How can Eyelid surgery fix asymmetrical eyelids?

I am 26 and have had a 'droopy' eyelid since I was born (congential ptosis?). The issue is odd however, the eye only really sags when I am overly tired.

The rest of the time my other eye looks like the one with the issue because the eye with excess skin actually goes under the skin.

I'm assuming only a small amount of skin is going to be removed, is this common? Is symmetry going to be the main goal? What else should I ask the surgeon I'm seeing in a week?

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6 answers to “How can Eyelid surgery fix...”

A: Correction of eyelid asymmetry usually requires surgery on both eyelids

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

You need to see a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in occuloplastic surgery. Since you're ptosis is only evident when you are fatigued, perfect correction may not be possible. Usually both upper lids require surgery to achieve the best symmetry. Lifting the ptotic eyelid will create a very... more

A: An oculoplastic surgeon can repair congenital ptosis

William Portuese, MD
By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

An oculoplastic surgeon can repair congenital ptosis. The opposite eye may also have to be adjusted slightly because of the reflex that occurs between both eyes. The muscles are tightened, and usually not much skin is removed with ptosis repair.

A: Congenital eyelid ptosis

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD
By Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD - Los Angeles Oculoplastic surgeon

Congenital ptosis is slightly different than the common aging ptosis. It is due to weak eyelid elevating muscle. Depending on the strength of the muscle, different ptosis surgical techniques need to be used. Asymmetic in eyelid "skin" that one notices is related to the height of the eyelid at the... more

A: Eyelid surgery

Steven Wallach, MD
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

If you have ptosis, it whould be evaluated for the cause.  Removing excess skin or presumed excess skin may not be the answer. If your eyelid droops, you may need a ptosis repair.

A: Repairing ptosis of eyelids

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
By Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD - Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

There are several options to correct a droopy eyelid. These include stitching the muscles of the eyelid higher, removing some of the muscle from behind the eyelid, and also connecting the muscles in your forehead to the eyelid muscles to help them move. Finally, removing some of the skin of the upper eyelid... more

A: How can Eyelid surgery fix asymmetrical eyelids?

Peter A. Aldea, MD
By Peter A. Aldea, MD - Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Excellent question. Various disease processes can result in droopiness of the eyelids. Traditionally, eyelid ptosis has been divided into CONGENITAL and ACQUIRED. Among the congenital causes are diseases such as muscle palsies, blepharophimosis and Marcus Gunn while the acquired class includes several broad... more

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