What is upper eye lid ptosis?

Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid margin closer to or over the pupil. This is due to weakness or diminished function of the eyelid elevating muscle. The most important point is that an upper blepharoplasty which removes skin and possibly some muscle from the upper eyelid will not correct an upper eyelid ptosis. It can actually make the eyelid look worse. If you do have a ptosis and it's being repaired, ensure that the plan includes a ptosis repair. If you're unsure about the plan or your surgeon doesn't seem to appreciate what is going on with your eyelids you should seek a second opinion with an oculoplastic surgeon. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid ptosis is when there is attenuation of the levator aponeurosis which is connected to the muscle that suspends your upper eyelids in the natural position above the pupil arcing along the upper iris.  There are other causes, though thinning of the levator is the most common.  Dermatochalasis can be in either the upper or lower lids and refers to skin excess above or below the eyelid margin.  Brow ptosis is when there is descent of the eyebrows towards the upper orbital rim and sometimes falling below the lateral part of the orbital rim.  Of note, brow ptosis can contribute to dermatochalasis.Oculoplastic surgeons & plastic surgeons with oculoplastic training can easily differentiate between these three conditions and therefore provide the appropriate treatment.