A quick search on YouTube or TikTok will turn up countless videos promoting eyelid exercises to lift droopy lids, firm sagging skin, or reduce hooded eyes—all without surgery. But do these DIY facial workouts actually work? Or are they just internet myths with no medical backing?
As a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kian Eftekhari of the Eyelid Center of Utah in Salt Lake City regularly hears from patients asking if eyelid exercises are a legitimate alternative to surgery. In this blog, we’re breaking down what’s real, what’s wishful thinking, and what your best options are for achieving youthful, refreshed eyes.
Why Do Eyelids Droop in the First Place?
Before we evaluate eyelid exercises, it’s important to understand why the eyelids change over time. Eyelid drooping (also known as ptosis) and sagging of the skin around the eyes are incredibly common as we age. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 325,000 blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) procedures were performed in a recent year alone, making it one of the top five cosmetic surgeries in the U.S.
So what causes eyelid sagging?
- Loss of skin elasticity due to reduced collagen production
- Weakening of the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid
- Gravity and repetitive motion, pulling the eyelid tissues downward
- Fat redistribution, which can create puffiness or hollowness
- Genetics, which can lead to earlier or more significant changes
These changes aren’t usually fixable with simple exercises—because muscles and skin behave differently when it comes to aging.
The Appeal of Eyelid Exercises
The idea behind eyelid exercises is that by “working out” the muscles around the eyes, you can tone and lift the eyelid area—similar to how squats tone the legs. Some popular techniques include:
- Repeatedly opening and closing the eyes
- Applying finger pressure while lifting the brows or lids
- Using facial massage tools under the brows
- Trying to isolate and strengthen the levator palpebrae muscle
Unfortunately, these exercises lack scientific support—and in some cases, may even do more harm than good.
Dr. Eftekhari’s Professional Take
In a recent video commentary, Dr. Eftekhari addresses the viral claims surrounding eyelid exercises. As a surgeon who has performed thousands of eyelid procedures, he emphasizes that:
- Muscles like the levator are not easily “strengthened” with exercises—especially not through external manipulation.
- Most eyelid sagging is caused by stretched or thinned skin, not weak muscles.
- Excessive pulling or stretching of the eyelid skin can actually accelerate sagging and contribute to wrinkles.
In short, if your eyelids are already showing signs of age or ptosis, exercise is unlikely to produce a meaningful lift.
The Risks of Relying on Eyelid Exercises
Putting your trust in internet tutorials can have consequences if you’re avoiding more appropriate treatment. Risks of relying on eyelid exercises include:
- Wasted time with no visible improvement
- Frustration or disappointment, leading to delayed care
- Skin irritation or stretching, worsening the problem
- Delayed diagnosis of medical conditions like ptosis, which can affect vision
According to clinical research, eyelid ptosis can interfere with the visual field in up to 70% of patients when it becomes severe—especially in older adults. That’s not something that should be ignored or treated with DIY solutions.
What Actually Works? Your Best Options
While eyelid exercises may not live up to the hype, there are proven, effective treatments for drooping eyelids—and not all of them involve surgery.
- Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
This is the gold standard for removing excess skin and reshaping the upper eyelids. It can dramatically improve both appearance and vision when the lids are obstructing the eyes. Results are natural-looking, long-lasting, and tailored to your facial anatomy. - Ptosis Repair Surgery
When the levator muscle has weakened or detached, ptosis repair corrects the underlying issue by tightening or reattaching the muscle. It’s especially effective for patients with true drooping of the eyelid margin. - Upneeq Prescription Drops
For those with mild ptosis or a desire for a non-surgical boost, Upneeq is a daily eye drop that temporarily lifts the upper eyelid by stimulating Müller’s muscle. It’s a great option for special events or for patients who aren’t yet ready for surgery. - Brow Lift
Sometimes droopy eyelids are actually caused by the brows falling lower over time. In these cases, a brow lift may be recommended in combination with or instead of eyelid surgery. - Laser Skin Resurfacing or Tightening
For younger patients with mild skin laxity, non-surgical skin tightening or resurfacing can improve the texture and tone of the eyelid skin—but it won’t reposition sagging muscles or excess fat. - Sagging upper eyelids that make your eyes look tired or aged
- Puffiness, folds, or hooding above the eyes
- Difficulty applying makeup to the eyelids
- Eyelids interfering with your vision
- Frustration with non-surgical treatments that don’t work
When to See an Eyelid Specialist
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to consult a qualified oculofacial plastic surgeon:
At the Eyelid Center of Utah, Dr. Kian Eftekhari offers expert consultations and customized treatment plans based on your facial anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re ready for surgery or exploring your non-surgical options, you’ll get honest guidance from one of the leading eyelid specialists in Salt Lake City.
Final Thoughts: Skip the Fads, Trust the Facts
It’s tempting to believe that a few minutes of facial exercise a day can erase years from your appearance—but the reality is, eyelid aging is structural, and reversing it requires more than a massage.
While eyelid exercises are unlikely to cause major harm, they’re also unlikely to deliver real, lasting results. If you’re truly ready to improve the look and function of your eyelids, trust your face to a board-certified specialist who understands the intricate balance of art and anatomy.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kian Eftekhari at the Eyelid Center of Utah today and take the next step toward brighter, more youthful eyes—backed by expertise, not internet trends.
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