What's the average eyelid surgery time for correcting ptosis?

While upper eyelid surgery is not a lengthy procedure, it is not a foot race either.  The conjunctival mullerectomy ptosis surgery is a relatively brief procedure.  An anterior levator aponeurosis resections requires additional intraoperative time.  So the exact time of surgery varies with the procedure done and whatever else is needed with surgery.  Prior eyelid surgery results in a more complex dissection.  Removal of skin with the ptosis surgery adds time.  Abnormal bleeding can prolong surgery.  How fast a surgeon is does not correlate with the quality of the surgeon or the surgery.

This varies depending on the approach used - external versus internal as well as if skin is being removed concurrently through an external approach.  Also, it depends on the expereince and technique of the surgeon.  That being said, the amount of time it takes to do a surgery does not necessarily reflect the outcome of the surgery!  Go to a surgeon that you trust and has a reputation for good results.  Good luck!

 

There are many differnent classifications of ptosis and likewise, types of ptosis surgeries to address an individual patient's condition. For 'routine' ptosis from stretching or dehiscence of the muscle that raises the upper eyelid, the surgery typically takes 30-40 minutes for a bilateral case. More complicated ptosis corrections can add surgical time. Ultimately, the goal is to give the patient an outstanding result, so time in the OR is really not the key factor.

The repair of the ptosis can be combined with cosmetic eye lift if needed. The issue of the length of time is the last question to ask. You need to find out about the surgeons experience, talk to other patients and the surgeon approach.

Surgery to correct ptosis (drooping of the eyelid on the eye surface as opposed to excess eyelid skin) usually takes between 30-45 minutes for both sides. I prefer to do the surgery from an external (skin) approach as this is the best way to treat the most common type of ptosis.

I also prefer to perform surgery in the office with minimal injectable anesthetic as this allows the patient to open and close their eyes during the procedure. If a patient is under general anesthesia or deep under anesthesia, it will be difficult to judge the eyelid position. This is critical during the procedure.

Also, I would always consult a specialist in eyelid surgery for ptosis repair. There are many variables and nuances and, although it seems like an easy and quick procedure, there are many factors to consider.

Ptosis surgery can be done in 2 ways, externally from the outside of the eyelid or internally from the backside of the eyelid.  There are relative benefits of one vs the other, and some surgeons are more experienced in one approach vs the other.  A good oculoplastic surgeon can perform the surgery in about 30 minutes or less for both sides.  If this is done in the operating room, you may have to arrive 30-60 minutes early and they usually keep you in recovery for 30 minutes or so before you are released.

Hope this helps.

 

Jasmine Mohadjer MD

Oculoplastic Surgery

The Eye Institute of West Florida

Tampa Bay, FL

 

 

Start to finish, it takes me about 30-45 minutes per eye to correct eyelid ptosis.  That operative time is for a straight forward, not revision, ptosis repair using the external approach.