Ptosis Repair

Ptosis repair is a procedure that raises the upper eyelid by tightening or repositioning the muscles or tendons responsible for eyelid elevation. The aim is to improve eyelid height and symmetry while maintaining comfortable eyelid closure and protecting the eye surface.

Ptosis is different from excess eyelid skin. Some patients have both ptosis and hooding, and the treatment plan may include ptosis repair alone or combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. A specialist evaluation is needed to identify the cause of drooping and choose the safest approach.

Benefits depend on the cause of ptosis, eyelid muscle function and healing. A specialist consultation is needed to confirm what is realistic.

• Improved eyelid height: raising a drooping lid for better symmetry
• Clearer upper vision: when drooping interferes with the visual field
• More balanced appearance: reducing a tired or heavy lid look for some patients
• Better lid function: improved eyelid position during daily activities

Because eyelid tissues are delicate, results are planned conservatively. Minor asymmetry can remain and adjustments are sometimes needed after healing.

Ptosis repair may be considered for patients with upper eyelid drooping that affects appearance, comfort or vision. Only a qualified specialist can confirm eligibility after an eyelid exam and review of medical and eye history.

• Confirmed ptosis: drooping due to muscle or tendon function rather than skin excess alone
• Eye surface health: evaluation for dry eye tendency, irritation and tear function
• Lid function assessment: measurement of levator function and eyelid position
• Travel readiness: ability to stay in country for early checks because eyelid position can shift as swelling settles

Some underlying causes require special evaluation, including nerve related ptosis, thyroid eye disease or prior eye and eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will advise on the safest plan and whether additional medical assessment is needed.

The technique depends on the cause of ptosis, levator muscle function and eyelid anatomy. Your surgeon will aim for stable eyelid height while protecting lid closure and eye comfort.

Steps vary by technique and by whether ptosis repair is combined with other eyelid procedures. Your surgeon should explain where incisions are placed, how eyelid height is adjusted and how symmetry is evaluated.

Ptosis repair is often performed with local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia may be used depending on patient factors, surgeon preference or combined procedures. Your clinician will confirm the safest option for you.

Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and described as tightness, swelling and sensitivity. Dryness or irritation can occur temporarily. Your team should provide a symptom management plan and clear warning signs that require urgent assessment.

Preparation for ptosis repair abroad should include an eye focused health review and a travel plan that allows for early assessment of eyelid height and closure. Because lid position can shift during healing, follow ups are an important part of safety.

• Eye history: share dry eye symptoms, contact lens use, prior eye surgery and vision concerns
• Medical history: provide medications, allergies and any neurologic or thyroid related conditions
• Medication review: some medicines and supplements increase bleeding risk and require clinician guidance
• Travel planning: allow enough in country time for early checks and suture care if needed
• Recovery support: plan for rest and help during the first days, especially if vision feels blurry from swelling

Do not start or stop medications without guidance from your treating clinicians.

Timelines vary by technique and whether additional eyelid procedures are combined. Your surgeon will confirm follow up timing and when it is reasonable to fly.

Recovery involves swelling settling and eyelid height stabilizing over time. Early eyelid position can change as swelling reduces, so assessments are typically done over weeks rather than days.

After returning home, aftercare focuses on protecting the eyelids, supporting eye comfort and completing follow ups. Because lid position matters for eye health, remote check ins are valuable for international patients.

• Incision care: gentle cleaning as directed and avoiding rubbing the eyes
• Eye comfort: monitor dryness, irritation and tearing and report persistent symptoms
• Activity: avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until cleared and protect the eyes from sun and wind
• Remote follow ups: photo or video reviews help track eyelid height and closure during healing

Seek urgent local care if you develop worsening pain, fever, increasing redness, drainage, sudden vision changes or significant bleeding and notify your surgical team.

Ptosis repair involves adjusting eyelid muscles and support structures, so careful planning and follow up are important. Your surgeon should explain your individual risk profile and how concerns are managed.

• Common and expected: swelling, bruising, temporary dryness or irritation, temporary asymmetry during healing
• Possible complications: infection, bleeding, noticeable scarring, under correction or over correction, asymmetry
• Functional risks: difficulty fully closing the eyelid, exposure related dryness, changes in eyelid contour
• Less common but serious: significant bleeding, vision threatening complications, reaction to anesthesia, need for revision surgery

Experienced technique and careful follow up reduce risk, but no outcome can be guaranteed.

For ptosis repair, international patients often look for surgeons with specific eyelid and oculoplastic experience, facilities that support safe anesthesia and a clear follow up plan to check eyelid height, closure and eye surface comfort before returning home. Coordination matters because early monitoring can reduce risk and support timely adjustments if needed.