Droopy Eyelids

Droopy eyelids are a common concern that occurs when the upper eyelid hangs lower than is considered the norm. It often starts at the outer edge of the upper lid, when the skin starts to look loose and saggy. For many people saggy eyelids give the overall appearance a tired and / or stressed look. However for others, the concern can continue to progress, and may even cover over the main part of the eye in time. This is often considered to be a more severe case of droopy eyelids, which can affect a person’s vision.

Whilst droopy or baggy eyelids can be caused by a variety of factors, most commonly they’re just part of the ageing process. Some of the most common causes include: a deficiency in the vitamin B12 family which can lead to poor eyesight and anaemia, a levator aponeurosis dehiscence (a tendon tear or weakness) that causes the eyelid to drop away from the eye socket (usually affecting the lower eyelid), allergies to cosmetics or perfumes that are applied to the eyelid area and cause swelling of the eyelids to result in droopiness, eyelid spasms (blepharospasm) – a condition in which the eyelid spasms uncontrollably, causing it to droop – and Parkinson’s disease.

When ageing is a factor, droopy eyelids can be the result of thinning, stretched skin which can be accelerated by regularly tugging on the eyelid (such as through rubbing the eyes, applying contact lenses or eyedrops), sun exposure, allergies and dehydration.

In many cases, these factors are often linked with one another and treatment may require a combination of approaches to restore a normal appearance to the eyes. At Chester Cosmetic Surgery we can perform an Upper Blepharoplasty procedure on one or both of the eyes, which works to lift and tighten loose and sagging skin on the upper eyelids.