Heavy Eyelids in Phoenix

When you were young and someone said you had “heavy eyelids,” it meant that you were visibly tired and trying to fight off sleep. As you get older, however, the term takes on a new meaning. Even while awake, your eyelids can sag lower than they used to, creating a hooding effect that covers more of your eyes. In addition to downgrading your appearance, it can make your face read as exhausted or angry to the people you interact with.

Dr. Ali Ghafouri, a cosmetic and reconstructive oculoplastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, can refresh your appearance by  presenting more youthful eyes without sagging eyelids.

Causes of Heavy Eyelids

The main reason most people develop heavy eyelids is aging. Your skin loses elasticity over time as your body’s production of collagen and elastin decreases. Consequently, eyelid skin sags and loose skin on the forehead pushes down on the eyelids so that they no longer open fully. The muscles in your eyelids also weaken with age, further contributing to this cosmetic issue.

In other cases, heavy eyelids are genetic. Some people are more prone to sagging skin on the upper eyelids, while others have ptosis, a condition where one or more eyelids sag abnormally low over the eye. Weak eye muscles, nerve damage or injury can cause ptosis to manifest later in life. 

While sagging of the eyelids is primarily a cosmetic concern, when the sagging is severe, the eyelids can impair vision by diminishing the field of vision.

Treatments for Heavy Eyelids

Upper blepharoplasty

The most effective procedure that Dr. Ghafouri can offer is upper eyelid surgery. During this procedure, he carefully removes surplus fat and skin on and above your eyelid. He can also tighten your eyelid muscles so that they are strong enough to open widely. Recovery from blepharoplasty is manageable. Because the incisions are placed along the natural eyelid crease, scarring is easily concealed. Results can last 10 or more years before the natural effects of aging cause your eyelid to begin dropping again.

For some patients, Dr. Ghafouri may recommend combining blepharoplasty with brow lift to maximize the effects. If enough brow skin and fat is pushing down on the eyelid, this can make it challenging to open the eyes fully with blepharoplasty alone.

Botox

Injections of this botulinum toxin can also alleviate your heavy eyelids. By lifting the eyebrow and skin on the forehead, the eyelids are no longer burdened by excess weight and can open more completely. Results last three to four months before subsequent Botox injections are necessary to maintain these results.

Laser Resurfacing

Another option for improving heavy eyelids is to use a laser treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin production while also tightening the skin around your eye. Although the results are not nearly as long-lasting as they are for blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing can provide similar results depending on a patient’s anatomy.

Speak to Dr. Ghafouri

If you are ready to refresh your appearance with bright, alert eyes, come speak to Dr. Ghafouri and the team at Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists to learn more about treatments for improving hooded eyelids. This subtle form of rejuvenation can significantly boost your appearance without it being obvious that you’ve undergone cosmetic enhancement. Schedule a consultation by calling (480) 905-1010 today.