Eyelid Surgery Q&A
75%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
477 Reviews
Eyelid Surgerybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Eyelid Surgery Cost: $3,875

Learn about Eyelid Surgery

2,260 people and 796 doctors are talking about Eyelid Surgery

Get Free Email Updates

Full Eyelid Ptosis Correction in a 2-year-old Possible Through Surgery?

asked 2 years ago by Nithya in Phoenix
Latest answer by Robert Schwarcz, MD
Question viewed 1,160 times
Tags: age 17 or under, eyelids, eyes, male, ptosis

My son has a droopy left eye since birth. He is able to open only half of his eyes. If an eyelid surgery is required, will this ptosis be corrected 100%? He is 2 months old now.

7 answers to Full Eyelid Ptosis Correction in a 2-year-old Possible Through Surgery?

+1

Congenital ptosis

I would recommend having a pediatric ophthalmologist evaluate your child and make sure the visual axis is not being blocked by the eyelid or the weight of the lid is not causing astigmatism, these things could cause amblyopia (lazy eye) which could permanantly damage the vision. The surgery can be a little unpredictable due to the fact that the other eye is closed and the baby is under general anesthesia, so symmetry could be of issue. Each of these cases need to be treated like cosmetic... more
Robert Schwarcz, MD

New York Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Treatment for congenital ptosis

Hi Nithya - It sounds like your child has congenital ptosis, and this can be corrected by attaching the forehead muscles to the eyelid so that it opens. General anesthesia is required, but it is usually a very successful procedure. Call around for a pediatric plastic surgeon for a full assessment. Good luck!
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Need immediate assessment by a pediatric ophthalmologist

Hi Nithya The heavy eyelid in a 2 year old is called congential ptosis. The concern here is that the heavy eyelid can actually cause a lazy eye by blocking the normal development of the eye with the heavy upper eyelid. Initial approach entails an office consultation with a pediatric ophthalmologist who will examine your son to determine if he is using the eye with the heavy upper eyelid. It is not unusual in these situations for the child to neglect the eye that is covered. The problem... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Congenital ptosis is different from adult ptosis and harder to correct

Congenital ptosis is a condition in which the levator muscle which raises the lid fails to develop normally. Surgical repairs are designed to prevent a lazy eye (amblyopia) and to maximize eyelid symmetry. If amblyoipa is the issue, early repair is essential. The other important issues of peer interaction, facial symmetry are best addressed at a slightly older age -about the time the child starts school. Your oculoplastic surgeon or pediatric ophthalmologist will be able to help with the... more
J. Timothy Heffernan, MD

Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

drtimheffernan.com

+1

Congenital ptosis needs evaluation now

Please take your child to an Ocular Plastic Surgeon or Pediatric Ophthalmologist now. If your child's vision is being blocked by their eyelid, they can develop amblyopia. Amblyopia is the poor development of sight which is possible to improve at a younger age but if left untreated can be permanent. Through www.ASOPRS.org you can find a qualified ocular plastic Surgeon for your child's evaluation. Pediatric ptosis has many corrective methods to lift the eyelid but it is never possible to... more
Mark Berkowitz, MD

Sterling Heights Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Conegnital Ptosis a Difficult Problem

Dr. Rand is absolutely correct.  Congenital ptosis is a tricky problem.  I would encourage you to speak with an ASOPRS trained Occuloplastic surgeon, realizing that there are no guarantees.
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

Correction of eyelid ptosis in a 2 year-old

I am sorry to hear your son has this problem.  This is not the forum to ask this because what you need is an expert pediatric ophthalmologist to be orchestrating the care.  I doubt you will get a 100% guarantee from anybody however. 
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question