{"id":2637,"date":"2023-04-11T14:21:06","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T18:21:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/ent\/academicaesthetics\/?page_id=2637"},"modified":"2023-05-10T10:21:57","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T14:21:57","slug":"droopy-eyebrows-and-eyelids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/ent\/academicaesthetics\/conditions\/droopy-eyebrows-and-eyelids\/","title":{"rendered":"Droopy Eyebrows and Eyelids"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is facial aging?<\/h2>\n

Facial aging<\/a> is a gradual and complex process that affects everyone. <\/em>As we get older, changes in the soft tissue (i.e., fat and muscle) and bone of our face lead to the hallmark signs of an older-appearing face such as fine lines and wrinkles, droopy eyebrows, droopy eyelids, prominent nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowling, and skin laxity. However, while everyone\u2019s face changes as they age, the initiation of this aging process and rate at which it progresses is highly individualized. <\/em>While people can control some factors which impact the aging process (e.g., using sun protection, avoiding tobacco products, exercising), much of this process is hereditary. \u00a0Oftentimes, the drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids are the first signs of aging that a patient will recognize.<\/p>\n

Characteristics of Youthful Eyes<\/h2>\n

The eyebrows and eyelids are intimately related.\u00a0 In other words, there is usually some combination of sagging of the eyebrows and eyelids together. In general, the youthful face is characterized by smooth contours and gradual, harmonious transitions between different facial features such as the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jawline, and neck. The fat beneath the skin camouflages the underlying bony skeleton so that no harsh transitions are visualized. The skin has an even texture without lines, wrinkles, and discolorations.<\/p>\n

Droopy Eyebrows and Eyelids<\/h2>\n

As the eyebrow\/eyelid complex ages, there is a gradual crowding of the eyes. As it becomes more advanced, it can affect one’s vision. In these cases, insurance may cover the cost of the procedure.<\/p>\n

The eyebrows descend and contribute to excess upper eyelid skin, making the eyes look smaller or giving the false impression of someone looking \u201cangry\u201d or \u201ctired\u201d.<\/p>\n

The bones above and below the eye become more apparent, creating more uneven contours and harsher transitions between facial features. Occasionally, this process is accompanied by weakening of certain eyelid muscles (levator palpebrae), causing the actual eyelid margin to crowd the vision, called ptosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How can the eyebrow\/eyelid complex be rejuvenated?<\/h2>\n

The goal of facial rejuvenation is to restore a natural but more youthful appearance\u00a0to the face. While botulinum toxin, and fillers may help with these changes, surgery may be necessary or preferred, depending on the specific changes around one\u2019s eyes. This can involve multiple procedures to restore a youthful appearance to the eyebrow\/eyelid complex. Some of the procedures include:<\/p>\n