If dermatochalasis is severe enough to obstruct the peripheral or superior visual fields, then it may be treated with a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty. In blepharoplasty surgery, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. While the improvement of vision is an indication for blepharoplasty on the superior eyelid, if the visual fields are not obstructed, it may be performed for cosmetic reasons. In general, blepharoplasty of the inferior eyelid is considered cosmetic, as dermatochalasis in the lower eyelid does not interfere with vision.

A surgeon trained to do eyelid surgery, such as a plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist, is required to decide and perform the appropriate surgical procedure. The following procedures have been described for blepharochalasis:

- External levator aponeurosis tuck

- Blepharoplasty

- Lateral canthoplasty

- Dermis fat grafts

These are used to correct atrophic blepharochalasis after the syndrome has run its course.

Dermatochalasis commonly affects the elderly, although sometimes it is congenitally acquired. The elderly version may begin to develop as early as 40 years of age, and it continues to progress with age. The congenital version may begin around 20 years of age. There is no racial predisposition towards developing dermatochalasis, and men and women are equally affected.

Dermatochalasis is sometimes confused with blepharochalasis, but these are two different conditions.