For such a small part of the body, the eyelids can have a significant impact on your appearance. They contribute to the attractiveness of not only your eyes but also the rest of your face, as puffy eyelids, for example, can take away from the natural beauty of your eyes and overall face.
Moreover, this small, thin, delicate flap of skin can incur a variety of problems that can also affect the health of your eye. This can lead to red eyes, excessive tearing, or constant itching and irritation. Los Angeles oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Mehryar (Ray) Taban and his staff at TabanMD are eye specialists with the skill, training, and experience necessary to diagnose and treat a wide range of eyelid problems.
Let’s take a look at 5 common eyelid problems and how Dr. Taban can address them to help you achieve your aesthetic or medical goals.
The Most Common Eyelid Conditions
Eyelid Ptosis (Droop or Sag)
Eyelid ptosis is a condition in which your eyelid droops or sags lower than normal. Ptosis can affect either the upper or lower eyelid or both eyelids simultaneously. And although ptosis is common in older adults, it can happen in both children and younger adults, as well.
In addition to aging, typical causes for eyelid ptosis include illness, eye trauma, thyroid dysfunction, or a neuromuscular disorder. These can result in damage or weakness of the levator muscles, which lift and hold the eyelid up.
Droopy eyelid surgery, or eyelid ptosis surgery, is effective for tightening the levator muscles, lifting the eyelid, and keeping it in its normal position. Dr. Taban’s skill and technique result in no visible scar and an eye contour that is flattering and natural-looking.
In many cases, an upper eyelid lift (upper blepharoplasty) is also effective if the droopy eyelid is caused by excess skin or fat. Either procedure can restore a youthful appearance to the eye.
Eyelid Ectropion
A severe case of eyelid ptosis can lead to a condition called eyelid ectropion, in which a droopy lower eyelid folds or turns outward so that the surface of the inner eyelid is exposed.
Ectropion often disrupts tear drainage, which can lead to:
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Redness and burning
- Excessive tearing
- Conjunctivitis or “pink eye”
If you have eyelid ectropion, Dr. Taban may recommend oculoplastic surgery, such as the following:
A canthoplasty to tighten a droopy eyelid for better eye contour.
Cicatricial ectropion eyelid surgery that involves taking a skin graft from the upper eye fold to lift the eyelid
Eyelid Entropion
Another type of severe eyelid ptosis can lead to entropion, in which a loose lower eyelid turns inwards. This can result in the eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball, which causes irritation, redness, discomfort, and excessive tearing. In many cases, eyelid entropion is caused by weak or stretched tendons that can no longer keep the eyelid in a comfortable position.
Eyelid entropion may be addressed with oculoplastic surgery to strengthen, tighten, and reposition the eyelid by reattaching the tendons to keep the eyelid in its normal position. If you’re not interested in surgery, Botox can be a temporary, though effective, solution in some cases.
Eyelid Chalazion (Stye)
A stye is a pus-filled bump resembling a pimple on the eyelid. It is the result of a blocked tear gland, usually caused by a bacterial infection. If it persists more than a few days, it is called an eyelid chalazion.
A chalazion sometimes disappears without treatment or can often be corrected with antibiotic eye drops. However, eyelid surgery is often required to drain the bump.
Sunken Eyelid/Tear Trough Deformity
A sunken eyelid is a condition in which under-eye circles are aggravated enough to give you the appearance of having a sunken eye socket. It often results from one or more of the following:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Irregular diet
- Little or no sleep
In many cases, the under eye area has a hollow appearance, which makes the eye circles appear even darker and the eyes even more sunken. This hollowness is referred to as tear trough deformity.
A wide range of treatments can be implemented. Sometimes, simply applying moisturizing cream or lotion and makeup can resolve the issue. Dr. Taban can administer an injection of hyaluronic facial fillers, such as Restylane or Belotero, or a fat transfer injection. For more severe cases, he may decide that a tear trough implant or blepharoplasty is more effective. A combination of the above may also be chosen as the best solution.
For More about Common Eyelid Problems, Contact Dr. Taban
The eyelid is a delicate, yet important part of the body. Dr. Taban and the TabanMD oculoplastic surgery team are experts at diagnosing and determining the correct treatment plan based on each patient’s unique condition, its severity, and aesthetic or medical goals. For a consultation, contact us online or call our Beverly Hills or Santa Barbara locations.
Next, read Oculoplastic Surgeon vs Facial Plastic Surgeon – Which Is Better for Your Eyelid Surgery?