Ptosis details Overview

Droopy lids, also known as ptosis, is a condition where the upper lid covers the eye. It can vary in degree and severity (mild, moderate, severe). It happens due to weakness of the lid lifting muscle (which is called ‘levator’).

Depending on the degree of the droop, you may:

Have a cosmetic blemish
Look tired or sleepy
Experience obstruction in the visual field
Have difficulty in reading
Suffer from headaches
Have decreased vision (mainly in children)

Ptosis repair is undertaken through surgical or non-surgical methods depending on the severity of the droop.

Treatment Procedure

The ptosis repair procedure is a surgical procedure performed to correct droopy eyelids. The technique depends on the underlying cause of the ptosis and the severity of the droop. In general, there are three main approaches to ptosis repair

Levator resection: This technique involves shortening the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. An incision is made in the eyelid’s crease, a small section of the muscle is removed, and reattached to the eyelid to lift it.
Frontalis sling: This technique is used when the levator muscle is weak or damaged. A small incision is made in the eyelid, and a piece of material (such as silicone, nylon, or a patient’s own tissue) is attached to the eyelid and the forehead muscle (frontalis). The material acts as a sling to lift the eyelid.
Müller muscle resection: This procedure involves removing a small portion of the muscle that lifts the eyelid by making an incision into the transparent tissue covering the eye’s white called the conjunctiva. This type of treatment is usually used for mild or moderate ptosis.

Ptosis repair surgery is typically conducted under local anaesthesia and lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. It is essential to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and a successful outcome. Post-procedure, patients may experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising. These can be addressed with pain medication and cold compresses.

Facilities & Services

Clinica Fai is India’s leading eye and face plastic surgery clinic. We have our state of the art clinic based on international standards in Jubilee Hills Hyderabad. When you come to Clinica Fai for your treatment, we will work closely with you throughout your journey to provide you with a customised treatment plan to meet your needs and budget. We have partnerships with leading hospitals like Apollo Hospitals in case of any emergencies and also other cosmetic clinics like Yoniq for ancialliary and complementary treatments.

FAQs

What is ptosis, and what causes it?

Ptosis is when the upper eyelid droops or sags, making the eye appear smaller and affecting vision. Ptosis can be caused by various factors, including ageing, genetics, nerve or muscle damage, or certain medical conditions.

How is ptosis repair surgery performed?

Ptosis repair surgery involves tightening the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. The surgeon may make an incision in the eyelid’s natural crease or inside the lid to access the muscle. The procedure can usually be performed on an outpatient basis using local anaesthesia.

How long does it take to recover from ptosis repair surgery?

There may be some swelling and bruising around the eye initially. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. Most patients can return to normal activities within two weeks of the procedure.

Will ptosis repair surgery improve my vision?

If your ptosis is severe enough to obstruct your vision, ptosis repair surgery can help improve your field of vision. However, in cases of mild ptosis where there is no impact to the vision to begin with, surgery may be more of a cosmetic procedure to enhance the appearance of your eyes.

What are the potential risks and complications of ptosis repair surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, ptosis repair surgery also comes with risks like bleeding, infection, scarring, eyelid asymmetry, and temporary or permanent changes in eyelid position or movement. However, these are rare and minimal when the procedure is performed by a trained oculoplastic surgeon.