Droopy eyelids, or eyelid ptosis, as the condition is also called, give a tired appearance, intensify wrinkles and, in some cases with more advanced sagging, can even impair vision. For this problem, the indication is blepharoplasty, a plastic surgery that removes sagging skin from the upper and lower eye areas.
Who is droopy eyelid surgery indicated for?
Contrary to what many people think, droopy eyelids are not exclusive to older people. Even young people can have the problem for genetic reasons. In some cases, in addition to the droopy eyelid, the patient has greater sagging in one eye, which affects the symmetry of the eyes.
As Dr. Rogério Leal explains, there is no standard indication for blepharoplasty; it depends on the clinical picture. The plastic surgery can be performed from the age of 19 and can be combined with other procedures to achieve a better result.
In addition to excess skin, blepharoplasty can also correct the lack of volume in the so-called tear trough through fat transposition. In this procedure, the excess fat from the lower part of the eyes is moved downward, and in this way the surgery also helps improve fat bags and dark circles.
See how this type of blepharoplasty works:
What causes droopy eyelids?
Droopy eyelids can be caused by factors such as aging, weight loss, stroke, diabetes and other health problems. However, the condition can also be a natural physical trait of the person.
In the case of aging, the sagging appears due to the weakening of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Over the years, it is normal for the skin to lose firmness; the eye area and the nasolabial folds (the so-called “smile lines”) are the first to show signs.
Beyond the aesthetic bother, there are cases in which droopy eyelids are accompanied by fat bags under the eyes, which impair vision.
For all these conditions, blepharoplasty is indicated; on its own or combined with other aesthetic treatments, it ensures the eyelids are repositioned in the right place.
How is blepharoplasty performed?
Blepharoplasty is performed through incisions in the natural crease of the eyelids and in the lower eye area. The incision is made along the lash line, through which the excess skin and fat are removed. Since the incisions are made in hidden areas, the patient will not have visible scars.
This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia; the choice depends on the surgeon. Depending on the complexity, the surgery can last from one to four hours, and the patient is discharged the same day.
Swelling is normal and can be treated with cold compresses, made with an ice pack or gauze moistened with saline solution. Mild pain may also occur, which can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
Recovery is relatively quick. In general, the stitches are removed seven days after surgery, and the patient is then cleared to return to work.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation. Whether any procedure is indicated depends on an in-person assessment, case by case. CRM SP 90.116 | RQE 11.350.
