Eyelid Ptosis Repair

EYELID PTOSIS REPAIR

Eyelid ptosis or “lazy eye” is a condition where the upper eyelid droops.  Ptosis can be the result of numerous medical conditions.  Surgery is not always the answer for some forms of ptosis; therefore, a detailed eye examination by Dr. Velargo and by an optometrist is critical in working up the cause of your ptosis prior to embarking on a surgical endeavor.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING EYELID PTOSIS SURGERY?

Eyelid ptosis surgery is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under a local anesthetic with intravenous or oral sedation so that you are not fully asleep but completely relaxed with the eyelid numbed. In some cases, however, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Either way, you will be drowsy after your procedure and will need someone to take you home.

Most commonly, Dr. Velargo repairs a mix of senile (age-related) ptosis and congenital ptosis.  The surgery is accomplished through an incision in the upper eyelid crease in the same manner it is done for a cosmetic blepharoplasty.  In fact, these two procedures are commonly performed simultaneously.  Usually, internal sutures are used to tighten and re-approximate the levator muscle tendon.  Next, any loose skin is excised.  Lastly, a tiny suture is then used to close the upper eyelid incision.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM EYELID PTOSIS SURGERY?

You will feel some tightness when the anesthetic wears off.  You may experience some eye dryness and excessive tearing, as well as bruising and swelling. These symptoms will gradually subside in the weeks following your surgery.  Frequent application of cool compresses for the first 72 hours helps to speed the healing process along as well as application of topical Arnica Montana for visible bruising.

Incisions are cared for 4-6 times per day by cleansing the incision lines with hydrogen peroxide followed by application of an eye lubricant to the incisions themselves.

All sutures are removed between 5-7 days following your surgery, and the resulting scar will be well camouflaged in the upper eyelid crease.

Most patients take 7-10 days off from work after eyelid ptosis repair and are able to wear contact lenses again after about 10 days.  You should be able to exercise within 3 weeks.

With some make-up and/ or thick-rimmed glasses, you should be able to go out in public with minimal attention drawn to yourself in just 2-3 days.

Depending on the skin type, lumps and bumps may be present along the incision lines in the initial phases of healing.  These usually go away with time, but we can often speed the healing process along with local injections of steroids.  Occasionally milia (plugged up oil glands) will be present and these can be easily treated in the clinic as well.

As a rule, 80% of swelling is generally gone in 2 weeks and 90% of swelling is generally gone by 2 months, so do not try to evaluate the results of surgery too soon.

Eyelid Ptosis Surgery can correct:

  • “Lazy eye”
  • Asymmetric upper eyelids
  • Drooping upper eyelid

Most eyelid ptosis surgery is covered by medical insurance.  We will work with you to obtain coverage if possible.

Contact the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery today to find out more about expert Eyelid Ptosis Surgery.