Ptosis Surgery (for droopy eyelids)

What are the causes of ptosis?

The causes and severity of ptosis vary significantly from patient to patient, so each procedure must be meticulously tailored to the individual's specific needs and anatomy. Numerous things can be the source of ptosis, including:

•  Aging, as ptosis usually develops later in life
• An injury
• A medical condition, such as a stroke, Horner’s syndrome, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, skin cancer around the eye, benign lesions, or a stye.
• Being born with it, which is called congenital ptosis.

Droopy eye from ptosis can cause:

• A tired appearance or sleepy looking
• Eye strain or headache: Some people with ptosis may raise their eyebrows unconsciously to try to lift the drooping eyelids, which can cause forehead discomfort or headaches over time.
• Trouble seeing: some people may have to tilt their heads back to see under the eyelid.
• Dry or watery eyes

How is ptosis treated?

Treatment for ptosis depends on its cause and severity, as well as the patient's age and general health.

Our doctor might recommend a wait-and-see approach in mild cases of ptosis that don't interfere with vision. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure the condition doesn't worsen over time.

Surgery is the preferred treatment option when the ptosis interferes with vision or poses a cosmetic concern for the patient.

What is ptosis surgery? 

The good news is that surgery to elevate the eyelid can correct ptosis. Ptosis surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia in our surgery center. Our patients go home the same day.

There are three different surgical procedures for lifting the upper eyelid into its proper position. Our surgeon tightens the levator muscle during the procedure to help it lift the eyelid. If the levator muscle is extremely weak, the surgeon might attach or suspend the eyelid from smaller muscles in the eyebrow so the forehead muscles can lift.

Who should perform ptosis surgery? 

Ptosis correction surgery is considered one of the most challenging eyelid surgeries today and must be performed by a highly experienced board-certified Oculoplastics surgeon. It requires exceptional precision and an individualized approach.

When done by a very experienced board-certified oculoplastics surgeon like Dr. Adeleh Yarmohammad and Dr. Rafi Israel, the results are considered a permanent solution for ptosis. Revision surgeries are rarely necessary. 

What to expect after an eyelid ptosis repair surgery

Following your surgery, you will be asked to limit your activities for a week to allow the eyelid muscles and soft tissues to heal. You’ll be advised to avoid rubbing or doing anything irritating your eyes. Bruising and swelling can last from three to four weeks. 

Since a ptosis repair can make your eyes more prone to dryness, our doctor will provide you with medications to keep your eye adequately lubricated during this time. 

You will have periodic follow-ups during your recovery so our surgeons can check changes in your eyelid position as your post-op swelling subsides.

If the lid position is not ideal once you are fully healed, our surgeon can perform minor adjustments to reduce sagging and elevate the eyelid to the desired level.

Why Choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute for your ptosis surgery?

Your eyes are one of the most delicate structures in your body. That’s why, when you’re looking for a Los Angeles area surgeon to correct the appearance or function of your eyelids and the structures surrounding your eyes, you want to seek an oculoplastic surgeon.

In contrast to a plastic surgeon, an oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist with extensive training in microsurgical eye surgery followed by highly specialized training in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. The health and safety of your eyes are the number one priority in all surgical planning performed by an oculoplastic surgeon.

As trained ophthalmologists, board-certified Dr. Adeleh Yarmohammad and Dr. Rafi Israel have extensive experience in treating functional eye problems affecting patients’ vision and eye health, performing cosmetic procedures, and doing revisions of surgeries performed elsewhere that have gone bad.

Please schedule a consultation with us at our Beverly Hills or Santa Monica clinics to discuss the appearance or function of your eyelids. Please call 866-945-2745 or click here to request an appointment online.

Assil Gaur Eye Institute is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.