Many people notice asymmetry of their eyelids and there are multiple reasons to have asymmetry:
Ptosis (eyelid position relative to the pupil is less than 4mm)
Dermatochalasis (extra skin hanging covering the eyelids)
Brow Ptosis
Overactive Orbicularis (strong muscles on one side that close the eye)
Different Eyelid Crease Heights
Eyelid Platform Length
CAN PTOSIS OCCUR IN YOUNGER PATIENTS?
Younger patients can also acquire ptosis in several different ways:
Previous Stye or Eyelid Infection
Contact Lens Wear
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Sleeping on One Side
Eye Rubbing
Mechanical irritation of the eyelids via rubbing, contact lenses or inflammation can weaken the muscles that lift the eyelid up.
HOW IS PTOSIS TREATED?
Repair of the ptotic eye(s) must be performed surgically by an oculofacial plastic surgeon. Ptosis repair can be corrected by two approaches:
External Ptosis Repair – Skin incision is performed and the levator muscles are repositioned.
Internal Ptosis Repair – No skin incision necessary, muller’s muscle is tightened from the underside of the eyelid.
Ptosis repair is an intricate surgery, and it may be accompanied by other procedures, such as a brow lift or upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, to enhance the function and appearance of the patient’s eyes and brow. Patients who undergo ptosis repair can expect improvement of the eyelid height immediately after surgery.
Recovery time is anywhere from 1- 3 weeks with mild swelling and bruising. Normal activity can be resumed after 1 week.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PTOSIS REPAIR?
To best treat the condition, it is important that your surgeon understand its cause. Patients who experience ptosis in one or both eyes must be clinically evaluated. This may include assessments done by a neurologist or an ophthalmologist, as well as other specialists. In order to determine if you are a candidate for surgical repair and which procedures would be best for your eyes, you should have a full examination and careful review of your medical records. Your oculofacial plastic surgeon may recommend treatment of any dry eye conditions prior to surgery.
To find out more, call us at 347.788.1841 today to schedule a consultation.
References
Finsterer, J. (2003). Ptosis: Causes, Presentation, and Management. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 27(3):193-204.
Kersten, RC, de Concillis, C, and Kulwin, DR. (1995). Acquired ptosis in the young and middle-aged adult population. Opthalmology. 102(6):924-8.
