Ptosis is the medical term for a droopy eyelid. Patients can be born with this condition or develop it later in life. Ptosis can impair your vision and lead to other complications.
Treatments for Ptosis
Your doctor’s recommendation for ptosis depends on the function of your eyelid muscles. If it does not affect your vision and you are not bothered by the appearance, treatment may not be necessary.
If ptosis raises concerns about your vision or appearance, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ptosis repair surgery focuses on tightening the muscle to improve the field of vision.
Surgery for Ptosis Repair
This is an outpatient procedure that typically takes an hour. It is performed with local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake but not feel the procedure. Your doctor will choose the surgical technique that best suits you.
- An incision may be made in the skin of your upper eyelid to allow your surgeon to find the muscle that raises your eyelid and tighten it with stitches. The opening is then closed with additional stitches.
- Your eyelid is flipped so the muscle can be tightened from underneath. With this technique, no skin incision is required.
What To Expect After Surgery
You will typically notice bruising up to two weeks after surgery, but most patients can return to work within the first week.
Your care team will discuss how to best care for your eye as you recover. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your results.
Call Charleston ENT & Allergy at (843) 766-7103 for more information or to schedule an appointment.