The presence of excess skin, bulging fat, and increasingly loose muscles in and near the eye area may give way to an older, tired, or perpetually upset appearance. The appearance of wrinkles, folds, and fine lines have always been associated with genetics, aging, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, nutrition, and sun exposure. However, a recent study in Netherlands just revealed that there are actually specific risk factors that may influence one’s likelihood of having sagging eyelids.

Here’s an excerpt of the study’s results:

Among the group of Dutch Europeans, 17.8 percent had moderate to severe sagging eyelids. Risk factors for sagging eyelids included age, being male, having lighter skin color and a higher BMI. Current smoking also may have some association. Among the twin pairs, heritability of sagging eyelids was estimated at about 61 percent.

Sagging Eyelid Correction Surgery

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery revealed that eyelid surgery was the third most frequently performed procedure last year, up by 5.4 percent from 2012. The procedure, also known as blepharoplasty, reduces the appearance of the following:

• puffiness in the upper eyelids
• sagging or loose skin in the upper eyelids which may impair vision
• droopiness of the lower eyelids
• under eye bags

Blepharoplasty may be done separately or in combination on the upper and lower eyelids, depending on the patient’s cosmetic needs and preferences. In some cases, a brow lift may also be done in combination with eyelid surgery to improve the appearance of the brows and restore their naturally elevated position. Non-surgical alternatives such as Botox and dermal fillers may also be done as a finishing touch to eyelid surgery.

Can anyone have eyelid surgery?

Not everyone can have eyelid surgery. Generally, you are an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery if you are in excellent physical health and has realistic expectations of the procedure. In addition, you should be free (or well-controlled) of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure
• any type of cardiovascular disease
• glaucoma
• diabetes
• thyroid problems such as Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism
• dry eye syndrome

Furthermore, your existing facial anatomy such as bone structure may also influence your candidacy for sagging eyelid correction surgery.

Your Personalized Sagging Eyelid Correction Plan by Dr. Mosser

Dr. Mosser does more than perform eyelid surgery here at our San Francisco plastic surgery practice. A personalized sagging eyelid correction plan will also be created before surgery to ensure that desired outcomes will be achieved. Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment today.