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Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Droopy Eyebrows and Eyelids

What is facial aging?

Facial aging is a gradual and complex process that affects everyone. 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’s face changes as they age, the initiation of this aging process and rate at which it progresses is highly individualized. 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.  Oftentimes, the drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids are the first signs of aging that a patient will recognize.

Characteristics of Youthful Eyes

The eyebrows and eyelids are intimately related.  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.

Droopy Eyebrows and Eyelids

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.

The eyebrows descend and contribute to excess upper eyelid skin, making the eyes look smaller or giving the false impression of someone looking “angry” or “tired”.

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.

How can the eyebrow/eyelid complex be rejuvenated?

The goal of facial rejuvenation is to restore a natural but more youthful appearance to 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’s eyes. This can involve multiple procedures to restore a youthful appearance to the eyebrow/eyelid complex. Some of the procedures include:

Our facial aesthetics care team works together to provide the best outcome possible for each facial aesthetics patient. To achieve the best possible outcome, we may recommend that you see more than one provider at our center since each clinician has a specific area of expertise in the different aging face treatments. While many facial aesthetic practices do not have multiple expert clinicians practicing together, at the UNC Center for Facial Aesthetics, our team-based approach provides the highest level of expertise for each aspect of aging face treatment.  Each patient presents a unique anatomic picture and requires a different set of tools for optimal, natural facial reanimation. Every patient’s treatment is customized to fit their unique condition and goals. We will work with you to help restore facial form and function.

During your consultation at the UNC Center for Facial Aesthetics, we will discuss your goals for eyebrow or eyelid rejuvenation. If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss treatment for droopy eyebrows or eyelids, please call 984-974-2255 to make an appointment.