Drooping Eyebrows: The What, Why, and How

Apart from forehead lines, sagging or droopy eyebrows are a common aging concern on the upper portion of the face. These can give you not only a sad or concerned appearance, but also make existing frown or forehead lines more prominent. They can, furthermore, make you look tired or older than you actually are.

So, what causes eyebrows to fall or droop? Does this naturally happen as people age? What can you do to prevent or fix droopy eyebrows? Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore discusses the what, why, and how of drooping eyebrows.

What are drooping eyebrows?

Drooping eyebrows refer to the sagging of the brows that usually occurs due to aging or weakened forehead muscles. They can alter facial expressions and as previously mentioned, make you appear sad, tired, and older than you are. Sagging eyebrows can also change the symmetry of your face, which can then negatively affect your confidence. 

Drooping eyebrows are also called brow ptosis, a condition that refers to the descent of the eyebrow from its normal position. Apart from the cosmetic issue of making you look tired and older, they can also have functional issues such as eyestrain and vision impairment

Why do eyebrows fall or droop?

Drooping eyebrows are common as people age. Several factors can also play a part, such as:

• Loss of skin elasticity in aging – it is common for the muscles in the brow and forehead to become less elastic with age. The natural aging process is a common culprit, causing wrinkles and sagging skin in different areas of the body. Gravity can also pull your brows down, which can also lead to the development of lines, folds, and wrinkles.
• Sun damage – prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can lead to the degradation of both collagen and elastin, the proteins that help keep the skin youthful. Ultraviolet damage also negatively affects the skin and its connective tissues, resulting in more sagging and wrinkles. This can also cause premature aging.  
• Genetics – Drooping eyebrows may be hereditary. If family members have this condition, you’re likely to have them too. There are also cases where it can be due to congenital brow ptosis, which means that the condition has been present since birth. 
• Certain medical conditions and trauma – Neurological conditions that affect the facial muscles such as Bell’s palsy and myasthenia gravis cause the eyebrows to sag or droop. The same can also be true for those who had injuries to the brow or forehead area.

How can you fix drooping eyebrows?

The right solution can depend on several factors such as the severity of droopiness and the patient’s preference. Injectables, energy-based treatments, and surgery can make a difference and give the face a refreshed appearance.

• Botulinum toxin – can be injected at the frontalis muscles (responsible for raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead skin) and create results similar to a surgical brow lift. It temporarily freezes the muscles underneath the skin to lift the brow, as well as softens the look of frown lines and horizontal forehead lines.
• Microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) – uses ultrasound energy to lift the skin on the face, brows, neck, and under the chin. MFU-V helps stimulate new collagen production that helps lift the eyebrow and give you an energized appearance. Results can be seen over a period of at least three months and can last for a year or two.
• Surgical brow lift – can help correct the position of drooping eyebrows and resolve forehead wrinkles. It involves making an incision at the hairline and lifting the skin, as well as elevating the outer corners of the brow. Since this procedure tightens the forehead skin, it can also cause lines and wrinkles to disappear. 

Can you prevent drooping eyebrows?

As previously mentioned, eyebrow sagging is a natural part of the aging process. Other underlying can also contribute to its development and the severity of the condition. A consultation with a medical professional is recommended to create a customized plan for your drooping brows.

Here are a few things that can help minimize the effects of aging on brow drooping and help slow down skin aging.  

• Protect your skin from the sun – Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is safe for the eye area. Accessorize with wraparound glasses that offer 100% UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection.
• Avoid frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrow too much – Over time, these facial expressions can weaken the muscles in your forehead and cause drooping eyebrows. You don’t need to avoid making facial expressions, but be sure to limit excessive or unnecessary movements.
• Don’t neglect your eye area – Take better care of the skin around your eyes by using quality products. Dr. Sylvia’s Espresso Eye Lift contains caffeine that can wake up dull and tired eyes, as well as minimize puffiness and dark circles. We also have the Brilliant Eye Complex, which helps combat the common signs of aging and hydrates delicate skin around the eyes.
• Consider aesthetic treatments – If drooping eyebrows are a concern for you, cosmetic procedures are worth considering. Botulinum toxin or MFU-V is ideal if you are looking for a subtle lift instead of a dramatic one. Both are also good options if you don’t want to go under the knife or are wary of the risks that come with a surgical procedure. 

Book a consultation today

Want to learn more about our non-surgical rejuvenation treatments or how we can help achieve your beauty goals? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.