Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Ptosis surgery (Droopy eyelid surgery)

Ptosis is the medical term for droopy lids, which can occur in one or both lids. Children with ptosis are often born with it, whereas adults usually get ptosis as a result of aging, prior surgery, or even long term contact lens use. There are various different ways to repair a ptotic lid and it depends on the type of ptosis and the surgeon’s preference. I perform various types of ptosis procedures and each one is catered to the patient’s type and severity of ptosis.  The recovery from ptosis surgery is usually quite rapid, and patients find themselves returning back to work within a few days.

This patient below had a mild ptosis of her right upper eyelid. She had a tired appearance and was unable to see well without having to raise her eyelids manually.

Preop

Figure1. Preoperative photograph showing a right upper lid ptosis. Note that her right upper eyebrow is also raised in order to compensate and help raise her right droopy lid.

Postop

Figure 2. One month after undergoing a ptosis surgery in the right upper lid. Note the improvement in the lid height, eyebrow position, and the symmetry she has in both eyelids.