Ptosis and Blephoraplasty Surgery

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is commonly referred to as drooping eyelids and is characterized by drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid or lids.  Both appearance and vision can be affected.  As ptosis progresses, it can affect vision by sagging to the extent it interferes with the eye’s line of sight, thus blocking the ability of an otherwise normal eye from functioning. 

Causes of ptosis can include:

• age related deteriation of the eyelid muscles
• trauma to the eye lids

• underlying disease such as diabetes

• or occur from birth as a congenital condition

Ptosis does not prefer one gender over the other.  Both men and women can suffer from its effects and can benefit from surgical repair of the eyelids.

Blephoraplasty Surgery for Correction of Ptosis

The procedure most commonly used at Goodman Eye Center to repair the effects of ptosis is blepharoplasty.  The purpose of the blepharoplasty procedure is to reattach the stretched muscles back to their normal location which returns the eyelid to its original position and function.

Originally conducted over 70 years ago, the blepharoplasty technique has continued to be refined over the years and today offers a safe and proven repair of ptosis.  Nearly a quarter of a million people benefit from blepharoplasty procedures each year. 
 
Blepharoplasty is performed in the comfort of our Milford Massachusetts office under local anesthesia as a day surgery procedure.  Patients will return home the same day and follow our post surgical guidelines. 

It is normal for swelling to occur after surgery with a peak in swelling usually on the morning after surgery.  Most swelling will subside over the course of a week to 10 days.  Occasionally some minor swelling may continue for longer periods.

 Because of its potential effects on vision, ptosis repair is often covered by insurance.