Eyelid Droop Surgery
(Ptosis Correction)

Helping your eyes open up to the world again

If one (or both) of your eyelids seems to be sagging more than lifting, you might be dealing with ptosis — the fancy name for a droopy upper eyelid. Sometimes it dips just enough to mess with your vision, other times it’s more of a cosmetic nuisance (especially when your reflection starts looking more tired than you feel). It can be something you’re born with, or it can develop over time — either way, it’s completely valid to want it checked out and gently lifted back into place.

Why it happens

There are a few reasons your eyelid might start slacking off:

  • Congenital ptosis – This one starts from day one. It’s usually due to the levator muscle (the one in charge of lifting) not developing properly.
  • Age-related ptosis – Muscles weaken over time (as they do), and the levator just isn’t what it used to be.
  • Neurogenic ptosis – Caused by nerve damage or neurological conditions. The muscle may still be willing, but the signal’s just not getting through.
  • Myogenic ptosis – Linked to muscle diseases like myasthenia gravis.
  • Mechanical ptosis – If there’s something heavy on the eyelid (like a tumour or thick scar tissue), it can pull it down.
  • Traumatic ptosis – Follows injury to the eyelid. (Ouch.)

What you might notice

  • A visibly drooping upper eyelid
  • Struggling to keep your eyes open, especially toward the end of the day
  • Vision that feels slightly obstructed — like you’re peeking out from under a curtain
  • Eye fatigue, straining, or dryness

Here’s what can be done

When ptosis affects your vision or just feels like it’s cramping your confidence, surgery is usually the go-to. There are a few different options depending on the cause and severity:

  • Levator Muscle Resection – This one strengthens the main eyelid-lifting muscle by shortening it. It sounds like a mouthful, but it works. And when it comes to recovery? Well, you might experience some swelling or bruising, but most people are back to the office, traffic, and doing grocery shopping within a few short weeks.
  • Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection (MMCR) – This one is all about tightening a secondary muscle for more subtle lifts — best for mild to moderate ptosis. You can expect a quicker turnaround with visible results in just a few days.
  • Frontalis Sling – Used when the levator muscle isn’t pulling its weight at all. The eyelid is connected to the forehead muscle to help with lift. A bit more time and adjustment are needed for recovery, but it’s highly effective for severe cases.
  • Ptosis Crutch – Not quite ready for surgery? This is a non-surgical option that attaches to your glasses to support the lid. It’s more of a temporary solution, but for some, it’s enough.

Surgery aftercare, reconstruction and real talk on the risks

Post-surgery, you can expect a bit of swelling and bruising. Your eyes have gone through the most, and this is natural. Go easy on yourself. Put your feet up, listen to your favourite podcast, and allow your family to spoil you with home-cooked meals.

You might find that ice packs and sleeping propped up are your saving grace. Most people start to notice an improvement in their vision right away, but the real magic only begins to unfold over the next few weeks. Please avoid rubbing your eyes, and always follow your surgeon’s guidance (yes, even if it sounds boring). Those follow-up visits that you’ve been considering avoiding? They’re a must. They’re key to healing smoothly and catching any minor adjustments that your eyes might need.

Because eyelid surgery isn’t just about getting a lift — it’s also about making sure everything looks harmonious and works the way it should. That’s why your surgeon might include a few subtle finishing touches, like adjusting the crease, refining the shape, or smoothing the contour. Think of it as the difference between a quick tidy-up and a beautifully tailored result — natural, balanced, and truly you.

Like with any surgery, there are a few rare risks — things like over- or under-correction, infection, scarring, or temporary numbness. Nothing we take lightly. That’s exactly why experience matters. At ALCHIMIA Clinic, you’re in the hands of surgeons who’ve done this more times than they can count, with care, precision, and your peace of mind front and centre.

Long-term care & the best way to protect those peepers

  • Pop on protective eyewear when you’re doing anything remotely risky — whether it’s DIY, sports, or wrangling a toddler with a toy hammer.
  • Book those regular eye check-ups (yes, even if everything seems fine) — early detection is your best friend.
  • Keep an eye on overall health, too. Conditions like diabetes or nerve issues can sometimes show up in, well… your eyelids. The more balanced your health, the happier your eyes.

Reconstructive Considerations

Post-surgical reconstruction ensures eyelid function and aesthetic appearance, involving techniques such as eyelid contouring, creating an eyelid fold, or performing canthoplasty to ensure alignment and support.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Swelling and Bruising: Common but typically subsides in 1-2 weeks. Ice packs and head elevation help reduce swelling.

Eye Care

Patients should avoid rubbing the eyes and use prescribed medications to aid healing.

  • Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-ups to assess healing and make necessary adjustments.
  • Vision Improvement: Visual improvements are often immediate, but full results take a few weeks.
  • Complications: Rare but may include under correction, overcorrection, infection, or scarring. Revision surgery may be needed in some cases.

Prevention and Long-term Care

  • Eye Protection: Use protective eyewear to prevent trauma-related ptosis.
  • Early Detection: Regular eye exams can catch ptosis early, preventing complications.
  • Underlying Conditions: Managing health conditions like diabetes can reduce the risk of neurogenic ptosis.

Conclusion

Ptosis repair is an effective treatment that improves vision and restores the natural appearance of the eyelids. Surgical options, from levator resection to frontalis sling, are tailored to each patient’s condition, ensuring optimal results. Consultation with an experienced oculoplastic surgeon is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gallery

Pre and 6 weeks post bilateral upper blepharoplasty, ptosis repair and browpexy (GENTLE BROWLIFT)

Describing Eyelid Ptosis Repair corrects drooping of the upper eyelid, which can obstruct vision, cause eye strain, and affect appearance. The procedure tightens or repositions the eyelid muscles, restoring proper function and improving vision and symmetry. Recovery is straightforward, offering enhanced vision, comfort, and a rejuvenated appearance for those affected by ptosis.

Conservative blepharoplasty and ptosis repair in a dry eye patient. She had no exacerbated symptoms post-operatively and greatly improved visual quality and cosmesis.

One week post-operative outcome of a patient who underwent a blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. The patient reported improved social interaction and work associations as her “tired-appearance” resolved.

The upper lids should be a few millimetres above the black part of the eye. This patient had improved vision after her blepharoplasty and ptosis repairs.

Swelling and bruising from lid surgery settles mostly after the first week or two after surgery, as seen in this photo.

Upper sulcus hollowing greatly amplifies the aged, tired appearance, and will be worsened by performing a blepharoplasty. This patient received a combination technique which gives a marked improvement one week after surgery, not only in lid height but also in volume which rejuvenated her natural features.