Cosmetic Services

Cosmetic Ptosis

Ptosis Repair (Ptosis Surgery/ Eyelid Muscle Surgery) See the Gallery
Ptosis is drooping of the eyelid, in that the eyelid margin (where the eyelashes are) is low. It may be present on one or both eyelids. Many things can cause ptosis, but cosmetic ptosis is usually due to stretching of the eyelid muscle (levator) tendon. Ptosis surgery is a type of eyelid lift that helps open the eye. Ptosis surgery can be performed from an upper eyelid incision or from an incision on the inside of the eyelid. Ptosis repair may be performed by itself, with a blepharoplasty, or in combination with other eyelid surgery.

Commonly asked questions about ptosis surgery

What results can I expect from cosmetic ptosis repair?

Ptosis repair is an eyelid lift procedure that is designed to fix a “low” or “dropped” eyelid. The procedure raises the eyelid, so that the margin of the eyelid (where the eyelashes are) is higher. It is a type of eyelid surgery that is used to help “open the eye”. Cosmetic ptosis repair is usually performed to give an extra lift to the eyelid so that eyes appear less tired and more vibrant. Cosmetic ptosis repair is often performed at the same time as blepharoplasty to help give an extra little “lift” to the eyelid.

How is cosmetic ptosis surgery performed?

In general, there are two main types of cosmetic ptosis surgery, the external and internal approach. External ptosis repair involves a small incision in the upper eyelid fold. The slipped eyelid muscle (the levator muscle) is identified and advanced or reattached to its natural position. Internal ptosis repair involves and incision on the inside of the eyelid, so there is no visible incision. The eyelid muscle tendon is then tightened from the incision underneath the eyelid. Dissolvable sutures are used for internal ptosis repair.

What is the recovery like after cosmetic ptosis repair?

Most patients have very little discomfort after cosmetic upper eyelid surgery. As with blepharoplasty, most patients can go back to light activity the next day. Depending on the approach (internal or external), and if a blepharoplasty is performed at the same time, the sutures may or may not be dissolvable. If non-dissolvable, then the sutures are usually removed in 5-7 days. Swelling and bruising are usually mild and subside fairly quickly.

How long does cosmetic ptosis surgery to perform?

Cosmetic ptosis surgery takes usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The actual surgical time may be longer if cosmetic ptosis repair is performed in combination with other eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty.

Should I have an upper blepharoplasty at the same time as cosmetic ptosis repair?

Cosmetic ptosis repair is frequently performed at the same time as upper blepharoplasty or other eyelid surgery. Every patient is different and what one patient needs for eyelid surgery is often different from another. At your consultation, Dr. Vidor will evaluate you and take measurements to determine what type or combination of eyelid surgery is right for you.

Where is cosmetic ptosis repair performed and what type of anesthesia is used.

As with blepharoplasty, cosmetic ptosis repair can be performed either in the office or in an outpatient surgery center. Upper eyelid surgery in the office is performed under local anesthesia. If performed in the outpatient surgery center, twilight anesthesia is used in combination with local anesthesia for cosmetic ptosis repair.

Does insurance cover cosmetic ptosis repair?

Insurance will cover ptosis repair if it blocks your field of vision. A visual field test can be performed to determine if ptosis surgery is considered medically necessary or cosmetic. Insurance will usually cover ptosis surgery if the lid blocks the visual field or pupil.

I have already had eyelid surgery elsewhere and my eyelids are still low. Do I need ptosis surgery?

Maybe. Ptosis is a common reason that some patients will still have a low or droopy lid after blepharoplasty or other eyelid surgery. Sometimes, a patient will have had a blepharoplasty performed, while both ptosis surgery and a blepharoplasty may have been indicated. Dr. Vidor commonly sees this and is and has a special interest in performing revision eyelid surgery. Ptosis repair after blepharoplasty is a common type of revision eyelid surgery that Dr. Vidor performs.

To learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation please contact us or call 949.999.8717.