Recovery
1-2 Weeks
Surgery Length
1-1.5 Hours
Anesthesia Type
General
Insurance
Usually Covered
What is Ptosis Repair Surgery?
Eyelid ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops because of weakness in the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid. When the upper eyelid ptosis is severe, it can block peripheral vision. Ptosis surgery can be performed to tighten the upper eyelid muscle, thereby lifting the upper eyelid back to the ideal anatomic position. This can improve the peripheral vision, bring more light into the vision, as well as improve the appearance of the upper eyelid.
There are various surgical approaches to ptosis surgery. The exact technique that is chosen is customized based on the individual patient and cause of ptosis.
- Internal ptosis surgery (conjunctivomuellerectomy) can be performed for certain patients by tightening the eyelid lifting muscle from underneath the upper eyelid. This procedure results in no skin incisions.
- External ptosis surgery is usually performed for patients with more severe ptosis. The incision is meticulously hidden within the upper eyelid crease. The attachment of the eyelid lifting muscle is then identified and advanced. The muscle is then sutured into a new position, allowing the eyelid to be elevated.
- The frontalis sling procedure is reserved for patients with the most severe types of ptosis and with poorly functioning eyelid lifting muscles. A silicone band is implanted through tiny incisions to mechanically couple the upper eyelid and the eyebrow. This procedure then allows patients to more easily open the upper eyelids by lifting their eyebrows.
Ptosis surgery may be performed with patients awake, under twilight anesthesia, or fully asleep. We individualize the plan for anesthesia based on patient preference, whether additional procedures are planned, and the patient's overall health.
Sometimes insurance may cover upper eyelid ptosis repair if the droopy eyelids are interfering with your peripheral vision and negatively impacting your daily activities such as reading and driving. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Shannon S. Joseph will perform a comprehensive evaluation and testing and can discuss insurance eligibility with you.
Surgical recovery varies from person to person, but most patients can return to work a week after surgery. Most patients may experience only minimal discomfort for the first few days. Following surgery, patients will be seen in the office approximately 5-10 days later to evaluate healing. Bruising and swelling will be present after surgery. This is most noticeable during the first few days after surgery, but minor swelling can persist for several weeks. If desired, most patients may begin wearing eye makeup if there are no eyelid incisions.
Please refer to our additional resources for general pre-operative and post-operative instructions to ensure that your surgery and recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Many patients are interested in having upper blepharoplasty performed at the same time as the ptosis surgery. Combining upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis repair with a brow lift can also often gives a stunning result restoring the youthful appearance of the eyes. Other patients who have lower eyelid bags and dark circles often also choose to combine lower blepharoplasty with the above, providing a harmonious and balanced rejuvenation to the upper face.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in whether ptosis repair surgery would be appropriate for you, please contact us to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Shannon S. Joseph. She will listen to your concerns and perform a comprehensive evaluation and meticulous measurements of your eyelids. Dr. Joseph will then work together with you to build a surgical treatment plan that’s designed specifically for you, your anatomy, and your goals. We take care of patients from Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Rochester, and the rest of Metro Detroit and Southeastern Michigan.