The Difference Between Eyelid Ptosis and Excess Eyelid Skin

The look of your eyes and brows can change over time. Natural aging can cause skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Poor lifestyle habits can exacerbate the natural aging process. Smoking, chronic stress, poor sleep, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can impact your appearance. Sun exposure can also have a major impact on your skin.

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The skin around the eyes and brows is much thinner than the rest of the face. This makes it uniquely susceptible to damage. Several treatments can address unwanted changes around the eyes. Below you will find the difference between eyelid ptosis and excess eyelid skin. This can help guide you towards the right treatment.

 

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Upper blepharoplasty is common for treating signs of aging around the eyes. A skilled and experienced surgeon at the top eyelid surgery center can help you determine if it is right for you. Consider the following information about eyelid ptosis and excess eyelid skin before your consultation.

 

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Eyelid ptosis occurs when the levator muscle weakens or detaches from the eyelid. This muscle is responsible for lifting the upper eyelids. When the levator muscle weakens or detaches, it causes the lid margin to sit lower than normal. The drooping can range from mild to severe. This can cause both functional and aesthetic issues that impact your daily life.

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Several factors can cause eyelid ptosis. Natural aging, prior eye surgery, and prolonged contact lens use are common causes. Additionally, neurological conditions and congenital ptosis can cause the condition. Drooping can impact your appearance. It can make you look tired or angry. It can also cause asymmetry if one eye is affected more than the other. The issue can also impact your vision, which can make daily life difficult.

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Treatment for eyelid ptosis involves ptosis repair. This procedure targets the levator muscle directly. The surgeon tightens or reattaches the muscle to restore the lid to its proper position. The procedure is precise and highly effective. It can restore eyelid movement and muscle strength. A consultation with a skilled surgeon is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

 

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Excess eyelid skin develops when the skin of the upper eyelid loses its elasticity. When this occurs, it begins to fold over the lash line. This is unlike ptosis, as the levator muscle is still functioning normally. Both can occur simultaneously. Excess eyelid skin is often seen as a cosmetic issue. However, it can also impact your vision and cause functional issues that impact your daily life.

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Several different factors can cause excess eyelid skin. Natural aging, sun exposure, and genetics are the most common causes. However, it can also be caused by fluid retention or chronic eye rubbing. Excess eyelid skin can make you look much older than you are, as it substantially ages the eye area. In many cases, the excess skin can differ from one eye to the other. This can cause asymmetry and impact your overall facial aesthetic.

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Treatment for excess eyelid skin is upper blepharoplasty. The procedure involves removing the excess skin. If there is excess fat in the upper eyelid, that is also removed or repositioned. The incisions are placed in the natural crease of the eyelid. This results in minimal to no visible scarring. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so you get to go home the same day. The results leave your eyes looking open and more awake, free from excess skin weighing you down.

 

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Both eyelid ptosis and excess skin can look similar from the outside. However, the root cause can be different. While it is possible that both issues can occur simultaneously, this is not always the case. Working with a skilled and experienced surgeon ensures that the right issue is treated. Your eyes are assessed at the consultation.

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From there, the surgeon can create a customized surgical plan based on your unique needs. Both treatments are highly effective. They are also smooth and have short recovery times. You do not have to live with the aesthetic and functional issues caused by upper eyelid issues.

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The appearance of your eyes affects your overall facial appearance. If you want to improve the look of your eyes, contact the team at Clarity Eye and Face today to schedule your consultation!