Ptosis is the medical name for droopy upper eyelids, which may occur in one or both eyes. The low lying eyelids can interfere with vision by affecting the top part of the visual field and present as a cosmetic issue for some.
Patients might have difficulty keeping their eyelids open, eyestrain or eyebrow ache from increased effort needed to raise the eyelids, and fatigue, especially when reading.
Ptosis most commonly occurs with aging, but can also be present from birth (congenital). It can also be caused by long-term contact lens wear, trauma, eye surgery (including cataract surgery) and occasionally neurological or muscle disease.
The most common ptosis operation involves re-attaching/shortening/tightening of the muscle that raise the lid (the levator palpebrae superioris muscle). An incision is made in the skin in the existing eyelid crease (skin fold) to access the muscle. It is then reattached to the rigid tissue in the eyelid with sutures that either dissolve or remain under the skin surface . Ptosis surgery can be combined with removing excess skin in the upper eyelid (blepharoplasty).
Surgical technique used will be different depending on the cause of the ptosis. We will discuss in detail the necessary procedure needed to correct ptosis during the consultation.
The aim of the surgery is to lift the droopy eyelid and achieve the following:
Our doctors will take detailed history and assess your eyelids to determine the extent of ectropion involving the lids. We will explore your request in detail and advise if surgery would be able to achieve the outcome you desire.
It is important to bring along all your medications, and advised the doctor if you’re taking blood thinner medications. Necessary measurements and photographs will be taken to allow for planning of surgery. We will discuss in detail your condition and explain in detail the surgical procedure during the consultation .
Prior to surgery, please ensure that you allow 6 hours of fasting prior to the surgery, you will be directed to the operating theatre at the Sydney Eye Hospital.
This is usually performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient. Some patients may choose to have a light sedation during injection of anaesthetic. It is best that you remain awake during procedure to ensure symmetrical adjustment of eyelid position. The surgical technique may vary depending on the underlying condition. In most cases, your doctor will determine the best method of achieve the results you want.
Here are some points to be mindful of following surgery:
Eye patch
You may have an eye patch over-night and will be prescribed antibiotic eyedrops or ointment for about a week. If surgery is done to both eyes, one patch will be removed before you leave the surgery.
Sutures
These are generally removed between 7-10 days after the surgery.
Returning home after surgery
It would be ideal to have someone (friend or family) to take you home or arrange a taxi.
At home
Vision may seem a bit smeary following surgery or from the ointment prescribed.
Please take care not to rub on or near the surgical wound for at least 2 weeks.
Post-operative ointment
Please use Chlorsig eyedrops to use 3 times during the day and ointment at night. The ointment can also be applied to the skin wound.
This is used for 1-2 weeks following surgery
Can I wash and bath normally?
It is okay to bath and shower, however, please try and keep the surgical wound dry at until the sutures are removed. During healing phase, it is best to keep the wound dry.
Exercise and swimming?
While gentle exercises are okay following surgery, it is best to avoid any strenuous exercise, sports, or heavily lifting for at least 2 weeks until the wound heals.
Swimming should be avoided until the wound heals and stitches removed.
Can I drive after the surgery?
You should be able to continue to drive following day after surgery when the patches are removed. However the ointment may make the vision blurry, thus please do take great care, or stop driving if the vision is not clear.
Can I still use makeup after the surgery?
Make-up can be worn from the day after the operation, however please avoid putting make on or close to the wound or stitches.
Is it okay to watch television or use the computer as usual?
Yes, these can continue as usual.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us on: Ellumina Cosmetic Clinic 02 8041 6477
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