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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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Benny2367 in Chicago

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An oculoplastic surgeon can repair congenital ptosis

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.

Photo is key

I would say a photo is key to see what is going on. Your eyelid position is important to determine along with the contour of your eyelids and the skin above the eyelid.

Correction of eyelid asymmetry usually requires surgery on both eyelids

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 specific supratarsal fold-the fold of your upper lid and often there is less skin overhanging the fold after ptosis repair. A simple upper blepharoplasty on the normal eye can estab;lish a... more

Congenital eyelid ptosis

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 time; not because there is actually extra skin there. Recommend discussing with an eyelid/oculoplastic specialist.

Eyelid surgery

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.

Steven Wallach, MD

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Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Repairing ptosis of eyelids

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 may also alleviate the droopy appearance. The type of repair done depends on the cause of the droopiness. It's hard determine the best option for you without a physical examination. ... more

Eyelid surgery for asymmetrical eyelids

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 categories such as APONEUROTIC damage (something weakened OR tore the sheet connecting the upper lid lifting muscle to the lid - things like age (senile), or trauma) - this will show a... more