Dr Véronique Emmenegger
Medical and surgical solutions for drooping eyelids (ptosis)
Ptosis, or drooping eyelids, has multiple origins, most often related to the natural aging of the skin and muscles. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, eyelid muscles weaken, and excess skin or fat can weigh down the upper eyelids. Other contributing factors may also come into play: genetics, sun exposure, smoking, fatigue, or significant weight loss can all be at the root cause. In rare cases, it may even be of neurological or traumatic origin, requiring specialised care. While ptosis may be purely aesthetic, it can also affect vision.
Nowadays, a range of effective treatments exist, from non-invasive procedures to surgery. The right approach depends on skin laxity, quality, the patient’s goals, and whether the concern is functional or cosmetic.
Injections:
Botulinum toxin is still a very interesting solution, being able to provide spectacular results by subtly lifting the outer brow and opening the gaze. Hyaluronic acid injections, on the other hand, smooth fine lines and restore volume under the eyes. These solutions are temporary (6–12 months), and may delay or replace surgery for mild cases.
Thulium Laser:
Using fractional photothermolysis, the Thulium laser stimulates collagen and gradually tightens the skin, improving firmness and tone. The result is a progressive retraction of the skin, regaining tension without incision marks of scars. This non-invasive method requires several sessions.
Surgical Blepharoplasty:
When sagging or fat deposits are significant, blepharoplasty is the gold standard. Performed under local anaesthetic or mild sedation, this outpatient procedure removes excess skin or fat. Recovery involves temporary swelling (oedema) and bruising, leaving transitory ecchymoses. Scars are hidden in natural folds and fade out with time. Results are long-lasting, generally extending to 10 years or more.
At Clinic Lémanic, we believe in personalised, integrative care. Every patient undergoes a full medical evaluation to determine the best treatment—medical, surgical, or a tailored combination. Aesthetic outcomes are optimised when procedures are customised to each face and need. Sometimes, a combination of techniques is suggested by the specialist to restore the gaze with harmony. One of the essential points of our patient care is our focus on scarring prevention and reduction. We thus propose complementary protocols, combining treatments of the skin and customised patient follow-up. What ensues are natural results, shorter downtime, and long-term satisfaction, all while minimizing any signs of treatment, for a quick turnover back to everyday life.
In summary, drooping eyelids can be effectively treated with a broad spectrum of safe and proven techniques. A customised plan is key to restoring both visual comfort and a durable, refreshed, natural appearance.
Dr Véronique Emmenegger
Doctor of Medicine. Double qualification as a specialist FMH (Switzerland) in dermatology, venereology, allergology and clinical immunology. In 1998, she co-founded Clinic Lémanic in Lausanne, Switzerland, dedicated to anti-aging medicine and the health and beauty of the skin. She has been its medical director for over 25 years. She has won several international awards, including the IIPP Prize for Merit in the Development of Medical and Aesthetic Technologies at UNESCO in Paris, and the Prize for the Best Clinic in Anti-Aging and Preventive Medicine awarded in Monaco in 2023.
More: cliniclemanic.ch
