I want ptosis surgery on both eyes for droopy eyelids. How hard is it to achieve perfect symmetry ptosis correction? (Photo)

Question

I consulted with a ocular-facial plastic surgeon and he said bilateral symmetry for ptosis is very difficult to achieve.He also said I have good levator function and he would resect the mueller's muscle from underneath the eyelid so there is no external incisions. Is this a job for a ocular-facial plastic surgeon only? How hard is it to achieve near perfect bilateral symmetry for ptosis? I don't want to go down this road if the answer is yes, and have to get revision surgeries.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

The answer is nearly impossible. Ptosis repair is quite a difficult procedure and asymmetry (although slight) is very common. I would never garauntee anyone perfect symmetry after any procedure and that includes eyes, breasts, lipo, etc. We always strive for symmetry with any operation but you just cannot account for variations in healing, skin laxity, elasticity and healing. Good luck.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

I am assuming you did a test in the doctor's office with a drop to stimulate Mueller's muscle.  This test helps us to determine the amount of muscle to be resected on each side to try and get symmetry.  There is no guarantee of symmetry, but studies have usually shown at least a 90% success rate.  Oculoplastic surgeons are usually the only group that do a Mueller's muscle resection. This surgery is done on the underside of the eyelid so there are no external scars.  Great for patients who do not need any skin removed.

Mark L. Mazow, MD, FACS · Answer

In the hands of an experienced ptosis surgeon, symmetry ( within 1mm ) is achievable 90% of time. These ar the nationally published standards.Training and surgical experience in ptosis repair is most common in the specialty of Oculoplastic surgery. Whether the surgery is performed through an external or internal approach is an individualized d decision between the surgeon and patient based on the exam, measurements and response to Neo-Synepehrine drops. If you are unsure then you should get a second opinion from another fellowship trained Oculoplastoc surgeon,

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

My mentor always said that perfect is the enemy of good. Both plastic surgeons and oculoplastic specialists perform these procedures.

I want ptosis surgery on both eyes for droopy eyelids. How hard is it to achieve perfect symmetry ptosis correction? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Achieving eyelid symmetry

Answer: Achieving eyelid symmetry

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Everything you need to know about Ptosis Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I want ptosis surgery on both eyes for droopy eyelids. How hard is it to achieve perfect symmetry ptosis correction? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Achieving eyelid symmetry

Answer: Achieving eyelid symmetry

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ptosis Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.