What Exactly Is Ptosis Repair?

What Exactly Is Ptosis Repair?

What Exactly Is Ptosis Repair?

Eyes are always a focal point of your face, and it is just a fact, no one wants to be constantly asked if they are tired. We spend time in the sun, we laugh, we cry, we squint, and, whether we like it or not, aging naturally occurs and your eyelids may begin to droop. This drooping or sagging is called ptosis. One cause of this condition is the normal aging process, but ptosis may also be caused by a trauma, a congenital issue or even a previous orbital surgery. Ptosis may give the impression you are tired or lead others to think you are older than you actually are. If this seems a little too familiar, you may want to consider ptosis repair.  

What Is Ptosis?

It is incredibly important to understand what ptosis is when deciding if ptosis repair is right for you. Ptosis is a condition that causes the eyelid or eyelids to droop, and is sometimes referred to as falling eyelid. Common causes of ptosis are aging, trauma, congenital causes, or orbital surgery. Routine cataract surgery can stretch muscles and tendons, resulting in ptosis. Patients with ptosis can struggle to keep their eyes fully open, and when the muscles around the eyes are tired this can worsen, and vision can become impaired. Cosmetically it may become more apparent when there is asymmetry between the appearance of the eyes. If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, you are likely a great candidate for ptosis repair. 

Ptosis Repair Surgery Denver

What Is Ptosis Repair?

Ptosis repair tightens levator muscles in order to elevate the eyelids. After this procedure, you will appear less tired and have more visual clarity. Ptosis, or droopy eyelids, are repaired with a hidden incision strategically placed in the natural crease of the eyelid. The eyelid is then pulled up through the incision to the optimal position. With the eyes open, and before the operation is completed, the height of the eyelid is considered to ensure optimal results. This procedure is not just about removing extra skin but also making sure you can truly face the world with confidence. Once the procedure is complete, sutures are meticulously placed to prevent scarring. Ptosis repair can last a lifetime but there are instances of this condition recurring. 

What to Expect

Ptosis repair takes approximately one hour to complete. You should plan for one week of downtime before you are able to return to work. Eyelid bruising and swelling usually lasts about ten days, but the bruises can easily be covered with makeup. Postoperative care will require keeping the incision clean, applying moisturizing ointment, applying a cold compress and elevating your head at night to encourage the healing process.  

 Ptosis Repair Versus Blepharoplasty 

There are two procedures that help to improve the appearance of the eye area, ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. These two procedures can be easily confused, and while these are both eyelid surgeries there are some differences as well as some similarities. 

Blepharoplasty addresses excess, hanging, or loose skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelid, or skin hanging down from the upper eyelids over the eyelashes. Sometimes this is the result of natural aging, other times it’s just how we were born. Blepharoplasty can address puffy upper and lower eyelids that can result in tired-looking eyes and deep grooves under the eyes. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin or fat pads in the upper and/or lower eyelids. Ptosis repair addresses the muscles in the upper eyelids only. Also, in comparison to ptosis repair, blepharoplasty is more commonly performed on both eyes for cosmetic reasons, whereas ptosis repair is a procedure oftentimes used to address weakened levator muscles on one eyelid. 

Blepharoplasty is oftentimes done for cosmetic reasons although there are instances where this procedure is considered a functional eyelift especially when a patient has a challenging time wearing contacts or glasses. Blepharoplasty like ptosis repair can help people whose vision is impaired by hanging eyelids. 

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure and unlike ptosis repair, it does require anesthesia, although it is also an outpatient procedure. Anesthesia is dependent upon whether an upper or lower blepharoplasty is being performed. Both of these procedures take around an hour, but blepharoplasty can take a bit more time.  Both procedures require about a week of downtime. 

Both of these procedures leave you looking less tired, younger and healthier. 

Ptosis Repair Surgeon Denver

Contact Us for More Information

Dr. Ladner is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He is extremely experienced in both ptosis repair as well as blepharoplasty and other facial plastic surgery procedures. If you have questions about ptosis repair or another facial plastic surgery procedure, contact Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery at (303) 253-7686 or request a consultation online here.

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with * are required.

Back to Top