Droopy Eyelids

Dermatochalasis, also known as “baggy eyelids”, occurs most often in people who are older than fifty. Since the skin and tissues around the eyes are very loose and thin, and is constantly being stretched daily with blinking and eye movements, this area is the most likely of all in the body for early wrinkles and droopiness.

Sometimes this skin actually lies on top of the lashes, so some patients are able to keep their eyes open only by keeping the eyebrow lifted using the muscles of the forehead. This may cause headaches and tired eyes, especially with reading. Vision may also be affected when the upper portion of vision is cut off by this extra tissue.

Dermatochalasis can be improved with eyelid surgery. In this surgery the extra skin is removed. Occasionally deeper layers of fat are also removed. Healing varies for each person, but scarring after surgery is usually minimal. If the vision is affected, which is measured by a test called a visual field, insurance may pay for the eyelid surgery.