Sagging eyelids are a common “side effect” of aging for many people, and drooping lids can undoubtedly make you look tired, worn out, and older. But for some people, eyelid sagging (or ptosis) is so severe that it interferes with vision, and without treatment, its impact can get a lot worse.
At Sanctuary Cosmetic Center, Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS, helps patients restore normal lid elevation with state-of-the-art ptosis treatment performed on an outpatient basis without the need for general anesthesia. Here, learn how eyelid surgery could help improve your vision and appearance.
Droopy upper eyelids are divided into two categories: congenital ptosis happens at birth, while acquired ptosis is sagging that develops later for various reasons.
Congenital ptosis is more common than acquired ptosis, and it’s often associated with muscle damage that happens at birth or when the eyelid muscles don’t develop fully or properly before birth. In many cases, the exact cause isn’t known.
Acquired ptosis happens at some point after birth, and it can be further divided into five subtypes based on the underlying cause:
Fortunately, ptosis treatment can help treat all types of ptosis, correcting the lid position and improving related vision problems.
“Hooded” upper lids that make you look sleepy or tired may be treated with a forehead lift or Botox injections administered to muscles in your forehead. These injections provide a gentle lift that subtly elevates lids, which shows minor sagging.
But for more severe ptosis that obscures your vision, surgery is the better solution. Dr. Rostami evaluates your eyelids and your overall facial anatomy to recommend the best approach.
For eyelid surgery, she makes an incision in the crease of your upper lid or on the underside of your lid. She uses the incisions to access and remove excess fat and skin and to reposition the muscles that elevate your lid and maintain it in its normal position.
At the end of the procedure, Dr. Roastami closes the incision with tiny sutures, applying a special ointment to prevent infection. The entire procedure takes about 1-2 hours, using local anesthetic and sedation when needed, and you can return home shortly afterward.
During the healing period, you’ll have some bruising and mild swelling in the area and may feel some mild discomfort or irritation. Many people find they have extra sensitivity to light, along with excess tearing.
Over-the-counter medicine can help relieve swelling and pain during the initial stages of healing, and keeping your head elevated can also help. We provide complete instructions for cleaning the incision area while you heal.
Generally, you’ll need to avoid strenuous physical activity for a week or so. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to wear glasses instead for about 3-4 weeks to avoid irritating the area.
If left untreated, ptosis can worsen as you age, making reading, using a computer, or driving difficult or impossible. If your droopy lids are affecting your vision, don’t delay treatment. To learn how we can help, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Sanctuary Cosmetic Center in McLean, Virginia, today.
