Many of our patients know about blepharoplasty, the surgery to correct drooping eyelids. But there’s another surgery that corrects droopy eyes called ptosis surgery. The two surgeries differ because in blepharoplasty the surgeon takes away excess tissue and tightens the area. In ptosis, the surgeon tightens a muscle. They might also perform blepharoplasty at the same time.
Ptosis surgery is performed because the drooping lid makes the patient look tired, cross or older than they are, or it’s performed because the eyelid is drooping to the point where it is interfering with the patient’s vision.
What Does Ptosis Surgery Entail?
The face contains many muscles, which give humans a great range of expressions. One of the muscles is the levator muscle, which lets a person raise their eyelid. Sometimes, the levator muscle can no longer do this well because the tissue around it is stretched or weakened for some reason. This sometimes happens because of time and age. Ptosis surgery allows the eyelid to be raised fully.
Who is a Candidate for Ptosis Surgery?
A candidate for ptosis surgery is in overall good health and most importantly has healthy eyes. This means that they do not have conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye. Dry eye might be a side effect of LASIK surgery, so the patient needs to share this with their ophthalmologist during the consultation. It is during the consultation that the surgeon will examine the patient’s eye, discuss options for the surgery, and tell the patient how they should prepare for the surgery and what they should do during their recovery.
More About Ptosis Surgery
There are different kinds of surgery to repair droopy eyes. Aponeurotic surgery is the most common. This surgery works for people whose levator muscle still functions, but the problem is due to the to the tendon that serves it. During the surgery, the surgeon operates through an incision in the crease of the patient’s upper eyelid, so no scars are visible after the operation.
If the muscle itself is weak, it is shortened or tightened. Patients with this problem might have Muller’s muscle resection. This tightens or shortens a muscle that is also used to raise the patient’s eyelid. Before a patient is deemed eligible for this surgery, they’re given an eyedrop test.Ptosis surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, and the patient can go home after a period of rest.
Visit Us If You Have Drooping Eyelids
If droopy eyes are making you look fatigued or older than you are or if they are interfering with your ability to see, feel free to make an appointment with Luxe Aesthetics. At our convenient locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Greensboro, we will happily answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!