Eyelid Ptosis Surgery (Droopy Eyelids)
Eyelid ptosis repair can be a highly effective procedure to correct the appearance of droopy eyelids, which are usually caused by an age-related weakening of the eyelid muscles. This surgery is often performed at the same time as cosmetic blepharoplasty. Due to the inability of the eyelid musculature to fully lift the upper lids, ptosis—a medical term to describe “drooping”—can make the eyes appear sleepy or fatigued regardless of what emotions a patient is actually feeling. If your goals include repairing droopy eyelids, our highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon can speak with you about treatment options at our Minneapolis practice to help you restore a more lively, youthful expression.
What is Upper Eyelid Ptosis?
Eyelid ptosis is a condition that affects the upper lids, mostly due to the natural aging process. As individuals get older, the levator muscle tendons that support the eyelids can loosen and stretch. This can unfortunately cause the upper eyelids to appear droopy, sometimes even preventing the eyes from fully opening and restricting one’s peripheral vision. Some patients are born with eyelid ptosis, although the condition most commonly manifests with age. While droopy eyelids are usually harmless from a medical standpoint, ptosis can obstruct your line of sight in severe cases and/or unintentionally make you look drowsy and lethargic.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Ptosis Repair?
Surgical treatment for droopy eyelids is usually performed for patients who are bothered by the cosmetic and/or functional effects of eyelid ptosis. Good candidates for surgery are often:
- In good overall health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Experiencing symptoms such as upper eyelid sag, dry or watery eyes, or headaches from the need to constantly lift their eyebrows
- Required to tilt their head back in order to see or read (this is only prevalent in cases of severe ptosis)
Dr. Joe can review your medical history and evaluate your ptosis with a field of vision test during your consultation to help ensure you would benefit from the procedure. It’s important to note that a low-lying upper eyelid due to ptosis differs from eyelid “hooding,” which refers to an accumulation of lax upper eyelid skin that rests on or below the lash line. That said, the aesthetic effects of both conditions can look similar. If Dr. Joe finds your concerns are the result of loose eyelid skin rather than weakened eyelid musculature, he can still design a blepharoplasty treatment plan to smooth your eyelid contour and restore a more alert appearance.
How is Eyelid Ptosis Surgery Performed?
Eyelid ptosis repair is typically performed under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation. During the procedure, Dr. Joe will tighten the levator muscle tendons to lift the upper eyelids and correct a droopy appearance. This can be accomplished using a number of techniques, depending on the severity of ptosis experienced, the existing strength of the eyelid musculature, and whether previous eyelid surgery was performed. Dr. Joe is very careful to make incisions within the natural fold of the upper eyelid, thereby minimizing (or virtually eliminating) visible scarring after the procedure. Dr. Joe will explain all aspects of your surgery to you during your appointment so you have a good understanding of eyelid ptosis repair.
What is Recovery From Eyelid Ptosis Repair Like?
The recovery period after ptosis repair is often described as virtually painless. There may be mild swelling and/or bruising after the procedure, but these reactions are a normal response to surgery and can be well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Sutures are typically removed one week after the procedure if absorbable sutures were not utilized. At this time, patients can generally resume their daily routines, although exercise and strenuous activity should only be undertaken when cleared by Dr. Joe. Wearing eye patches is not necessary during recovery.
Reach out to Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation today.