If you’ve noticed that one or both of your eyelids seem to droop more than they used to—especially if it’s starting to interfere with your vision—you may be dealing with a condition called ptosis. Many people assume excess eyelid skin is to blame and consider cosmetic eyelid surgery, but in some cases, ptosis surgery is the more appropriate solution. At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, we help patients determine the true cause of drooping eyelids and recommend the right surgical approach.
Let’s take a closer look at what ptosis is, why it happens, and how surgery can restore your appearance and comfort.
What Is Eyelid Ptosis?
Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) is the medical term for drooping—in this case, upper eyelid drooping. It can happen in one or both eyes, causing the eyelid to sit lower than usual. Sometimes, the drooping is mild and mostly affects how the eye looks. But if it’s more severe, the eyelid can cover part or all of the pupil, which can block your vision. This usually affects the upper part of what you see, but in severe cases, it can hamper your direct line of sight.
As mentioned, people often confuse ptosis with excess skin on the upper eyelids, but they’re not the same. Ptosis involves the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid, typically the levator muscle. In contrast, excess skin is more of a surface-level, cosmetic concern. Some patients may experience both issues, which can be addressed together during surgery.
Types of Ptosis
Ptosis doesn’t always stem from the same cause. Understanding the type you have is the first step in determining the proper treatment approach.
Here are the most common types:
- Congenital Ptosis: Present at birth, often due to a poorly developed levator muscle.
- Acquired Ptosis: The most common type, typically linked to aging or stretching of the eyelid’s lifting structures over time.
- Neurogenic Ptosis: Caused by nerve-related issues, such as a problem with the third cranial nerve or conditions like Horner syndrome.
- Myogenic Ptosis: Related to muscle disorders like myasthenia gravis that weaken the eyelid muscles.
- Mechanical Ptosis: Occurs when something physically weighs the eyelid down, such as a tumor, cyst, or thickened skin.
No matter the cause, ptosis can be frustrating. Fortunately, surgery can often provide lasting relief and restore symmetry and function.
How Does Ptosis Surgery Work?
Ptosis repair surgery corrects the underlying problem with the eyelid’s lifting muscle. Depending on your condition, your surgeon may tighten, shorten, or reattach the levator muscle to raise the eyelid to a more natural position.
This outpatient procedure is typically done under local anesthesia with sedation. It can be performed independently or combined with other eyelid procedures, such as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, to achieve a smoother, more youthful look.
When Is Ptosis Repair Surgery Recommended?
Ptosis surgery isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. In many cases, it’s considered a functional necessity.
You may be a good candidate for ptosis treatment if:
- Your upper eyelid droops enough to block part of your vision
- You have to raise your eyebrows to see clearly or keep your eyelids open
- One eyelid sits lower than the other, creating facial asymmetry
- You’ve had ptosis since childhood, and it may be affecting your visual development
The good news? Ptosis repair doesn’t just restore your field of vision—it can also dramatically improve how alert and refreshed you look.
What To Expect From Ptosis Treatment
Surgery typically takes about an hour, and recovery is relatively quick. You might experience swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort for a few days, but most people return to regular routines within a week. Final results may take a few weeks to settle fully.
Learn about what affects the cost of eyelid surgery.
Take the First Step Toward Brighter, More Open Eyes
If you’ve been wondering how to fix ptosis or whether eyelid surgery is the right option for you, it may be time to explore your options. We invite you to call our office today at (850) 219-2000 or request a consultation using our online form.
Leave a Reply