Upper lid surgery on one eye only? (Photo)

Question

My upper right eyelid has been droopy as long as I can remember, and gets worse as the day wears on. My upper left eyelid does not have this issue. What direction can I go in from here and can the one eyelid be corrected without the other?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

That makes it impossible to understand your issue or even confirm that your right upper eyelid has ptosis. In the photograph both upper eyelids look heavy and in the left upper eyelid there is a compensatory eyebrow elevation with increased upper eyelid platform show. There is simply no substitute for a detailed in person assessment. Don't be fooled by surgeons who claim to assess you with a zoom consultation. This is not adequate for assessing the upper eyelid and planing surgery.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is possible that you have ptosis of your right upper eyelid.  This condition occurs when a muscle in the upper eyelid becomes weakened, and it allow the eyelid to fall lower across the eyeball than it should.  This issue can be corrected with a surgical procedure and it is possible to just treat the affected eyelid.  I would consult with an oculoplastic surgeon or a surgeon experienced in ptosis repair.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! It appears as though the brow is lower on that side which appears to be making the lid look droopier. I would suggest seeking opinions for a unilateral brow or forehead lift. Good luck!

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

What you have is bilateral ptosis (droop). The difference you see is just the result of the different muscle's reaction. If you do just one eyelid, you will just uncover the problem in the opposite. Make sure you see a plastic or ophthalmic plastic surgeon with significant experience in treating ptosis.

Upper lid surgery on one eye only? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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