Ptosis

ophthalmology-la-peer-healthPtosis occurs when the upper eyelids droop over the eyes. In this instance, an individual’s vision may be impaired. Ptosis also can affect a person’s facial appearance.

La Peer Health Systems offers many eyelid procedures. In addition to ptosis surgery, our eyelid procedures include:

  • Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Corrects hollowed lower eyelids or droopy upper eyelids.
  • Eyelid Malposition: Corrects an eyelid that turns inward or outward.
  • Eyelid Retraction: Addresses upper or lower eyelids that are either too high or too low.

At La Peer Health Systems, we employ expert oculoplastic surgeons who can teach you everything you need to know about the different types of eyelid procedures. Our surgeons are happy to address your eyelid surgery concerns and questions and help you determine which procedure is right for you.

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis involves drooping of the upper eyelids, which can result in a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelids obstruct the pupil. The drooping is the result of reduced muscle tone in the eye muscles.

Entropion is a medical condition that causes the eyelid to fold inward. When entropion occurs, the lower eyelids droop away from the eyes, and the eyelids can no longer protect the eyes. This forces the eyelashes into the eye and causes eye irritation and damage.

Patients suffering from ptosis often have trouble keeping their eyes open and compensate by arching their eyebrows or straining their eye muscles to see. Drooping lower eyelids can prevent tear drainage, resulting in excessive tearing. In severe cases, children suffering from ptosis can develop lazy eye or abnormalities of the head and neck due to constant leaning back to see.

Also, ptosis can do any of the following:

  • Affect one or both eyelids
  • Be present at birth
  • Occur later in life
  • Appear asymmetrical
  • Impact both children and adults

Ptosis Symptoms

Common ptosis symptoms include:

  • Impaired vision
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Frequent tilting of the head to improve vision
  • Constant raising of the eyebrow to lift the eyelids
  • Headaches due to eyestrain and forehead muscle strain

Ptosis Causes

Common ptosis causes include:

  • Age-related weakness
  • Congenital weakness
  • Trauma
  • Neurologic disease
  • Result of eye surgery

Causes of ptosis can occur over varying time frames. When the tendon that attaches the levator muscle (the muscle that lifts the eyelid) starts to stretch, the eyelid may fall.

Eyelid Surgery Before and After

Although an oculoplastic surgeon can explain how eyelid surgery works and other treatment details, it is important for individuals to understand how an eyelid procedure will help them achieve their desired results. La Peer Health Systems has performed droopy eyelid surgery on many patients. Check out our eyelid surgery before and after photos to see how ptosis surgery and other eyelid procedures have helped patients correct vision problems and improve their facial appearance.

Ptosis Surgery

An oculoplastic surgeon will determine the cause of ptosis and help a patient map out the best ptosis treatment. If treatment is necessary, it is usually surgical. Oftentimes, a small tuck in the lifting muscle, removal of excess eyelid skin or a blepharoplasty can raise the eyelid sufficiently.

In some instances, intensive ptosis surgery is required to reattach and strengthen the levator muscle. This restores the levator muscle to its normal position.

Ptosis Surgery Risks

Ptosis surgery may cause asymmetrical eyelids. In rare cases, a patient may be unable to move the eyelids after surgery.

The risks associated with any eyelid surgery can be significant. As such, it is important to choose an expert oculoplastic surgeon to perform an eyelid treatment. This surgeon will allocate the necessary time and resources to help a patient minimize risk and ensure he or she can reap the full benefits of eyelid surgery.

Ptosis Surgery Recovery

On average, ptosis surgery recovery time lasts a few weeks. Swelling and bruising around the cheeks and eyes may occur immediately after surgery. Also, a patient may experience dry eyes and require artificial tears to keep the eyes lubricated following treatment.

An oculoplastic surgeon will provide a patient with ptosis surgery aftercare instructions. During the ptosis recovery period, a patient may need to use antibiotic ointment and cold compresses.

Typically, a patient will return to an oculoplastic surgeon within about one week of ptosis surgery. He or she will have surgical sutures removed at this time. It also is crucial for children with ptosis to have annual ophthalmic visits to monitor their vision to limit the risk of severe vision loss.

Most patients can return to work and resume everyday activities one week after ptosis surgery. However, bruising and swelling may persist for a few weeks following the procedure.

Many patients notice eyesight improvement after ptosis surgery. Ptosis sometimes causes a mild astigmatism, and the cornea shape may change following treatment. Therefore, a patient may need to change his or her eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

 

Schedule a Consultation with an Oculoplastic Surgeon

When a patient is seeking treatment for ptosis, it’s very important to visit a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon in Los Angeles due to their extensive background and training of the eyes and orbit.

If you’d like to learn more about the various surgical procedures offered by a cosmetic surgeon at La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles, please contact us today to schedule your initial meeting with a surgeon. Our physicians are experts in their fields and will address any question or concern that you may have pertaining to your cosmetic or reconstructive eyelid surgery.

Next, read about Retina Surgery.