Tightening Upper Eyelids

Do you suffer from sagging eyelids? Sagging eyelids affect vision and can also affect self-confidence and the aesthetic appearance of the eyes and surrounding area. You have certainly heard of eyelid lifting surgery, but before you decide to have cosmetic surgery, have you thought about how to naturally lift your eyelids? Some exercises can improve the function of facial muscles and improve the appearance of the targeted areas. Here we will discuss how to naturally lift your eyelids to treat sagging eyelids, and what is the effectiveness of natural methods, and when should the patient resort to eyelid lifting surgery.

What are the causes of sagging eyelids?

Before we discuss how to treat sagging eyelids, it is helpful to understand the factors that can cause drooping. Here are the main causes of sagging eyelids:

• Weakness in the muscles that raise the upper eyelid.
• Dysfunction of the nerves that control the muscles.
• Excess or sagging skin on the eyelids.

Some people are born with sagging eyelids, but congenital ptosis is not common and occurs in only about 1 in 840 children. Possible causes of congenital ptosis include:

• Weakness of the upper eyelid muscles.
• Genetic abnormalities.
• Weakness of the nervous system.

Some people may develop sagging eyelids with age, which is called acquired ptosis. As we age, the muscles of the eyelid responsible for raising and lowering the eyelid can weaken and cause sagging.

Other factors that may contribute to acquired ptosis include:

• Genetic disorders.
• Tumors around the eye or behind it.
• Infections in the area around the eye.
• Diabetes.
• Stroke.
• Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness.
• Swelling of the eyelid.
• Botox injections that mistakenly paralyze the muscles of the upper eyelid or eyebrow.
• Pingueculi inflammation.
• Migraine.

Do facial exercises help tighten eyelids naturally?

Some studies suggest that performing facial exercises at least three times a week for at least 20 weeks can improve the appearance of certain parts of the face. It is possible that exercises that target the muscles around the eye can lead to a slight improvement in eyelid drooping if done regularly.

What are the ways to tighten eyelids naturally?

There are no specific exercises to treat saggy eyelids, but exercises that target the muscles around the eye may be helpful. Some exercises that can be tried include:

• Warming and massaging the eyelids: It has been shown that warming and gently massaging the eyelids, even without exercise, increases blood circulation and nerve responses. It also prepares the eyelids for exercise by making the muscles more supple and flexible.
• Resistance training: Forcing the eyelids to exercise every hour may help tighten the eyelids naturally. Eyelid muscles can be exercised by raising the eyebrows and placing a finger underneath them and raising them for several seconds at a time while trying to close them, which creates resistance similar to weight lifting.
• Wide eyes: One of the easy and simple exercises suggested in tightening eyelids naturally

1. Open your eyes as wide as possible for about 5 seconds.
2. Relax your eyes for 5 seconds.
3. Continue for 30 seconds.

• Eyebrow lift: This exercise targets the frontalis muscle, which is connected to the eyelid lifting muscles.

1. Place your hands on your forehead and push it with a gentle pressure.
2. Using the muscles of your forehead, try to raise your forehead for 5 seconds.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

• Rapid eyelids:

1. Use two fingers to gently press on each temple.
2. Open and close your eyes quickly.
3. Continue for 20 seconds.

Lion's Breath

This yoga exercise is said to increase energy and detoxify the body. It may also help to tighten the muscles around the eyes and make them more elastic.

1. Open your eyes and gaze upward.
2. At the same time, stick your tongue out and down.
3. Hold for 5-10 seconds while exhaling.
4. You can repeat the exercise several times each day for maximum benefit.

Treatment options for saggy eyelids
In some cases, saggy eyelids can obstruct vision. In rare cases, they may lead to lazy eye or strabismus. In these cases, natural eyelid tightening methods are not effective and a surgical procedure is usually recommended by an eye doctor. Here are other treatment options for saggy eyelids.

Medications for saggy eyelids
An eye doctor may prescribe oxymetazoline drops for adults with acquired or congenital ptosis. The drops help to open the eye wider, and the person should apply these drops every day. Oxymetazoline drops are not effective in treating ptosis caused by injury or nerve problems.

Surgical eyelid lift
An eye surgeon performs ptosis surgery under local anesthesia to numb the eye and the surrounding area. The surgeon may need to make a simple adjustment to the levator muscle, while in more severe cases, the surgeon may work to strengthen the levator muscle and reattach it to the eyelid.

Conclusion
Saggy eyelids are a common occurrence with age. Some natural eyelid tightening methods, such as exercising the facial and forehead muscles, may help. However, if eyelid ptosis is severe, sudden, or affects vision and daily activities, it is important to consult an eye doctor and undergo eyelid lift surgery.

Now, learn more about eyelid lift and ask for a consultation with Dr. Osama Hakim, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, and founder and director of Medical Eye Center in Egypt.