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Droopy eyelids, medically known as ptosis, refer to the drooping of the upper eyelids. In severe cases, droopy eyelids may cause visual field obstruction and blurring of vision. Also, the sudden onset of droopy eyelids may be a sign of major medical problems such as stroke or cancer. Thankfully, for most people, droopy upper eyelids are due to the natural ageing process and are harmless if mild. Treatment for droopy eyelids (ptosis) depends on the underlying cause and severity, with treatment options including medications, surgery and in-clinic treatments.
As we age, the muscles and tissues that support the eyelids weaken, causing them to droop.
Trauma or injury to the eyelid can cause ptosis. Long-term contact lens use may cause droopy eyelids
Medical conditions affecting the nerves that control the upper eyelid muscles can cause ptosis, such as myasthenia gravis, Horner’s syndrome or oculomotor (3rd cranial) nerve palsy due to a brain tumour, stroke or brain aneurysm.
Present at birth, congenital ptosis is caused by improper development of the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.
Due to the many causes of droopy eyelids (ptosis), which include some potentially life-threatening causes, a meticulous and detailed assessment by a medical professional is recommended to come to an accurate diagnosis. Here are some “red flags” that suggest the underlying diagnosis may require urgent medical attention:
Sudden onset of unilateral complete ptosis (cannot open eye), double vision, severe headache, vomiting, altered mental status
Fluctuating droopy eyelids, better at the start of the day and worse at night, alternating eyelid drooping, double vision, swallowing and breathing difficulties
Unilateral mild upper eyelid drooping, with loss of weight, coughing blood, history of smoking
Thankfully, these “worst case scenarios” of droopy eyelids occur rarely, with the vast majority of patients seeking treatment for droopy eyelids (ptosis) due to the natural ageing process. These patients are in their 50s and 60s, with age-related upper eyelid sagging. These patients experience drooping of both eyelids, causing a tired appearance and often have to raise their eyebrows or tilt their head back to keep their eyes open. This is accompanied by other signs of facial ageing such as droopy eyebrows, sagging cheeks and jowls. In these patients with age-related droopy eyelids, treatment may be indicated on medical grounds if the eyelids droop to the extent of obscuring vision. Otherwise, the purpose of treatment is cosmetic- to improve and refresh the appearance of the individual.
Caption: Grades of severity of droopy eyelids (ptosis)
Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, is a procedure aimed at improving the appearance or function of the upper eyelids. It can address various issues like excess skin, drooping eyelids (ptosis), or the appearance of puffy or aged eyes. The surgery involves removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, and can also tighten the underlying muscles. Cosmetic upper blepharoplasty enhances the natural eyelid features and creates a more youthful, alert, and attractive appearance. A double eyelid crease may also be created in patients with hooded eyelids or single eyelids. For patients with drooping eyelids causing visual field obstruction, a functional upper blepharoplasty helps to restore the visual field.
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that lifts the eyebrows and forehead skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. It can help reduce horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines, and sagging eyebrows, resulting in a more alert and youthful appearance. Browlifts are often combined with upper blepharoplasty in patients with age-related droopy eyelids.
A Botox brow lift is a cosmetic treatment that uses Botox injections to temporarily relax muscles in the forehead and around the eyes, resulting in a subtle lift of the eyebrows and a reduction in frown lines. This non-surgical procedure provides a refreshed and more youthful appearance without the need for surgery.
Filler injections to the forehead, eyebrow and upper eyelid restore volume and provide structural support and a subtle lift. Upper eyelid involves injecting filler or collagen into the upper eyelid area to restore volume and address signs of ageing, such as hollowing and sunken eyelids.
Oligio RF Eye is a US FDA-approved treatment for skin tightening and lifting of skin around the eyes, specifically the upper and lower eyelids. The Oligio RF device utilises monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and lift skin, providing results without any downtime or scars. Oligio RF Eye treatment is a non-surgical treatment for: mild droopy upper eyelids, mild eye bags, fine lines and loose skin around the eye.
At our clinic, we believe in a clear, patient-focused approach from your first consultation to full recovery. Here’s what you can expect every step of the way:
Our doctor will assess the severity of your droopy eyelid, determine the diagnosis, and identify any underlying conditions such as muscle weakness or nerve involvement. We’ll also evaluate your eye function and facial anatomy to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Surgical treatments like upper blepharoplasty are performed under local anaesthesia with sedation and take about 1–2 hours.
Non-surgical options, such as Oligio RF skin tightening, botox and filler injections, are performed in-clinic with minimal discomfort.
Our doctor will walk you through the steps, whether you’re undergoing a quick outpatient treatment or a more definitive surgical correction.
Recovery varies depending on the treatment. Surgical patients may experience mild swelling or bruising for about 1–2 weeks, with follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Non-surgical treatments require little to no downtime. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and be available for any post-treatment support you need.
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