Incisional Ptosis Correction

Ptosis correction eyelid surgery can be performed in both children and adults, depending on the severity of ptosis and whether it affects the vision. Muscular ptosis may occur by birth or may be acquired later in life as the levator muscle weakens. The surgeon will examine the patient’s condition and evaluate the cause of ptosis before recommending an appropriate procedure.

Incisional ptosis correction should only be performed a fully trained and experienced eye surgeon to achieve safe and predictable outcomes.

Dedicated and amazing oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Hui provides incisional ptosis correction procedure to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and surrounding locations in this part of the state.

Treatment Options

Levator Resection

If some muscular function remains in the levator muscle, the surgeon may decide to perform the correction by performing a levator resection. This will tighten the levator muscle to improve its function. The procedure may cause temporary dryness of the eye as well as inability to blink. But these effects will resolve in some time, and healthy upper lid function will be restored.

Frontalis Suspension

In a case where the levator muscle is extremely weak, it may not be possible to sufficiently raise the eyelid by tightening the muscle. In such cases, the surgeon may perform a frontalis suspension procedure. In this procedure, small strands will be placed between the eyelid and brow. The surgeon will tighten these strands to raise the lid.

When the patient wants to raise the eyelids, they will unconsciously raise the brows. When they want to close the eyelids, they will unconsciously lower the brows and squeeze the eyelids shut. The surgeon may perform a frontalis suspension in children by obtaining fibrous tissue from their leg. Long lasting correction is often achieved with this procedure.

In case of adults, the surgeon may perform a frontalis suspension using an elastic strand of solid silicone. This strand is more elastic than the fibrous tissue used in children, enabling the patient to close the eyelids more easily after the procedure. Furthermore, silicone is a safer option because the eyelid height may easily be lowered if the eye is drying out and cannot tolerate the higher position of the eyelids.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis using only local anesthesia. In some cases, the surgeon may additionally remove some excess skin from the eyelid to improving eyelid lift function.

Recovery

Some swelling will occur in the eyelid after the surgery, and vision will be blurry. The patient should apply cold compresses to mitigate swelling and keep the head in an elevated position. A prescription lubricating ointment provided by the surgeon should be used to prevent dry eye. The ointment may have to be used for a few weeks after the surgery.

The patient should avoid direct sun and minimize eye strain during the recovery phase as directed by the surgeon.