Does this look like ptosis? How can I correct this? (Photo)

Question

My left eye always looks swollen especially when I’m tired. I have had this my whole life and it makes me extremely self conscious. I really would like to find out how I can correct this

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it appears you have mild upper eyelid ptosis. See an oculoplastics expert for evaluation and possible treatment.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

thank you for posting your question. Based on your pictures, it seems that you have a left sided ptosis. The upper eyelid is covering more of your iris, and the distance between the eyelid rim and the fold is longer when comparing to the opposite side. When consulting an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon an appropriate exam and tests are being performed. There are 2 ways to  correct an eyelid ptosis, either from the inside or from the outside of your upper eyelid. Both have their advantages and drawbacks. Mild ptosis in a young patient, not requiring skin excsion of the upper eyelid are often candidates for a ptosis repair from the inside of the eyelid, so-called Müllerectomy or Putterman procedure. The downtime, bruising etc is minimal. I hope this helps.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

A detailed assessment is needed to know precisely what you will need surgically. You need to be assessed for the possibility of Herring's law ptosis of the right upper eyelid when the left eyelid is repaired. Also be aware that the most popular ptosis surgery (90% of cases) are done as posterior approach ptosis surgery, also know as Müller's muscle conjunctival resection ptosis surgery. Surgeons love this surgery because the anatomy is very simple and the surgery only takes a few minutes. The problem is that the effect of this surgery is often inadequate. That means the surgery may have lifted the eyelid but often the lift effect is not sufficient. You appear to have bilateral central levator disinsertion. This is clearly more advanced on the left side. When an insufficient ptosis repair is made, ptosis persists and the relaxation of the compensating left eyebrow often does not sufficiently relax. Generally I recommend anterior levator resection ptosis surgery which allow for much more control of the ptosis repair. This permits an anatomic repair of the levator disinsertion and an anchor blepharoplasty that makes a new hard crease at a more anatomically appropriate position. There is no substitute for a detailed assessment.

Does this look like ptosis? How can I correct this? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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