Surgical Correction for Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)
Ptosis is a medical condition in which the upper eyelid droops. If the droop is severe, it can cover the pupil, restricting or blocking the normal field of vision. Eyelid surgery (blepharoptosis repair) is performed to elevate the lid, restore the visual field, and improve facial symmetry.
At Utsav Eye Clinic, we utilize advanced techniques and the best bio-compatible materials to ensure excellent functional and cosmetic results.
Surgical Techniques for Ptosis
The choice of procedure depends on the strength of the eyelid's primary lifting muscle, the levator muscle:
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1.
Levator Resection (Shortening):
If the levator muscle still has moderate strength, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eyelid crease (to hide the scar), shortens the muscle to tighten it, and secures it with dissolvable sutures. This raises the lid naturally.
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2.
Frontalis Sling (Brow Suspension):
If the levator muscle is extremely weak (as in severe congenital ptosis), a sling procedure is performed. The eyelid is connected to the forehead (frontalis) muscle using a microscopic sling. When the patient raises their eyebrows, the eyelid lifts. At Utsav Eye Clinic, we use the highest-quality silicone sling materials (e.g. BD) to ensure durability and reduce tissue reaction.
What to Expect & Recovery
- Anesthesia: Adults are operated under local anesthesia (awake but comfortable). Children require general anesthesia, which involves strict fasting guidelines beforehand.
- Daycare Procedure: Patients return home the same day. Bruising and swelling of the upper lid are normal and typically fade in 7 to 10 days.
- Aftercare: Antibiotic and lubricating drops/ointments are prescribed for 1 to 3 weeks. It may take several weeks to see the final symmetrical result.
- Risks: Main risks include mild asymmetry, under-correction (needing a minor adjustment), or temporary difficulty closing the eye completely, which is managed with hydrating drops until it resolves.
For more details on childhood ptosis, please check our Congenital Ptosis & Drooping Lids Guide.