Ptosis – a medical term for when the upper eyelid is drooping over the eye, causing a reduction in the patients’ vision. When this happens, patients may find it challenging to keep their eyes open and, thus, develop an eye strain as a result of the additional effort required to raise the eyelid to see in general.

Ptosis can appear later in life due to aging or from birth. The former is acquired, while the latter is congenital. Ptosis repair can restore the patient’s vision and fix what was once a major inconvenience.

While recognizing the telltale signs of ptosis is the first step in treating ptosis, this article shares all you need to know regarding the second step: considering a ptosis repair surgery.

What is ptosis treatment?

Any underlying medical condition should be addressed prior to treating ptosis induced by medical diseases such as myasthenia gravis (a severe autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by skeletal muscle weakening). In such cases, medications are typically provided to treat the medical condition.

For ptosis induced by medical conditions, they should ideally be treated by an internal medicine specialist. On the other hand, the most prevalent kind of ptosis, known as senile ptosis or aponeurotic ptosis, is routinely treated with surgery.

How does one prepare for a ptosis repair surgery?

Before undergoing the surgery, your surgeon will have to ascertain the cause of the ptosis as well as its severity. A thorough eye examination will be required, which typically comes hand-in-hand with understanding your family health history, a visual acuity test, and a detailed physical examination of the eyelids.

On your end, there are also a few things to keep in mind before the surgery. For at least 2 weeks prior to the ptosis repair surgery, it would be best to omit double eyelid glue or stickers from your daily routine. This allows the surgeon to make precise changes while your eyes are in their most natural form. Additionally, tobacco and smoking should be avoided for a month before surgery. Lastly, it would be a great time to discuss any medications or health supplements that you are presently taking with the doctor during your consultation. As with most surgical operations, anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners should be halted about a month before the treatment.

What is the procedure for ptosis repair surgery?

The good news is that individuals with droopy eyelids in Singapore may easily get them effectively corrected through ptosis repair surgery.

Prior to the surgery, the patient is put under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then incise the upper eyelid to extract excess skin, other tissue, fat, and muscle. Certain muscles can be reattached here should there be a need to do so. When completed, the incision will then be sutured shut by the surgeon.

The process of the ptosis repair surgery is similar to that of the incisional double eyelid surgery. As such, some patients may decide to combine the 2 procedures for a more enhanced appearance. Patients can be discharged on the same day as these are day surgeries.

What are the potential risks involved?

Complications might be rare, but it is still crucial to note of the risks involved when considering a ptosis repair surgery.

Some complication includes:

● Asymmetry in the eyes.
● Excessive bleeding.
● Complications of anesthesia.
● Inflammation and infection.
● Distortions that occur during the healing process, and more.

In general, ptosis repair surgery is a low-risk outpatient procedure. That said, complications may still arise – especially when not done under the right hands. In rare cases, the operation may even result in the undercorrection or overcorrection of the condition. Ultimately, this causes the eyelid to be too high or too low, requiring further surgery.

Hence, it is highly advised to visit a trusted and meticulous surgeon when it comes to correcting ptosis. The Clifford Surgery Clinic’s skilled surgeons are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform ptosis corrections.

How is recovery like post-surgery?

Bruising and swelling around the eyes are normal following ptosis repair surgery and might last for a few days to 2 weeks. Aside from that, patients can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment. During this time, it would be best to avoid applying cosmetic items in the region surrounding the eyes for up to 2 weeks following the surgery to ensure a smooth healing process.

Additionally, it would be good to avoid wearing contact lenses for the next several weeks after the procedure. This will aid in the prevention of distortions throughout the process of healing. Lastly, excessive force should be avoided around the eyes until the wounds have healed completely. This can include rubbing the eyes and constantly touching the skin around the eyes, among other things.

Have your droopy eyelids fixed @ The Clifford Surgery Clinic

If you are currently experiencing vision difficulties due to droopy eyelids, feel free to give us a call so that our doctors can analyze your ptosis and propose a solution that best fits your needs.