Young people are often considered “wide-eyed” because of their optimism, but it is also true in a literal sense: younger eyes open more fully. When you were an adolescent, presumably the only time your eyelids felt heavy was when you were extremely tired. As you have aged, however, you may have noticed that your eyelids hang lower even after getting plenty of sleep.
Sagging eyelids are a top cosmetic concern for patients who are 35 and older. Dr. Robert Galiano, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, offers both surgical and non-surgical procedures that can help to elevate the eyelids to a more youthful position.
Why Do Your Eyelids Droop?
Eyelids sag over time due to a few factors. First, the muscles become weaker with age, making it more difficult for the eyelids to open fully. Second, as you get older, your skin gradually loses elasticity thanks to a natural decline in collagen production and fat deposits accumulate. This excess skin and fat can weigh down your upper eyelids, making it more difficult for them to open completely. This is often referred to as eyelid “hooding.”
Some people are born with or develop drooping eyelids in one or both eyes because of nerve damage or weak eyelid muscles. This condition is known as ptosis.
Surgical Treatment
The most effective way for Dr. Galiano to elevate your upper eyelids is with eyelid surgery. When performing upper blepharoplasty, he removes the extra skin and fat above your eyes so that they don’t put pressure on your upper lids. Additionally, he carefully tightens the muscles in your eyelids so that they regain strength to open more fully. Notably, lower blepharoplasty is a separate procedure that targets the bags and hollows beneath your eyes, but it is frequently combined to rejuvenate the eyes more completely.
Sometimes, Dr. Galiano may recommend forehead lift instead of or in combination with upper blepharoplasty if your brow has a lot of loose skin that is pushing down on your eyelids. Although the primary objectives of forehead lift are to minimize wrinkles and frown lines while restoring a youthful arch to the eyebrows, you may also see benefits for your upper eyelids.
A Non-Surgical Alternative
If you are interested in addressing sagging eyelids without surgery, especially in early stages, then Botox may be the right treatment for you. The botulinum toxin in Botox can create a lifting effect for the eyebrows and skin just above the eyelids. By elevating this loose skin, your eyelids may regain the power to open wider. To achieve this desired \effect, the injection must be done precisely, so it is important to choose an expert injector with a nuanced understanding of facial anatomy like Dr. Galiano for this treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
To lift your upper eyelids so that they appear more like they did in your younger years, make an appointment with Dr. Galiano by calling 312-926-4382. During a consultation, he can discuss your options and devise a customized treatment plan to optimally rejuvenate your eyes.
