Ptosis or drooping of the upper eyelid is a condition that can affect one or both eyes. It can be caused by weakened muscles, nerve damage, or the natural aging process.
While it may start as a minor cosmetic concern, ptosis can progress to obstruct vision. Ptosis correction can help restore both functionality and aesthetics.
This article explains what to expect before and after ptosis correction surgery. From the procedure itself, to ptosis correction downtime, this guide covers all the basics including expected outcomes to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading!
What Happens Before Ptosis Correction Surgery?
Before a ptosis correction surgery, the first thing you will need is a thorough assessment by a qualified ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon. The initial consultation will involve a detailed medical history review, a comprehensive eye examination, and a discussion about your symptoms and expectations.
The surgeon will then proceed to assess the severity of your ptosis, determine its cause, and evaluate your overall eye health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Here’s the summary of pre-operative preparations:
- Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will review your medical history, including any underlying conditions, medications, or allergies that could affect the surgery or recovery. Special attention will be given to conditions that could impair healing, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
- Photographic Documentation: Photographs of your eyes will be taken to document the extent of ptosis and to help plan the surgery. These images also serve as a reference for post-operative results.
- Discussion of Surgical Technique: There are different surgical techniques for correcting ptosis. The best technique for you will be based on the severity and cause. The most common methods include levator resection (shortening the levator muscle) and Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection. Your surgeon will explain the chosen method and why it is suitable for your specific condition.
- Instructions for Surgery Day: You will also receive detailed instructions on what to do before surgery. These instructions may include fasting requirements and medication adjustments among other basics including stopping alcohol consumption as it may complicate the healing process. You will need to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth procedure.
- Realistic Expectations: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure to ensure that you have realistic expectations about the outcomes. While ptosis correction can significantly improve eyelid function and appearance, it may not completely restore symmetry or eliminate all signs of aging.
What Happens During Ptosis Correction?
To begin, ptosis correction surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis so you can expect to be discharged on the same day. The procedure is also done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the complexity of the procedure.
Under normal circumstances, the surgery should take about 1 to 2 hours to complete. Here is a summary of what to expect during ptosis surgery;
- Incision and Access: Your surgeon will make an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to access the underlying muscles and tissues.
- Muscle Adjustment: Depending on the chosen technique, the surgeon will either shorten the levator muscle or resect the Müller’s muscle to elevate the eyelid to the desired position.
- Closure: Once the adjustment is complete, the incision is carefully closed with fine sutures. The surgeon may also perform additional procedures like blepharoplasty, to enhance the aesthetic result if needed.
After the procedure, expect to be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the eyes, which is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medications and cold compresses.
You will be advised to keep your head elevated for the first few days, avoid strenuous activities, and follow a strict post-operative care regimen, including using antibiotic ointment and eye drops as prescribed. You will also be required to avoid rubbing the eyes and to protect them from direct sunlight and dust. Most patients can return home the same day, but it is important to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
What to Expect After Ptosis Correction
The recovery period following ptosis correction surgery varies from person to person. However, many patients can expect initial healing within 1 to 2 weeks.
During this time, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which gradually subsides. The sutures used in the procedure are typically removed within a week, and you are advised to follow up with your surgeon to monitor healing progress.
You should expect some degree of asymmetry in the early stages of healing due to swelling, but this generally resolves over time. Full recovery, including the final appearance of the eyelids, can take several months as the tissues settle and heal completely.
During the recovery phase, you will want to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any actions that could strain the eyes like bending over or sneezing with force. Please follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding eye care, including the use of prescribed medications and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results.
This is important because while ptosis correction surgery is generally safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it does come with certain risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, dry eyes, overcorrection or undercorrection of the eyelid, asymmetry, scarring, and in rare cases, loss of vision.
Choosing a board-certified surgeon can significantly minimize these risks. A good surgeon will ensure you’re fully informed about the potential risks and signs of complications like excessive swelling, pain, or changes in vision. Promptly report any concerning symptoms to the surgeon to address complications early and prevent further issues.
In Closing
The primary goal of ptosis correction surgery is to elevate the upper eyelid to a more natural and functional position, improving both vision and appearance. Most patients achieve satisfactory results with improved eyelid function, a more youthful appearance, and enhanced confidence.
However, it is important to note that the results may not be completely symmetrical or perfect, as individual healing responses can vary. Long-term results can be maintained with proper eye care and follow-up visits with the surgeon.
While ptosis correction can provide lasting benefits, aging and other factors may still affect the eyelids over time. This means that you may potentially require additional treatments in the future. To learn more or schedule an assessment, call or visit us at;
Allure Plastic Surgery – Ptosis Surgery | Breast Augmentation | Double Eyelid Surgery
435 Orchard Rd, #22-04 Wisma Atria,
Singapore 238877
https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/
