What Is Eyelid Ptosis and What Causes It?
Eyelid ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid sits lower than its normal position. It may be:
- Mild, moderate, or severe
- Congenital (present from birth) or acquired
- Caused by aging, trauma, nerve or muscle dysfunction, or long-term contact lens use
Common symptoms include:
- A tired or sleepy facial expression
- Partial obstruction of vision
- Habitual forehead raising or eyebrow lifting to see better
- Heaviness or discomfort around the eyes
Treatment Options: Aesthetic and Surgical Solutions
1. Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments
For mild ptosis or early signs of aging, the following treatments may help:
- Botulinum toxin (Botox): Lifting the brows slightly can open up the eyes when brow droop is present
- Plasma energy (Plasma pen): Tightens the upper eyelid skin using controlled surface ablation
- Radiofrequency or laser therapies: Stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness
- Periorbital mesotherapy: Improves skin tone and elasticity around the eyes
These treatments are temporary and less effective for moderate to severe ptosis.
2. Surgical Solution: Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
For more pronounced eyelid drooping, surgery is the most effective and lasting solution.
Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper eyelid to restore a youthful and functional appearance.
Procedure Details:
- Anesthesia: Local with sedation or light general anesthesia
- Duration: About 30–60 minutes
- Incision location: Placed in the natural upper eyelid crease (minimally visible)
- Tissue removal: Excess skin, fat, and muscle trimmed
- Closure: Fine sutures are placed, usually removed after 5–7 days
In cases of true ptosis, levator muscle tightening may be performed during the same session.
Postoperative Recovery Timeline
- First 1–2 days: Cold compresses help reduce swelling
- Week 1: Bruising and swelling begin to subside
- Day 5–7: Stitches are removed
- Day 7–10: Patients usually return to work
- Month 1: Final results begin to emerge
- Month 3–6: Scars fade, and the eyelid contour stabilizes
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Wear sunglasses and apply SPF around the eyes
- Avoid heavy exercise, sauna, and swimming for at least 2 weeks
- Delay eye makeup for about 10–14 days
Expected Results and Benefits
A successful blepharoplasty delivers:
- A younger, fresher appearance
- Wider, more alert-looking eyes
- Improved peripheral vision in some cases
- Relief from eye fatigue or forehead strain
- Reduced reliance on brow lifting
Results typically last 5–10 years, depending on skin type and aging factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not usually. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and post-op discomfort is mild.
The incision is hidden in the eyelid crease and typically fades significantly within a few months.
Yes. It can be done alongside lower eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial rejuvenation treatments.
Results begin to show after 1 week, but full healing and natural appearance take a few weeks to months.
It’s most commonly performed after age 35, but may be done earlier if functional ptosis is present.
