Sagging eyelids? Here are the best aesthetic medicine solutions (and a lifting effect eye drops)

In medical terminology, the term ptosis is used to describe drooping or abnormal drooping of the eyelids. “When this condition is not linked to hereditary factors, in most cases it manifests itself with the aging of skin tissues, which lose tone and elasticity ”, explains Stefan Dima, dermatologist and head of the Department of Aesthetic Medicine USI International Health Union Rome. To counter this phenomenon, cosmetics and pharmacology are constantly engaged in the search for a solution. One help could be eye drops approved in the United States by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It is about an ophthalmic solution, based on oxymetazoline hydrochloride capable of lifting the upper eyelids. “It does not replace aesthetic blepharoplasty which instead corrects excess skin, but it can be an aid tool in aesthetic medicine to resolve a rare complication that botulinum toxin can cause when it involuntarily acts on the muscle that elevates the upper eyelid, determining its ‘lowering and the inability to fully open the eye », he underlines Salvatore Piero Fundarò, president of Aiteb, Italian Association of Botox Aesthetic Therapy. “It is a usually mild complication that occurs a few days after treatment and disappears spontaneously a couple of months after onset. This eye drops can help reduce the entity while waiting for its disappearance because it acts on the Müller muscle (which regulates movement) by lifting the eyelid ».

While waiting for the anti-ptosis eye drops to be approved also in Europe and, therefore, can also be used in Italy, doctors propose various options, surgical and otherwise, to correct this problem.

Blepharoplasty is the surgical remedy

It is the most requested intervention in the age group between 40 and 50 years. Compared to the procedures of the past, today it is less invasive and guarantees extremely natural results. “The scalpel is used to make incisions along the upper eyelid crease. After removing the excess, the two ends are rejoined with a continuous intradermal suture that includes a single point “, says Marco Klinger, professor of plastic surgery at the University of Milan and head of the plastic surgery unit at the Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano (MI). «This kind of surgery is always performed under local anesthesia with reduced sedation and recovery times. An almost invisible scar remains ». Costs starting from 5,000 euros.

The no-scalpel protocols for droopy eyelids

Avoiding the use of a scalpel is possible thanks to minimally invasive and tested protocols, which produce the effect of lifting the eyelids. “These are procedures that give interim but extremely satisfactory results,” emphasizes Stefan Dima. Let’s see the most effective ones.

• Plasma Exeresi – Plexr. «It is an instrument that delivers a magnetic field capable of generating plasma (ionized gases). Directed on the skin they create superficial micro-abrasions, while in depth they cause a contraction of the collagen and elastin fibers and stimulate their production. Crusts form which disappear in a few days, and for this reason the procedure should not be performed in the summer. The use of this tool requires adequate training, and therefore it is essential that the professional has adequate preparation ». The result lasts up to 3-4 years, with costs ranging from 200 to 800 euros.
• Resorbable tensile threads of polydioxanone – PDO Threads. “They perform a non-surgical eyebrow lift. They are anchored at specific points that connect the sides of the eye to the hairline. They are invisible and represent a very widespread method ». The results last about a year, with costs starting from 300 euros.
• Fractional laser. «It heats the tissue causing it to retract and produces small wounds that heal in a few days. Its action can be compared to that of Plasma Exeresi – Plexr: it stimulates the collagen and elastin fibers, stimulating their production ». The result lasts about 2 years with costs starting from 150 euros per session.
• Carboxytherapy. «The CO₂ gas, or carbon dioxide, is injected into the subcutaneous tissue. It produces a tightening effect able to effectively counteract the ptosis of the eyelids. It calls in oxygen and stimulates deep regeneration. It significantly improves the appearance of the skin ». Costs from 80 to 120 euros per session, with results lasting up to 6 months.