Drooping Upper Eyelids (Ptosis and Blepharoplasty)

Ptosis

Upper eyelid ptosis (toe-sis) is the medical term for drooping eyelid(s), which can impair your vision if the eyelid covers your pupil. Ptosis often makes keeping your eyelids open difficult, requiring you to raise your eyebrows and, in some cases, lift your eyelids with your fingers in order to see.

As ptosis advances, surgery may be recommended. Upper eyelid ptosis repair helps to lift your eyelid by tightening the muscle that opens your eyelid in order to help you see better.

The procedure is done as an outpatient surgery, often with “twilight” sedation and a local anesthetic.

Incisions made during the procedure are hidden in the crease of your upper eyelid. The muscle in your eyelid is tightened by inserting a stitch below your skin. The incision is closed using sutures or skin glue, depending on your skin type. As the incision site heals, it is often only slightly visible and significant scarring is rare.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure removes excess skin located in your upper eyelid. This excess skin can cause “hooding” leading to accelerated signs of aging and visual difficulties when performing tasks like driving or reading. The goal of the procedure varies by person, ranging from cosmetic to visual enhancement.

Prior to your surgery, your doctor will determine the amount of skin that can be safely removed, as well as evaluate your brow and eye socket position.

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is done as an outpatient surgery, often using “twilight” sedation and a local anesthetic.

Incisions made during the procedure will be hidden in the crease of your upper eyelid. After the excess skin is removed, the incision is closed with sutures or skin glue, depending on your skin type. As the incision site heals, it is often only slightly visible and significant scarring is rare.