Ptosis Surgery: Overview and Purpose
- Commonly referred to as "Droopy Eyelid Repair".
- Aims to correct droopy eyelids and restore anatomical balance.
- Addresses causes such as hereditary muscle development issues or age-related
muscle and tendon stretching. - Untreated ptosis can lead to vision problems, amblyopia in children, headaches,
and cosmetic concerns.
Procedure Details
- Typically involves tightening the tendon or muscle that lifts the eyelid.
- Alternatives include using fascia lata from the thigh or a silicone band.
- Incisions are often hidden within the eyelid or skin fold to minimize scarring.
- Procedure duration ranges from 30 to 90 minutes.
- Recovery is generally quick, typically within 14 days.
- - Adults usually undergo the procedure with local anaesthesia, while children receive
general anaesthesia.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
- Ptosis props, crutch spectacles, or scleral contact lenses can be used for specific
cases. - Mild ptosis may be managed with prescription eye drops (e.g., Upneeq) or
neurotoxin injections.
Risks and Complications
- Infection: Rare, treatable with antibiotics.
- Scarring: Generally minimal, can be improved with silicone scar gel.
- Large bruise or hematoma: Minimized with ice packs, avoiding heavy exercise, and
managing anticoagulant use. - Vision risk: Extremely rare.
- Asymmetry: Rare, may require revision surgery.
- Blood-stained tears: Managed with gentle pressure.
- Ptosis recurrence: May require re-operation.
- Contralateral ptosis: Can self-correct or require correction.
- Exposed stitches: May need removal to avoid complications like corneal ulcers.