Droopy Eyelid & Ptosis Treatment in Huntington Beach

Do your eyelids sag lower than the average person’s? Ptosis, or droopiness, is a common condition affecting the eyelids that ages your face and can even diminish your field of vision by as much as 30%. Fortunately, the amazing ophthalmologists at Clarity Eye Group can correct ptosis with a procedure called upper blepharoplasty.

What Causes Eyelid Ptosis?

For most people, drooping eyelids are a consequence of aging. Over time, your eyelid muscles weaken, making it more difficult to open them completely. Additionally, loose skin and excess fat can accumulate just above the eye, which pushes down on the eyelid and worsens this sagging.

However, some people are born with one or more drooping eyelids (congenital ptosis) due to underdeveloped eyelid muscles. Others can acquire a drooping eyelid later in life because of a traumatic injury, nerve damage, stroke, brain tumor, or diabetes.

Treating Eyelid Ptosis

Regardless of the cause of ptosis, there is one common treatment that can improve the appearance and functionality of the upper eyelid: blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid lift.

To begin, the patient is given local anesthesia to keep him or her comfortable throughout the procedure. Then the ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision along the crease of the eyelid. This is the optimal location so that any scarring (which is usually mild) is easily concealed within the crease. Through this incision, the ophthalmologist removes excess skin and fat, repositioning some fat and muscle as necessary for an appealing, natural appearance. He also tightens the eyelid muscles so that they are strong enough to open the eyelids more completely. Once the surgery is finished, he re-sutures the incision. If the other eyelid also has ptosis, the procedure is repeated on the other eye, with a focus on ensuring the upper eyelids look symmetrical.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Patients undergo treatment for droopy eyelids to:

• Correct droopy eyelids
• Address asymmetry of the eyelids
• Improve field of vision for better sight
• Rejuvenate the face
• Obtain a happier and less tired appearance
• Achieve subtle, natural-looking results
• Boost confidence and have a more thriving social and professional life

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Patients should focus on resting for the first couple days after surgery, avoiding activities that can strain the eyes, like reading or staring at a digital screen. In the weeks following surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Mild discomfort can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. Clarity Eye Group schedules periodic checkups to ensure that eyes are healing correctly and without any complications. Most patients feel and look well enough to return to work one to two weeks after surgery.

Droopy Eyelids FAQs

How is ptosis diagnosed?

Ptosis is diagnosed through a detailed examination by an eye specialist. The diagnosis begins with a physical exam where your doctor measures the position of the eyelids and assesses the strength of the eyelid muscles. Tests such as visual field testing may be conducted to determine how much the droopy eyelid affects your vision. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans are sometimes necessary to rule out underlying causes such as tumors or neurological issues. These comprehensive assessments ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Can ptosis be prevented?

In most cases, ptosis cannot be prevented as it often results from genetic factors, aging, or underlying health conditions. However, maintaining good eye health, avoiding trauma to the eye area, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes can help reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating ptosis. Regular eye exams are also crucial for early detection and management of conditions that could lead to ptosis.

Are there non-surgical treatments for droopy eyelids?

Yes, there are non-surgical options for managing ptosis, depending on its cause and severity. One such option is ptosis crutches, which are attachments to eyeglasses that help hold the eyelid in place. These can be particularly useful for individuals who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-invasive approach. Other non-surgical treatments include medications that can stimulate the eyelid muscles, although their effectiveness may vary. Therefore, surgery remains the most reliable option.

What kind of discomfort will I experience after blepharoplasty?

After blepharoplasty, you may experience some discomfort such as swelling, bruising, dry eyes, and a feeling of tightness or soreness around the eyes. Most of these temporary symptoms can be managed with pain medication, cold compresses, and proper aftercare. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely to minimize discomfort and promote healing. Discomfort typically diminishes within a few days post-surgery.

What are some symptoms of ptosis?

Symptoms of ptosis include a noticeable drooping of one or both upper eyelids, which may affect your vision if the eyelid covers a significant part of the pupil. Additional symptoms can include increased tearing, difficulty keeping the eyes open, eye strain, and headaches from the effort required to raise the eyelids during activities like reading or watching television. In severe cases, people may tilt their heads back to see more clearly, which can lead to neck discomfort.

Are eyelid surgery results permanent?

The results of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be long-lasting, but they are not necessarily permanent. The longevity of the results depends on factors such as the individual’s skin quality, age, and lifestyle habits. While surgery can provide significant improvements, natural aging processes continue and may lead to gradual changes over time. Proper skincare and protection from the sun can help extend the results. However, some patients might choose to have additional procedures later to maintain their desired appearance.

What are some of the surgical techniques used in eyelid surgery?

Several surgical techniques are employed to correct ptosis, each tailored to the specific needs and anatomy of the patient:

• Levator Resection: This procedure tightens the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. It is typically used when ptosis is due to muscle dysfunction and the levator muscle still has some function.
• Frontalis Sling Operation: This technique is often used in cases of severe ptosis with poor levator function. It involves connecting the eyelid to the brow muscle (frontalis) with a sling material, allowing the forehead muscles to help lift the eyelid.
• Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection (MMCR): This less invasive procedure is suitable for milder forms of ptosis. It tightens Müller’s muscle, which is a secondary eyelid lifting muscle, to provide lift to the eyelid.

Why You Should Choose Clarity Eye Group to Correct Your Droopy Eyelids

Our ophthalmologists are some of the top eye doctors in Huntington and Newport Beach, earning rave reviews for their advanced techniques and friendly patient care. Although many plastic surgeons also offer cosmetic eyelid surgery, most do not have in-depth training in ocular anatomy to meet the highest standards of safety and protect the eye’s full functionality like our ophthalmologists do. To learn more about correcting droopy upper eyelids, please arrange a consultation by calling 714-842-0651.