problem of drooping eyelids, that's what.
Conclusion
Drooping eyelids can affect both our vision and appearance. While aging is the main cause, factors like genetics and lifestyle also play a role. Solutions range from surgical blepharoplasty with long-lasting effects to less invasive treatments like RENUVION or laser therapy. Even simple techniques, like lymphatic massage, can make a difference. Ultimately, choosing the right option depends on your needs and goals. Addressing drooping eyelids isn't just about aesthetics—it's about improving function and confidence. Explore your options, and take charge of feeling and looking better.
