Dermatochalasis is sagging skin around the eye area. The excess skin on the upper eyelids is also known as "drooping eyelids". Drooping eyelids in particular make a face look tired and older and, if severe, can even restrict the field of vision.

In the area of the upper eyelids, the sagging of the thin skin ("drooping eyelid") and the so-called "orbital septum" should be mentioned. This is a connective tissue membrane that holds the fat in which the eyeball is embedded in the eye socket. Sagging leads to a more pronounced protrusion of these fat compartments under the upper eyelid skin. The eyelids cannot be viewed in isolation, but are also dependent on their surroundings. For example, sagging in the forehead area can lead to drooping of the brows (see also forehead lift) and this can intensify the appearance of upper eyelid sagging. This dependency is of particular importance in the examination and consultation for the causal therapy of the changes complained of by the patient.

In the area of the lower eyelids, the "lacrimal sac" also corresponds anatomically to a protrusion of fat, which is originally positioned in the eye socket behind the orbital septum. The excess skin in the area of the lower eyelid is usually much less than expected.