What is Ptosis Surgery?
Ptosis surgery, medically known as ptosis surgery, is a procedure performed to correct drooping upper eyelids. Drooping eyelids can affect not only the aesthetic appearance but also the field of vision. Therefore, the surgery is considered not only a cosmetic procedure but also a functional one. During the procedure, the muscle that lifts the eyelids is strengthened or repositioned.
In some cases, this muscle may have completely lost its function, in which case different surgical techniques are used to move the eyelid to a more functional position. Ptosis surgery not only improves vision but also allows for a more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the eyes.
What Causes Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)?
Drooping eyelids can occur for various reasons. Congenital factors are one of the most common causes. Congenital ptosis is related to the developmental defect of the eyelid-lifting muscle and manifests in childhood. Furthermore, aging-related muscle relaxation or weakening of the tissues surrounding the eye can also contribute to ptosis.
Trauma, muscle diseases, nerve damage, or previous eye surgery can also cause eyelid droop. Even prolonged contact lens wear can affect the eyelid muscles, leading to ptosis. In short, this problem can be the result of both genetic and acquired factors.
Who Gets Ptosis?
Ptosis can occur in all age groups. While the congenital type occurs in children, the age-related type usually becomes apparent in older adults. Drooping eyelids is a common condition, particularly after age 40, due to the loosening of muscle and connective tissue. Ptosis can also develop earlier in individuals with certain neurological conditions or neurological disorders.
Those who have worn contact lenses for many years or are exposed to frequent trauma around the eyes are also at higher risk. There is no significant difference in the incidence between men and women. However, due to aesthetic concerns and the narrowing of the visual field, socially active individuals may be more affected by this problem.
When is Ptosis Surgery Necessary?
The decision to undergo surgery is based on the severity of the eyelid ptosis and its impact on the individual’s quality of life. While mild ptosis may be solely aesthetic, moderate and severe ptosis significantly narrows the field of vision. In such cases, surgery becomes a necessity not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional reasons. If ptosis is not treated early in children, amblyopia can develop.
Therefore, surgery may be recommended at an early age, especially in congenital cases. In adults, surgery is considered when the ptosis is severe enough to impair vision quality or when the individual is aesthetically distressed. Ptosis surgery both improves the field of vision and provides a more vibrant and youthful appearance.
How is Ptosis Surgery Performed?
Ptosis surgery is performed in various ways, depending on the condition of the eyelid-lifting muscles. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia may be preferred. First, a thin incision is made in the upper eyelid, exposing the eyelid-lifting muscle. If the muscle is weak, shortening or strengthening is performed, which lifts the eyelid to a higher position.
If the muscle has completely lost function, a forehead muscle suspension is used to support eyelid movement. Because the incisions are usually hidden within the natural eyelid crease, healing will leave no visible scars. Surgery typically lasts between one and two hours.
What are the Methods Used in Ptosis Surgery?
One of the most commonly used techniques in ptosis surgery is the levator muscle shortening technique. This shortens the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid, allowing the eyelid to be positioned higher. For patients with very poor muscle function, the frontalis suspension technique is preferred. This technique uses thin silicone strips or the patient’s own tissue to attach the eyelid to the forehead muscle.
This allows the eyelid to be lifted with the help of the forehead muscle. In less severe cases, a Müller muscle resection can also be performed. This technique allows for a slight eyelid lift with minimal intervention. The chosen technique is determined by the patient’s muscle strength, age, eye structure, and degree of ptosis.
Is Ptosis an Aesthetic or Medical Problem?
Ptosis isn’t just considered an aesthetic problem. Of course, drooping eyelids can create a tired, unhappy, and aged appearance. However, ptosis can also make daily life difficult by narrowing the field of vision. Especially in advanced cases, a person may try to see by raising their eyebrows, which can eventually cause muscle pain in the forehead.
Congenital ptosis in children can negatively impact vision development and lead to amblyopia. Therefore, ptosis is a problem that requires both aesthetic and medical attention. Surgery can improve vision quality and achieve a more youthful, healthy appearance.
Does Ptosis Surgery Affect Quality of Vision?
Drooping eyelids can restrict vision, particularly in the upper eyelid. This can negatively impact activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer. When the eyelid is lifted to a more optimal level through ptosis surgery, the field of vision is expanded, and the patient begins to see more comfortably. The surgery not only provides a more aesthetically refreshed appearance but also improves functional vision. Therefore, the surgery is considered not only a cosmetic procedure but also a surgical intervention that improves visual function.
Recovery Process After Ptosis Surgery
In the first few days after surgery, swelling, bruising, and mild pain may occur around the eyes. These symptoms are generally normal and begin to subside within a few days. Sleeping with the head supported by a high pillow for the first week, applying cold compresses, and taking regular medication as recommended by the doctor will accelerate healing.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week. However, it may take several weeks for the eyelid to fully return to its new shape. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid straining the eyes, avoid strenuous exercise, and maintain good hygiene. The final results are usually visible within two to three months, and the eyelid will regain a more natural appearance.
Is Ptosis Surgery a Permanent Solution?
Ptosis surgery is a long-term and permanent solution. During surgery, the eyelid is brought back to its normal position by shortening or strengthening the muscle that lifts the eyelids. The results of congenital ptosis surgery performed in childhood are generally lifelong.
In adults, tissue loosening may occur over the years due to aging, but this usually does not completely eliminate the effects of the surgery. In other words, the patient will have more open and aesthetically pleasing eyelids for a long time. The need for repeat intervention is rare.
Is Ptosis Surgery Risky?
As with any surgical procedure, ptosis surgery carries risks. While infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or scarring during healing are rare, they can occur. In some patients, the eyelid may be lifted more than desired or may not be corrected sufficiently. In these cases, a minor revision surgery can improve the results.
However, with modern surgical techniques, sterile conditions, and an experienced surgeon, these risks can be minimized. Ptosis surgery is a safe procedure for individuals in good general health who follow their doctor’s recommendations.
What Do Those Who Had Ptosis Surgery Say?
Reviews from people who have undergone ptosis surgery are generally positive. Patients report that their visual fields have expanded and their eyes appear more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing. Families of children who have undergone surgery in childhood report improved vision and social self-confidence.
Adult patients report that in addition to improved aesthetics, they also experience a reduction in headaches and forehead muscle tension. The rapid disappearance of bruising and swelling in the initial days also facilitates the recovery process. Overall, satisfaction with the postoperative results is high.
Ptosis Surgery Prices 2025
Ptosis surgery prices in 2025 range between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the clinic, surgeon’s expertise, and procedure complexity. This corrective operation tightens or shortens the eyelid muscle to lift droopy eyelids, improving both vision and appearance. Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, while full results are visible after a few months.
Costs may vary based on anesthesia type, hospital facilities, and whether the surgery is performed on one or both eyes. Some clinics also provide package deals that include consultation, surgery, and postoperative care, which can affect the overall cost.
Can ptosis be congenital?
Ptosis is a condition that can be both congenital and develop later in life. Congenital ptosis usually occurs when the levator muscle, which lifts the upper eyelid, is underdeveloped or malfunctions. It becomes apparent in infancy and childhood. If not recognized and treated early, vision development can be negatively impacted, leading to amblyopia.
Congenital ptosis isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s also a serious condition that can directly impact a child’s vision. Therefore, when ptosis is detected in children, close monitoring by an ophthalmologist is essential, and surgical planning is necessary. Early surgery helps preserve visual development and achieves an aesthetically balanced facial appearance.
Is surgery necessary even if the drooping eyelid is in one eye?
Drooping eyelids can occur in only one eye in some individuals. This condition disrupts facial symmetry aesthetically and can also cause functional problems. Drooping in one eye can narrow the field of vision and cause a person to use that eye less frequently. Unilateral ptosis, especially in childhood, significantly increases the risk of amblyopia. Therefore, surgery may be necessary even if ptosis occurs in one eyelid.
In adults, unilateral ptosis creates asymmetry in facial expressions and can be uncomfortable in social situations. The individual may also be forced to constantly raise their eyebrows to reduce the effect of the drooping eyelid, which can lead to fatigue and headaches in the forehead. Surgical correction of a single eyelid can achieve a more balanced appearance, both functionally and aesthetically.
Will there be any scars after ptosis surgery?
Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the risk of scarring after ptosis surgery is quite low. The incisions are generally hidden within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This way, the incision line is unnoticeable after healing. Mild redness or a thin line of scarring may be visible for the first few weeks, but this will fade over time, achieving a natural skin appearance.
Whether or not scarring will occur after surgery depends largely on the surgeon’s experience, the technique used, and the patient’s skin type. Scars heal much faster in people with thin skin. It’s also important for the patient to follow the doctor’s recommendations throughout the healing process. Regular use of sunscreen, hygiene, and sun protection contribute to a more rapid scar disappearance. Ptosis surgery is generally a safe procedure that doesn’t cause any scarring concerns.
Is it possible to treat ptosis without surgery?
If eyelid droop is significant, surgery is often the only permanent solution. However, in mild cases of ptosis, temporary or supportive methods can be used. For example, some special eye drops can briefly stimulate the eyelid-lifting muscle, helping the eyelid lift slightly.
Additionally, small eyelid support devices or contact lenses can provide a temporary solution. However, these methods are not permanent and have limited medical effectiveness. For moderate to severe ptosis, surgery is necessary to preserve vision and achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
Does ptosis recur?
Ptosis surgery is performed to provide a permanent solution. During the operation, the muscle that lifts the eyelid is strengthened or repositioned. This allows the eyelid to remain at a normal level for many years. However, tissue loosening due to aging can lead to slight drooping in later years.
Even in cases of congenital ptosis, the results are generally lifelong. In very rare cases, unpredictable muscle healing or the development of new problems due to trauma may necessitate further surgery. Generally, the likelihood of recurrence of ptosis after surgery is considered low.
Can ptosis surgery be performed in children?
Yes, ptosis can be seen in children, and surgery can be performed at an early age if necessary. Especially in cases of congenital ptosis, drooping eyelids can impair a child’s vision and lead to the risk of amblyopia. Therefore, the timing of surgery is determined by the child’s visual development.
While surgery is recommended at a very young age in some children, in less severe cases, surgery may be considered after a few years of monitoring. Ptosis surgery in children is crucial for both visual health and to prevent cosmetic concerns later in life.
Can ptosis be treated with plastic surgery?
Ptosis surgery doesn’t have to be performed alone. If you have drooping eyelids, excess skin, fat accumulation, or aesthetic concerns, it can be combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). It can also be combined with cosmetic procedures such as a brow lift or forehead lift to balance the overall facial appearance.
This allows for a more comprehensive, both functional and aesthetic outcome. Performing the procedures together also allows for a more complete recovery. In short, ptosis surgery can be combined with other cosmetic procedures as needed.
