Eyelid Lift
An eyelid lift can be a wonderful option to correct droopy eyelids, or ptosis. Ptosis can cause people to feel and look tired, sad, and unhappy. While often considered a cosmetic issue, ptosis can also impair vision and affect daily activities. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ptosis is essential for those interested in an eyelid lift.
Understanding Ptosis
Causes: Ptosis can result from various factors, and is often due to an issue with the levator palpebrae superioris, which is the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. Acquired ptosis that develops later in life and can be attributed to aging, trauma, muscle diseases, neurological disorders, or as a complication of other eye surgeries.
Symptoms: The primary symptom of ptosis is the sagging of the upper eyelid. This can even lead to a reduction in the field of vision if the eyelid droops low enough to cover part of the pupil. Other symptoms may include difficulty keeping the eyelids open, eyestrain, and eyebrow fatigue from the effort to lift the eyelids. In severe cases, individuals may adopt a head-tilted-back position to see more clearly. Many patients are bothered by asymmetry of the eyelid height, which can cause cosmetic issues with one eyelid looking more closed than the other.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ptosis involves a comprehensive oculoplastic evaluation. Specialized surgeons assess the height of the eyelid, the strength of the eyelid muscles, and eye movements. In some cases, additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause of ptosis, such as imaging tests or blood tests if a systemic condition is suspected. An unusual reflex called a “Herring’s Reflex” may affect the height of the other eye when the drooping eyelid is lifted. It is important to identify these nuances to achieve the best cosmetic results possible. It is also important to trust a surgeon who can discuss the effects of excess eyelid skin or droopy brows, and how this can affect the height of the eyelid before and after an eyelid lift.
Eyelid Lift
An eyelid lift aims to elevate the eyelid height and achieve symmetry. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the ptosis, its cause, and the patient’s other facial anatomic findings.
Surgical Options for Eyelid Lift:
- Levator Aponeurosis Repair: This is the most common surgery for adults with ptosis. The procedure tightens the levator muscle with an external incision in the skin to lift the eyelid.
- Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection (MMCR): This eyelid lifting method is used for milder forms of ptosis and involves tightening the Müller’s muscle from the inside of the eyelid.
- Combination with Brow Reshaping or Blepharoplasty: Often recommended for patients who also have additional excess skin or heavy brows pushing down onto the eyelid. An eyelid lift can easily be combined with other procedures to optimize the cosmetic results for open, awake, youthful looking eyes.
- Non-Surgical Options: In some cases, especially when the ptosis is mild or due to temporary conditions, non-surgical treatments may be considered. These can include the use of special drops called Upneeq® or Botox injections to weaken the closure muscles slightly. This can allow a subtle eyelid opening and a very conservative eyelid lift. However, these solutions are temporary and not suitable for all types of ptosis.
Recovery and Expectations
After an eyelid lift, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes, which typically subsides within a few weeks. The success of an eyelid lift surgery varies, with most individuals experiencing a significant improvement in eyelid heaviness and appearance. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes with an experienced surgeon. Eyelid lifting procedures are a complex procedure that requires intricate knowledge of eyelid anatomy. Not all plastic surgeons perform an eyelid lift, so it is important to credential your surgeon and trust an experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon. Even with great skill, knowledge and experience, it is important to understand that an eyelid lift does have a higher risk of a need for an adjustment after the initial surgery. While the eyelids are placed in the proper position during an eyelid lift, there are several factors that can affect the height of one or both of the eyelids during the healing period. This can include:
- Excessive swelling
- Rubbing or excessing touching of the eyelids
- Sleeping on one’s side
- Overexertion or activity that can cause elevated pressure in the face
- Laxity of eyelid tissue or floppy eyelids
All of these have the potential to break a deep suture or pull the muscle off of its attachment. Usually a quick little revision eyelid lift in the office is all it takes to correct an eyelid that droops again after surgery.
Conclusion
An eyelid lift is an excellent cosmetic option that can significantly impact quality of life by opening the eyes and expanding peripheral vision. Understanding the expectations of surgery and the options of eyelid lifting treatments are the first step toward restoring natural anatomy and a more youthful appearance. Jennifer Murdock, MD, who is specialty-trained oculofacial plastics, is your top female cosmetic surgeon in Miami to provide an eyelid lift and achieve excellent results. Call 305-315-5577 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Murdock and talk about options for open, bright eyes.
Book a Consultation
Jennifer Murdock, MD, conveniently sees patients in Miami. Call 305-315-5577 to inquire about eyelid surgery. With cosmetic rejuvenation, you can feel and look younger, more alert, and brighter.
