Blepharoplasty for Ptosis

Most people are completely unfamiliar with the term ptosis. However, if you have developed this condition, you may be interested in learning more about its causes and treatment options. Ptosis is characterized by a drooping of the upper or lower eyelid; in cases of severe ptosis, the eyelid can obstruct vision. When a child exhibits symptoms, it is important to seek treatment early, as the condition could result in other eye disorders such as amblyopia or astigmatism. Ptosis can also develop as a person ages. Adults with ptosis may desire treatment to correct the aesthetic and functional issues that are associated with ptosis.

The Causes of Ptosis

Ptosis can be found in people of all ages and backgrounds. It occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid become more lax. Causes of this muscle weakness can vary; possible causes include:

Physical trauma: Ptosis can be caused by damage to the nerve that promotes movement of the eyelid, or physical trauma to the muscles that directly control it.

Muscle weakness due to age: In older people, it can be caused by deterioration of the muscles, nerves, or tendons that support the eyelids.

Venom: Insect, snake, and spider bites could also be to blame because venom in some of those creatures have paralytic properties.

Ptosis Treatment

A common and effective treatment option for ptosis is an eyelid lift. Since damage to the nerves and muscles involved in the movement of the eyelid is sometimes irreversible, the best thing to do is remove the excess skin, connective tissues, and fat that block the patient’s eyesight, though the doctor may utilize surgical methods to correct and reinforce lax muscles and damaged tendons. This procedure can produce excellent aesthetic results as well as improve the patient’s field of vision.

After Eyelid Surgery

Before going forward with an eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, there is some important information to consider. Know that, as is the case with almost all surgery, eyelid surgery results in some degree of scarring; the resulting scars are subtle and hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid (in the case of upper eyelid surgery) or along the lower lash line (in the case of lower eyelid surgery).

In many cases, eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. The procedure is typically completed within one to three hours.

The area around the eye is delicate; thus, patients can expect noticeable swelling and bruising in the week or two following surgery. Final results will be noticeable after a couple of weeks, but full results are visible in one to three months, after which time all residual swelling should subside.

Although eyelid surgery is often performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it does offer functional benefits to certain patients. Upper eyelid surgery may be partially or fully covered by health insurance if it is deemed medically necessary to improve vision. Because the abnormalities of the tissues surrounding the eye are detrimental to vision and causes legitimate disability, upper blepharoplasty is not always considered a totally elective surgery (youthful lids are just a bonus). Your general physician and plastic surgeon can submit the required paperwork when upper eyelid surgery is performed for unobstructed vision.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today to schedule an eyelid surgery consultation.