How to correct drooping eyelids?

Previously, we discussed what blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery ) is and looked at why it is conducted and who are the best candidates for that surgery. This article will explain why some people have drooping eyelids and how to correct them. All of us know well that when we do not get enough sleep, we start feeling tired and sleepy, and our eyelids close. However, in some people, this is not the case. Even if they get enough amount of sleep and feel refreshed, their eyelids will still look droopy by obstructing their vision. Medically speaking, this condition of drooping eyelids is known as ptosis, to be more exact, blepharoptosis (blepharo- eyelids, ptosis- fall, falling). 

What might be the causes of blepharoptosis? Well, blepharoptosis can be congenital or acquired. Babies born with blepharoptosis have very weak or imperfect muscles raising the eyelids (levator palpebrae superioris). The main causes of acquired blepharoptosis are injuries or damage to the levator palpebrae surperioris (eyelid-raising muscles). Aging is one of the most common reasons that can bring about drooping eyelids when the eyelids stretch, age, and weaken with time. 

How can the drooping eyelids be treated? The treatment of the drooping eyelid hinges on the condition of eyelids. If the drooping eyelids do not obstruct vision, and a person is satisfied with their appearance, there will not be any treatment recommended. However, if the person develops drooping eyelids because of the aging process, then it can be corrected through eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty. Eyelid ptosis surgery is done under local anesthesia with IV sedation. That means the patient will be not completely asleep but will not feel the pain during the procedure. 

The doctor makes an incision in the upper eyelids, finds the eyelid muscles, and tightens them. Then, he or she can lift the eyelid. After that stitches will be placed on the incised areas. Another method to correct drooping eyelids is through the transconjunctival approach. In this method, the surgeon does not make incisions, but flips the eyelid and then tighten the eyelid muscles. Which approach best suits you can be decided by the plastic surgeon.