Q: What causes excess upper eyelid skin?

A: As we age, the eyelid skin stretches and sags (dermatochalasis). The eyelid crease disappears and the eyes look older. In some people the extra skin pushes the lashes inward against the eye or blocks upper vision.

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Q: Is it dangerous, and when should it be treated?

A: It is not seriously dangerous, but surgery should be considered when the skin blocks your vision, pushes the lashes into the eye, or causes chronic irritation at the outer corner from rubbing. Surgery can also be done for appearance.

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Q: What surgical methods are available?

A: There are 2 main methods: an incision on the eyelid (upper blepharoplasty), which can create a new crease, and an incision under the brow (sub-brow blepharoplasty), which hides the scar under the brow but cannot change the crease.

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Q: Eyelid incision or under-brow incision: which suits me?

A: If you have no crease and want one, and there is not much excess skin at the outer corner, an eyelid incision suits you. If you already have a double eyelid you like and do not want to change it, an under-brow incision suits you. The doctor will assess this at your examination.

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Q: Can excess eyelid skin and ptosis occur together?

A: Yes, and this is common in older adults. Excess skin is corrected by removing skin, while ptosis must be corrected at the muscle that lifts the eyelid. If only skin is removed in someone who also has ptosis, the eyes will still look sleepy and will not open fully.

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Q: Can older adults or people with medical conditions have surgery?

A: Most can, because the surgery is done under local anesthesia. Tell the doctor about any medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and any medicines you take, especially blood thinners, so surgery can be planned safely.

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Q: How long is recovery after excess eyelid skin surgery?

A: Stitches are usually removed after about 5-7 days, and most swelling and bruising settles within 1-2 weeks. An eyelid incision is hidden in the crease, and an under-brow incision is hidden along the brow line.

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Q: How long do the results last?

A: Results last for many years, but the skin keeps aging, so some people may develop sagging eyelid skin again after a long time.

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Q: How much does upper eyelid skin removal cost?

A: The price depends on each person's examination, and the clinic will quote the cost after the doctor's assessment. Factors include the type of surgery (skin removal only, or also correcting ptosis, eyelid fat or a brow lift), first surgery or revision, one side or both, and the amount of excess skin. To get a quote, book an examination with Assoc. Prof. Preamjit Saonanon via LINE @saonanon, online booking, or call +66 90 946 3090.