No two people are exactly alike. Every one of us has a unique facial structure and aging process. These sound like vague statements but, to the plastic surgeon, they are guiding principles. When a patient visits our Denver practice to correct droopy eyelids, we keep these principles at the forefront of our minds. Here, we discuss what causes the eyelids to droop and what a skilled plastic surgeon does to correct this problem.
The undereye area is one that can become puffy with age. The upper eyelids; they droop. They can look heavy and redundant, obscuring the natural crease of the eyelid. When the upper eyelids are droopy, the face can look sleepy, tired, or angry. It isn’t the drooping itself that causes the face to look a certain way, it is the angle and severity of the heaviness that occurs. In some instances, hooded upper eyelids are the natural, hereditary appearance. Often, the problem develops as the skin thins and sags due to a loss of collagen. However, we must also recognize that the eyelids do not live in a bubble. They are not solitary and are affected by surrounding structures. This is an important piece of information for a plastic surgeon to acknowledge because it may drive treatment planning.
Lifting the eyelids can do wonders for the appearance of the face. Hence, the popularity of the blepharoplasty procedure. However, we cannot look at blepharoplasty as a definitive solution for every person. In addition to existing alongside the ligaments and bones of the eye socket, the eyelids are also part of a continuum of tissue that includes the eyebrows and forehead. As such, a loss of volume, elasticity, firmness, and integrity of these areas is bound to contribute to the drooping of the upper eyelid.
Addressing Eyelid Drooping the Right Way
The eyelids are not immune to age-related changes. Nor is eyelid droop a problem in itself. Therefore, a plastic surgeon will observe more than the eyelids when consulting with a patient about eyelid rejuvenation. They will look at the position of the lash line of the upper eyelid in relation to the pupil, the quantity and quality of skin and fat on the upper eyelid, and brow position. The thoroughness of this evaluation can identify the true cause or combination of causes that have led to drooping upper eyelids.
Are you concerned about drooping upper eyelids? Let’s chat! Contact us at (303) 839-1616 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fante.
