I Think I Have Mild Ptosis, is There Non Surgical Procedure Such As Botox? (photo)

Question

My left eyelid ( right in the pic) is droopy especially at the end of the night. I think it is ptosis. It feels heavy as well although does not affect my vision. It is cosmetically not not symmetrical and unappealing and I am very self conscience of it lately as I think it has gotten worse. I do not remember ever having this issue when until the past 5. I am 32 and would like to avoid surgery. Do I have ptosis and is there a non surgical treatment that I should try before surgery like Botox?

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

You should see an oculoplastic surgeon for a full examination. I prefer ptosis repair surgery for the vast majority of patients, but mild amounts of ptosis can sometimes be treated with low dose botox injections. This is not a common procedure, so if you decide to go this route, seek a doctor who has done this before. 0.5 to 1 unit of botox can be injected into the inner and outer corners of the upper eyelid just above the eyelash line to temporarily lift the eyelid. As with any botox treatment, the effect is temporary and wears off in 3-4 months. The treatment can sometimes cause a mild amount of incomplete eyelid closure. If this happens, it usually goes away within a few weeks and is easily treatable with lubricant eye drops. 

	Based on your photo, part of the asymmetry appears to be in your lower eyelids. It appears that the lower eyelid on the left side sits higher than the lower eyelid on the left side. Botox can also be used to temporarily drop the position of the lower eyelid to improve symmetry and make the eye appear more open.

	Hope this helps and good luck with your treatment.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

I echo those who replied before me by saying that it is impossible to make a diagnosis of ptosis with the single photo supplied.  True ptosis of the eyelid, as opposed to pseudoptosis of the eyelid, will likely not respond to non surgical treatment methods such as Botox.  It would be best if you would be evaluated by an excellent oculo-Facial Plastic Surgeon.  You can find one near you in the directory of ASOPRS.org.  I hope this helps.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I cannot tell from your photo whether you have an eyelid ptosis. If you do have an eyelid droop, surgery is the only permanent fix to elevate the eyelid margin. You should seek a consultation with an Oculoplastic Surgeon or a Facial Plastic Surgeon with alot of ptosis repair experience to determine your best treatment option. Botox can be used to elevate the eyebrows but if your issue is a droop of the eyelid itself you will not see any elevation of your eyelid margin from Botox. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery

Neena Will, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine if you have ptosis based on this picture;however, Botox is a great place to start to elevate your brows.  You may notice it more asymmetry at the end of the day because you are likely starting to relax your forehead and muscles which were actively trying to keep your brow up during the day.  A brow lift is a more permanent solution and can be done in a minimally invasive fashion.  Best option is to discuss with a cosmetic plastic surgeon to determine which option is best for you.

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

It is hard to diagnose Ptosis with the photo. But if you havent had Botox you could try it. It can help elevate the eye brows which inturn will take the weight off the eyelids. might give you the result you are after

I Think I Have Mild Ptosis, is There Non Surgical Procedure Such As Botox? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox can help witih brow ptosis

Answer: Botox can help witih brow ptosis

Answer: Non Surgical Procedure for mild Ptosis

Answer: Non Surgical Procedure for mild Ptosis

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I Think I Have Mild Ptosis, is There Non Surgical Procedure Such As Botox? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Botox can help witih brow ptosis

Answer: Botox can help witih brow ptosis

Answer: Non Surgical Procedure for mild Ptosis

Answer: Non Surgical Procedure for mild Ptosis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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