Dermatochalasis is the medical term for excess, loose eyelid skin that often develops with age and can be treated with procedures such as blepharoplasty.
How dermatochalasis affects you
Stretched skin on the upper lids can hang over the lashes, causing heaviness, eyebrow strain, and reduced upper field of vision. On the lower lids it may appear as wrinkling or creping that makes the eyes look tired.
- May interfere with tasks like reading, driving, or using digital devices
- Can trap sweat or make applying eye make up difficult
- Sometimes associated with puffiness from underlying fat pads
- Assessment includes photographs and visual field testing where vision is affected
Treatment options and expectations
When dermatochalasis affects sight or causes significant bother, upper or lower blepharoplasty can remove the extra skin and reshape tissues. Your surgeon will discuss whether the aim is mainly functional, cosmetic, or both.
- Surgery is usually day case under local anaesthetic with or without sedation
- Recovery involves temporary bruising and swelling around the eyes
- Results typically last many years, though ageing continues naturally
- Non surgical options like skincare can complement but rarely replace surgery
