If your upper eyelids appear droopy, it’s not just a cosmetic concern — it can also affect your vision and comfort. Dr. Fredric Stern at the Stern Center for Aesthetics specializes in advanced eyelid treatments, including blepharoplasty, to help patients address the causes and effects of drooping eyelids. Understanding why this occurs is the first step in exploring your options for improvement.
Common Causes of Drooping Eyelids
- Aging and Loss of Skin Elasticity
As we age, the skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen, causing it to sag. The eyelids are particularly prone to this due to their delicate structure, often leading to a hooded appearance or excess skin that weighs down the lids. - Ptosis (Drooping of the Eyelid Muscle)
Ptosis occurs when the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid, weakens over time or is affected by an underlying condition. This can cause one or both eyelids to droop, sometimes obstructing vision. - Genetics
For some individuals, drooping eyelids run in the family and can develop earlier in life due to inherited traits. - Medical Conditions
Neurological disorders, eye trauma, or certain conditions like myasthenia gravis can contribute to drooping eyelids. If the issue is sudden or severe, it’s important to seek medical advice. - Lifestyle Factors
Repeated exposure to UV rays, smoking, or rubbing the eyes can accelerate skin aging, leading to sagging in the eyelid area.
How Blepharoplasty Can Help
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a highly effective treatment for addressing drooping eyelids. This procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the upper eyelids to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In many cases, Dr. Stern uses the laser to perform the surgery. Blepharoplasty can also improve peripheral vision if drooping skin interferes with sight.
At the Stern Center for Aesthetics, Dr. Stern uses advanced techniques and decades of experience to ensure natural-looking results that enhance the eyes without compromising function. Recovery is typically straightforward, with patients noticing immediate improvements in both appearance and comfort.
Ready to Restore Your Eyes?
Drooping eyelids can make you look tired or older than you feel, but thankfully eyelid surgery is available to help you look and feel your best. Dr. Stern is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cosmetic treatments, making him the perfect doctor to address this common aesthetic issue. Schedule a consultation at the Stern Center for Aesthetics in Bellevue, WA by calling 425-455-9100.
