Dermatochalasis in Columbus, Ohio
Dermatochalasis is the condition of having excess or loose eyelid skin and muscle, sometimes referred to as “baggy eyes”.
It is a common sign of aging around the eyes and it is often seen in older individuals. However, even younger individuals can develop quite significant excess loose skin, particularly those with conditions that lead to aggressive rubbing of the eyelid such as allergies, and sleep apnea, or systemic disease like thyroid eye disease, connective tissue disorders or idiopathic inflammation of the eyelids. Herniation of fat behind the eyelid skin and muscle can occur and cause a “puffy” appearance of the eyelids.
When there is significant laxity and redundancy of these tissues, it can cause gravitational weight on the upper eyelid creating a hooded appearance and heavy, tired sensation around the eyes. It can cause eyelid skin to hang over the eyelashes so that the eyelashes are hidden, or it may cause loss of the upper eyelid crease. There may even be a collection of sweat and moisture within the folds of the redundant eyelid skin causing irritation or dermatitis around the eyes.