Droopy eyelids are also known as skin or eyelid ptosis. It can be bothersome and make you look older. Things like genetics, getting older, and feeling tired can all cause your eyelids to droop.
This typically happens as we age because our skin and eyelid muscles lose strength over time, causing our eyelids to sag or look hooded. Some people have one droopy eyelid, while others have two.
Unfortunately, loose skin on the eyelids can cause eyesight problems. This is particularly noticeable when the lashes are covered by the upper eyelid. Choosing non-surgical treatments for drooping eyelids may be helpful if you have vision problems that interfere with your daily activities.
How To Fix Droopy Eyelids Without Surgery?
If you’re worried about droopy eyelids and loose skin, you’re not the only one. Many people are looking into ways to improve their appearance without surgery.
There are lots of non-surgical treatments and home remedies that can make the skin around your eyes look better. These treatments can help you get rid of wrinkles, fill in hollow areas, and tighten droopy eyelids. An oculoplastic surgeon can help you figure out the best treatment for you.
- Superior Sulcus Fillers
- Eyelid Exercises
- Sofwave Ultrasound
- Eye Drops
- Home Remedies
- Lifestyle Changes
Let’s check these non-surgical treatments below in detail:
1. Superior Sulcus Fillers
Superior sulcus fillers can make hollow droopy eyelids look better by adding volume. The results usually last from 6 months to a few years, and the procedure is usually done with a numbing cream. It typically takes about 15 minutes.
The fillers are usually made of hyaluronic acid, which binds to water in the skin to make the tissue fuller. They are a type of injection that is quick, easy, and not very painful. You can get it done in just one visit.
2. Eyelid Exercises
Eyelid exercises could help reduce drooping. This can be accomplished by lifting your eyebrows, putting your finger underneath, and holding them there for a short period of time while attempting to close your eyes. This is like lifting weights for your eyelids. Quick blinking and eye-rolling also help tone your eyelid muscles.
But remember, you’ll need to be patient and give in some time—maybe 20 to 30 minutes a day, six or seven days a week—to see any changes.
3. Sofwave Ultrasound
Sofwave is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment. It is a treatment that helps with mild to moderate skin concerns like drooping and sagging. It works by using a special technology called Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB™) to send ultrasound energy deep into the skin, heating it up and making it produce more collagen. This makes the skin look better and reduces droopiness around the eyes.
The treatment can also lift the eyebrows and reduce wrinkles in the periorbital area without surgery. It’s a safe and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of the skin.
4. Eye Drops
Eye drops are an alternative for treating drooping eyes if you are not looking for surgery. Upneeq is a prescriptive eye drop and the first medicine licensed by the FDA to treat droopy eyelids.
It has oxymetazoline as an active component. With the help of these eye drops, the muscle that raises the eyelid is contracted, causing it to open more than it could have before treatment.
5. Home Remedies
Home remedies are a natural and cost-effective way to address droopy eyelids. One popular remedy involves applying cucumber slices or cold compresses to the eyes to reduce puffiness and relax the eyelid muscles. You can also try using chamomile tea bags, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe & calm the skin.
Another home remedy involves using facial massage techniques to stimulate blood flow and tighten the skin around the eyes. Gently massage your eyelids with a circular motion, using your ring fingers to apply gentle pressure. This can help to increase blood flow & reduce the appearance of droopy eyelids.
6. Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on the appearance of droopy eyes. By incorporating the following habits into your daily routine, you can help to reduce the signs of ageing and promote overall skin health:
- Sun Protection: Wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen around the eyes can help preserve collagen and elastin and improve the overall appearance of the eyes.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can speed up the skin’s ageing process by reducing blood flow and breaking down collagen, making droopy eyelids more noticeable. Quitting smoking can help to improve skin health and reduce the signs of ageing.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can improve skin health and resilience, reducing the appearance of droopy eyelids.
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can contribute to overall skin health by improving circulation, boosting collagen production, and reducing stress.
- Sufficient Sleep: Getting at least eight hours of sleep a night can help maintain overall skin health, prevent issues like eye puffiness and drooping, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a more youthful look.
At Perfect Eyes Limited, we offer a range of treatments, including ptosis surgery, superior sulcus fillers, etc., which can help transform the appearance of the upper eyelid.
We understand that with so many droopy eye treatments available, it can be hard to know which is right for you. That’s why, during your consultation with us, we’ll take the time to explain the treatment from start to finish so you can make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body, and it is important to take care of it. Having droopy eyelids is common and usually happens as we get older. You might be able to make them stronger with some exercises. By following a good skincare routine and living a healthy lifestyle, you can keep the skin of your eyes looking young and beautiful.
Even if you don’t think your drooping eyelids are a big problem, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can recommend ways to protect your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to fix droopy eyelids instantly?
While there’s no permanent instant fix for droopy eyelids, here are some quick temporary solutions to help you look more refreshed:
- Cold compress: Apply a cold, damp washcloth to your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes to reduce puffiness and tighten the skin.
- Eye creams or gels: Use a caffeine-based or peptide-rich eye cream or gel to constrict blood vessels and temporarily firm the skin.
- Eye massage: Gently massage your eyelids with a circular motion to increase blood flow and reduce fluid accumulation.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate droopy eyelids. Take a power nap or get a good night’s sleep to help your eyes look more refreshed.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- Makeup: Use makeup techniques like applying light eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara to create the illusion of more open eyes.
- Eye strips or patches: Use adhesive eye strips or patches to temporarily lift and support your eyelids.
2. How can I make my eyelids firmer?
You can use some natural remedies at home. For example, applying cold things like cucumber slices or chamomile tea bags, as well as using serums, can help tighten your eyelid skin.
3. What is a good vitamin for droopy eyelids?
Vitamin A is good for droopy eyelids. It helps the skin make more collagen, which can make it look younger. It can also make the muscles in your eyelids stronger, which can help reduce droopiness.
4. At what age do eyelids start to droop?
Eyelids can start to droop at any age. Most people start to notice drooping eyelids after 40, but it can happen earlier in some cases.
5. What causes eyelid drooping?
Eyelids can droop for various reasons such as ageing, tiredness, injury, and certain nerve conditions. Other potential causes include smoking, lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, thyroid problems, facial or eye injury, oxidative stress, allergies, & sinus disease.