Causes of Eyelid Sagging: Dermatochalasis

Sagging eyelids can lead to significant aesthetic and medical issues. They can give your eyes a constant tired and withered appearance that detracts from your natural beauty. Severely sagging eyelids can also impair your vision. If the sagging is severe, it can interfere with and limit your field of vision.

Dermatochalasis is one of the medical conditions that causes severe eyelid sagging. The condition is characterized by the presence of excess skin on the lower and upper eyelids. The condition occurs when the connective tissue that supports the eyelids begins to lose its elasticity.

This can be the result of the aging process; exposure to external factors like gravity, trauma, genetic factors; and as a result of systemic diseases like thyroid-associated orbitopathy, kidney failure, and connective tissue disorders.

Complications from dermatochalasis can be both aesthetic and functional. In terms of appearance, dermatochalasis produces baggy eyes with noticeable skin folds that give your eyes a dull and weary look. However, the aesthetic issues caused by dermatochalasis are not as concerning as the functionality issues it produces.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has proven to be a highly effective solution for individuals suffering from dermatochalasis. The procedure improves your field of vision and your appearance and can be personalized to provide your required level of correction and to produce your desired results.

For help with diagnosing or treating dermatochalasis, please contact us to schedule a consultation with fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis.