Understanding Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation: What You Need to Know

When patients come in wondering about saggy or heavy-looking eyelids, the solution is not always straightforward. At Metropolitan Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, Dr. Victoria Aimé carefully evaluates several key anatomic features during each consultation to determine the most appropriate rejuvenation plan for your upper face.

What causes eyelid heaviness?

Patients often describe their eyelids as saggy or hooded, but multiple underlying issues can contribute to this look. Dr. Aimé evaluates three main factors during assessment:

1. Eyebrow Position

As we age, the outer and central portions of the eyebrows may descend. This natural drooping can create a tired, angry, or heavy-eyed appearance. To correct this, an eyebrow lift may be recommended. This procedure lifts the brows to create a more open, refreshed look by increasing the space between the brow and the upper eyelid.

Some patients subconsciously compensate for low-set brows by constantly raising their eyebrows. Over time, this can lead to forehead wrinkles and even fatigue.  Addressing eyebrow position can dramatically improve both aesthetics and comfort.

2. Excess Eyelid Skin and Fat

The skin of the upper eyelid is delicate and prone to stretching over time from thousands of daily blinks and the natural aging process (we blink 15-20 times per minute, which is 14,000-19,000 blink per day!). This leads to redundant, hooded skin that may rest on the lashes, crease with makeup, or make the eyes look puffy or tired. In these cases, upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is often the solution.

During surgery, Dr. Aimé removes excess skin and may trim protruding fat pads, especially near the inner corner of the eye. This outpatient procedure is one of the most effective ways to refresh the upper face.

3. Eyelid Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid Margin)

A lesser-known but important condition is ptosis, in which the eyelid margin itself sits too low, sometimes even covering the pupil. This often becomes more noticeable later in the day or as patients age. Unlike skin or brow heaviness, ptosis is caused by weakening or stretching of the eyelid’s levator muscle. This can be present from a young age or may develop after an eye surgery or injury or just later in life with age.  

In these cases, Dr. Aimé performs a ptosis repair, a procedure that lifts and tightens the eyelid muscle so that the eyes are properly opened. It’s critical to distinguish ptosis from hooded eyelid skin, as only ptosis repair can correct this specific issue. Eyelid lifts or brow lifts alone will not fix true ptosis.

A Customized Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Aimé emphasizes the importance of a personalized consultation. Each patient has unique facial anatomy and goals. Some may benefit from one procedure, while others may need a combination of eyelid lift, brow lift, and ptosis repair for the most natural and effective results.

If you’re considering upper eyelid surgery or simply want to understand your options for eye rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Aimé. She’ll guide you through a detailed evaluation and help you choose the best plan for achieving refreshed, youthful eyes.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed about your options.