Blepharoptosis is when the upper eyelid droops lower than usual in one or both eyes. The result is a tired, sleepy-looking appearance, and if the ptosis is severe, vision may also be impaired.
Blepharoptosis can be congenital or acquired, with the same frequency in both men and women. Problems may arise that are not only aesthetic but also practical, making it difficult for patients to see and feel comfortable in their everyday lives. With that in mind, it is most common for patients to be interested in this surgery for the aesthetic aspect.
In most cases, the drooping eyelid is the result of a relaxed muscle, which is responsible for opening the eye. It is rarely caused by trauma or nerve damage. Eyelid drooping is, therefore, not a condition but rather a symptom that can be corrected with a special operation.
The patient who arrives at the plastic surgeon’s office usually has small eyes and a tired appearance, often troubled by the headaches that occur while trying to see well or open their eyes wider. In severe cases, patients may have to forcefully lift their eyebrows to see properly, resulting in added tension and discomfort.
The doctor takes the patient’s medical history, noting when the fall began and whether there was an injury. If there is an infection or a concomitant condition (one that occurs with another), those are also noted. In some cases, a doctor may order further tests to determine the cause of eyelid droop if it is suspected that there could be serious underlying conditions such as Horner syndrome.
Blepharoptosis causes no symptoms until the patient becomes aware of the impairment in their visual field. The symptoms of the condition worsen when trying to look up or when one feels very tired. People with blepharoptosis are often accused at work of being “lazy” and looking tired all the time without being tired in reality. In conclusion, we would argue that people seem less attractive when their eyelids droop because it makes them look as if they’ve lost their vitality and “sparkle.”
Blepharoptosis is not a disease but a symptom that does not threaten the patient’s vision but only makes daily life more difficult due to the restriction of the visual field.
Treatment for eyelid loss is a one-way street and is purely surgical. Surgery is required since the drooping eyelid causes asymmetry in both eyes and affects the field of vision.
The procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon using local anesthesia. The surgery involves making a thin incision in the crease of the upper eyelid and “folding back” the tendon of the muscle that pulls the eyelid upwards.
After surgery, artificial tears and antibiotic drops are necessary for a few days.
The procedure for eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia or sedation (depending on the individual case) and is entirely painless. It lasts approximately 45 minutes, and no hospitalization or stay is required.
As with all plastic surgery, postoperative swelling is a common occurrence. If the surgeon is inexperienced, the upper eyelid may appear altered after surgery, or one eye might not close completely.
Expect minimal bruising and swelling, which gradually subsides within two weeks. Applying a cold compress and sleeping with 2-3 pillows can help soothe discomfort from the swelling.
The patient should avoid strenuous physical activities for 2 weeks and apply an ointment as directed by the doctor.
In some severe cases, the upper eyelid may begin to fall again after some years. However, the vast majority of patients don’t experience a recurrence of the ptosis and have excellent results.
Among the main advantages of the correction of the drooping upper eyelid are improved field of vision, the aesthetic improvement of a sleepy face, and the alleviation of headaches or neck pain due to the patient’s constant efforts to raise their eyebrows and see correctly.
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