Droopy Eyelid and Ptosis?

Marc Cohen, MD answers: Eyelid ptosis or extra skin?

I am going to see an eye surgeon in two weeks but I wanted to have an idea what to ask before I go. I am 26, I was told by my mother that my right eye drooped when I was younger. Now it appears to be my left eye, but when I pull the right eye down a bit and it folds over the eye brow, it appears to be lower then the left eye. Is my problem a ptosis or extra skin? Should I mention this to my doctor or see what he says first? It is more noticeable when I am tired.


Marc Cohen, MD
2 months ago

It is difficult to tell for sure from one picture.  However, I do not think that you have ptosis.  One way to tell is to measure the distance from the light reflex on your eye to the edge of the upper eyelid.  It appears to me that the distance is the same on both sides.

You do have some facial asymmetry (like most people).   The left upper lid is more hollow than the right.  That makes the crease look higher and the lid look lower.

Judging from the picture it may be difficult to make things look much better than they do now.  One possibility is to have a small amount of skin and fat removed from the right upper eyelid.

Because the change you need is very subtle, it is important for you to see someone who has a lot of experience with eyelid surgery.

Hope this helps.

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