Eyelid Ptosis Surgery: Everything You Should Know

Eyelid ptosis surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is an operation that corrects the drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid.

The muscle that lifts your upper eyelid, known as “the levator,” can get stretched and become weaker as you age.

As a result, your upper eyelid becomes droopy or sagging.

Ptosis can affect anyone, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

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Causes of Eyelid Ptosis

Drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid (“eyelid ptosis”) can result from several causes.

The severity of ptosis can range from minimal to severe, be present at birth, or develop later in life, and it can affect one or both eyes.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Age: As we age, the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid, can become stretched and weaker, leading to eyelid ptosis. It is a normal part of the aging process and is the most common cause of eyelid ptosis.
• Genetics: Some people are born with a weak levator muscle, which can lead to eyelid ptosis from a young age. It can also run in families.
• Injury: Trauma or injury to the eyelid or the area around it can damage the levator muscle, which can cause the eyelid to droop. Car accidents, sports injuries, and other traumas can cause it.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or nerve disorders, can also cause eyelid ptosis.
• Myasthenia gravis: This neuromuscular transmission disorder can also cause ptosis, diplopia, and muscle weakness.

Related: Ptosis: Droopy Eyelid Causes and Treatment

Techniques for Eyelid Ptosis Surgery

Your healthcare provider can use several different techniques during the surgery.

The choice of technique will depend on the following:

• What caused the ptosis
• How bad is it
• What the patient wants
• How experienced and skilled the surgeon is

Some of the common methods surgeons use include the following:

• Traditional technique: This is the most common technique for eyelid ptosis surgery. The procedure involves a surgeon making an incision in the eyelid to get rid of the extra skin and fat. During the surgery, a surgeon makes an incision in the eyelid and repositions the levator muscle and its associated tendons. Finally, they reposition the muscle and tissue to lift the eyelid. The traditional technique is common for patients with mild to moderate eyelid ptosis.
• Fasanella-Servat technique: Surgeons use this technique for patients with moderate to severe eyelid ptosis. The Fasanella technique can provide a more long-lasting and stable result but can also be more complex than the traditional technique.
• Levator resection technique: If you have severe eyelid ptosis, levator resection is your best option. It can provide a more dramatic improvement than the traditional or Fasanella-Servat techniques, but it also carries a higher risk of complications, such as dry eyes.

Before and After Photos of Lower and Upper Blepharoplasty

How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost?

Eyelid ptosis surgery, which is also called blepharoplasty, can have different costs depending on a number of things, such as:

• The technique used
• Surgeon’s fee
• The location of the practice

The average cost of ptosis surgery is $3,850, but it can range up to $11,000.

It’s important to know that most insurance providers consider eyelid ptosis surgery a cosmetic procedure and do not cover its costs.

Say you need ptosis surgery to fix ptosis that makes it hard to see or gives you other eye problems, or a doctor tells you to get it done.

In that case, some insurance companies may pay for the surgery.

However, you should check with your insurance company to be sure.

Related: How much does ptosis surgery cost, what is covered, and what factors influence the price?

How Soon Will I Recover?

Your healing process after eyelid ptosis surgery can differ from others.

Depending on your surgeon’s technique and how your body heals, expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes, which should subside within a week or two.

Pain is generally minimal, but you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medication if it is severe.

The surgeon will remove your stitches within 5-7 days.

It would be best if you rested with your head elevated to reduce swelling in the first few days after surgery.

Do not do hard work or heavy lifting for at least two to three weeks after surgery.

After surgery, do not touch the eye area. Take special care to avoid rubbing or scratching the incision.

For a few weeks, protect your eyes from UV rays. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Risks and Complications of Eyelid Ptosis Surgery

Potential complications from eyelid ptosis surgery include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Dry eyes
• Asymmetry
• The eyelid may not be lifted enough or lifted too much. In these cases, you may need revision surgery to correct the problem.

You may also lose feeling or have weakness in the eyelid, or you may not be able to close your eye all the way.

These complications are usually temporary, but in some cases, they may be permanent.

Before your surgery, ensure you have a thorough consultation with your surgeon.

Related: Laser Eyelid Surgery: Effective Way to Improve Your Eyes

Difference Between Eyelid Ptosis, Eyelid Lift, and Botox Injections

Eyelid ptosis surgery, an eyelid lift, and Botox injections are all procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the upper eyelid.

However, they work in different ways and have various benefits.

Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Ptosis Surgery

If you have a drooping or sagging upper eyelid, you can fix this problem using ptosis surgery.

It’s a more invasive procedure with more risks, but it can improve the look of your eyelids in a way that lasts longer.

Eyelid Lift

Also known as blepharoplasty surgery, this procedure removes extra skin and fat from the upper eyelid to improve your vision.

The surgical procedure can also correct excess skin and eyelid drooping.

Botox Injections

Botox injections are non-surgical.

They use a small muscle relaxant to temporarily improve the look of the upper eyelid.

The relaxant works by relaxing the muscle that causes hooding.

Botox injections are less invasive and have fewer risks than eyelid ptosis and eyelid lift surgery, but the results may not last as long.

Conclusion

Talk to a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or aesthetician to determine which procedure is best for you based on your condition and goals.

They take you through all of the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as what to expect during and after surgery, to ensure that your expectations for the outcome are realistic.

They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each procedure and help you make an informed decision.