Is Ptosis Surgery Part of a Blepharoplasty or is It a Separate Procedure?

  Ptosis surgery is needed if the muscles of the upper eyelid are weak, whereas blepharoplasty refers to the need to remove extra skin and fat for medical or cosmetic reasons.  The two procedures are unquestionably distinct and not part of one another.  Nevertheless, the procedures may be performed at the same time BUT only by experienced oculo-facial plastic surgeons.  You would NEVER want any other specialist to do a ptosis repair although many specialties do perform blepharoplasties. 

Ptosis surgery is where the upper eyelid elevating muscle is tightened to lift the height of the lid (distance of lid margin where lashes are to the pupil). It truly opens the eyes. This can be a cosmetic or functional surgery depending on degree of lid droop. This is more complex than standard blepharoplasty surgery in which skin and fat are addressed (reduced). A poor outcome to ptosis surgery can be a lifelong problem so make sure to see an experienced ptosis surgeon for this. By and large these are oculoplastic surgeons only. Best,  Dr. Massry

These are two different things, that happen to be in the same area.

Blepharoplasty is the removal of the eyelid skin and/or fat.  It is typically a cosmetic procedure.

Ptosis repair is one of a variety of procedures to re-adjust the level of your eyelid, often by shortening and suturing the lid-opening structures.  It is typically a functional (insurance) procedure.

Good luck with your surgery.

As noted by the responding surgeons... Ptosis repair is usually considered medically necessary surgery and may be convered by insurance. Blepharoplasty surgery may be covered if severe restriction in visual fields is noted. Predetermination of benefits may help to answer your questions but does not guarantee that your procedures will be paid by the insurance company 

Blepharoptosis repair is considered distinctly separate from blepharoplasty. The former is primarily a muscle and tendon operation whereas the second is a skin and fat procedure