Ptosis Surgery

Close up of woman's eyes and face

What is Ptosis Surgery?

Ptosis Surgery is the surgical procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids.

Ptosis, the drooping of the upper eyelid, can affect both your vision and your appearance. Ptosis surgery is the surgical procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. At Philadelphia Eye Associates, we offer expert ptosis surgery to help you regain clear vision and a more youthful, refreshed look.

Ptosis surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and/or lower eyelids are operated on.

For upper lids, the incision is created within the natural crease of the upper lids, so that once the eyelid has healed, the scar in hidden in the fold. For lower lids, surgery is typically done from the inside of the eyelid to remove tissue in a scarless manner.

After eyelid surgery, patients with be advised to use cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising. Eyedrops and ointment will be used on the eyelids for the first 2 weeks. Sutures in the upper lids will dissolve over this time. Patients do not typically experience much pain during recovery but may have some discomfort due to swelling. Patients need to avoid exercise and any exertional activity for the first week, gradually returning to normal activity in the following week. Recovery does not require bedrest or assistance, but activity should be minimized in the first week. No eye makeup or contact lenses can be worn during the first two weeks. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within this time frame, but “fine tuning” of the healing occurs over many weeks. The scars from blepharoplasty are typically well-concealed, and usually fade with time to become virtually undetectable.

Although there may be swelling and bruising around the surgical site, they will subside on their own, and the eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year after surgery. Common side effects include bruising and swelling, mostly for the first 2-3 weeks. Uncommon side effects include infection, double vision, excessive scarring, and bleeding. Patients are required to avoid medications that cause blood thinning for up to a week before surgery. Patients should review their medications with their physician prior to surgery. Patients can also experience dry or irritated eyes after surgery. Eyedrops will be given to minimize these symptoms.

Dr. Carolyn Repke with consult with you to determine your individual needs and the best surgical approach to your eyelids, considering any associated ocular conditions you may have. Having your eyelid surgery performed by an ophthalmologist will assure that the health of your eyes will be our primary concern. To see if you are a candidate for ptosis surgery, call our office for a consultation.

Four Convenient Locations

South Broad Street

1930 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19145

Tel: (215) 339-8100 get directions

Allegheny Ave

2610 E Allegheny Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19134

Tel: (215) 423-5154 get directions

Wills eye Hospital

840 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Tel: (215) 339-8100 get directions

Wills Northeast Consultation Office

8025 Roosevelt Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19152

Tel: (215) 423-5154 get directions

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