Can a plastic surgeon repair upper eyelid ptosis?

Question

I have a sagging eyelid which I believe to be ptosis. I am going to talk to my doctor about it but I am just wondering if this is something that a plastic surgeon could repair? What is the difference between upper blepharoplasty and ptosis repair? Or are they the same thing?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Upper blepharoplasty is very different than ptosis surgery. Upper blepharoplasty removed excess skin (+/-fat) from upper eyelids, thereby cleaning the upper lids, but not actually raising the upper eyelids. Upper eyelid ptosis surgery, on the other hand, tightens the muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid, thereby actually raising the upper eyelid. Both procedures can be done together, if necessary.  Upper blepharoplasty is done by many surgeons but ptosis surgery is technically more challenging and is best performed by eye plastic surgeons (oculoplastic specialist). See link below.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Ptosis (drooping eyelid) is caused by a weak muscle. This muscle can be tightened or shortened to achieve elevation of the lid into the appropriate position. Blepharoplasty is the removal of skin (usually with fat) from the eyelid. Oculoplastic Surgeons typically specialize in ptosis repair. Both oculoplastic surgeons and plastic surgeons perform blepharoplasty. Look at your doctor's website as well as his before and after photos in order to determine the doctor's specialty. Good luck.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Yes an experienced plastic surgeon can repair your Ptosis. Ptosis is the weak muscle that needs to be tightened. The skin excision is a seperate procedure. You should meet with a plastic surgeon who regularly performs Ptosis repairs or an Oculoplastic surgeon (specialized ophthalmologist) who regularly performs them. There is some definite art to the procedure. You may be able to have it covered through your insurance as well.Good Luck

Lisa M. DiFrancesco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Upper Blepharoplasty is often performed during ptosis surgery. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and / or fat from the upper eyelid. Ptosis may be acquired (most common) , congenital, neurogenic or myogenic in nature. Ptosis is commonly called droopy eyelid. It is caused by dysfunction of the muscle and aponeurosis which insert on the eyelid margin and open the eye. There are a number of different procedure to correct ptosis, all of which can be performed by a plastic surgeon.

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

A blepharoplasty using means excising an excessive overhanging piece of upper eyelid skin that comes on with age and sometimes is congenital.Sometimes a conservative amount of bulging fat is also trimmed.True ptosis of the eyelid is a muscular problem where the lid doesn't open all the way  and drops over the top of the pupil more than it should,this requires tightening or reinsertion of the muscle at the proper level.Some general plastic surgeons and most  oculoplastic surgeons can do both but inquire at your surgeon's office first.

Can a plastic surgeon repair upper eyelid ptosis?

Answers (5)

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