Eyelid ptosis is a condition where the eyelid muscle or tendon weakens and the opening of the eyelid becomes smaller. There are many causes for eyelid ptosis – the most common is simply involution (aging). Now aging does not always mean older. Sometimes patients in their 30’s can have this kind of ptosis. While they are not old – the eyelid muscle and or tendon may have prematurely aged. It is important to separate eyelid ptosis from excess upper lid skin (dermatochalasis). Excess skin requires skin excision (blepharoplasty) while ptosis requires repairing the eyelid muscle or tendon (levator muscle or tendon) which raises the eyelid. This is called a ptosis repair surgery.
Ptosis surgery is a more complex procedure than standard blepharoplasty. The surgeon must be trained in eyelid surgery and have significant experience with ptosis surgery. If not performed correctly, ptosis surgery can lead to major problems with the eye and vision. PLEASE make sure your ptosis repair surgeon is a specialized eyelid surgeon (oculoplastic or ophthalmic plastic surgeon) who has performed many ptosis corrections previously.
Ptosis surgery can be performed from inside the eyelid without an external incision, or through the skin. Your surgeon will tell you in the consultation which approach is best for you.
Below is an example of a ptosis surgery on the right upper lid. On the left is the before picture and on the right the after surgery photograph. As you can see ptosis surgery can significantly improve vision by opening the eye and also appearance.
Please open this link for more examples of ptosis surgery by Dr. Massry http://www.drmassry.com/#/2-4
