A blepharoplasty is a procedure used to correct drooping or sagging in the eyelids. While the blepharoplasty procedure can be performed for purely cosmetic reasons, in some cases, this procedure can be medically necessary in order to restore a full range of vision.
Keep reading to learn if getting a blepharoplasty can treat ptosis!
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition where the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids, sag or droop. This eye condition is often caused by weak eyelid muscles.
Ptosis can happen to anyone at any stage of life, but it is more common with age. As you age, your muscles tend to get weaker, including the muscles in your face.
Drooping eyelids can be a cosmetic concern, as they may make you appear older and more tired. However, ptosis can also interfere with your vision.
When your upper eyelids droop, they can limit your field of vision. In such cases, eyelid surgery is the best way to restore your visual field.
Your eyelids may also droop due to a condition that may be mistaken for ptosis, known as dermatochalasis. Both conditions can cause your upper and lower eyelids to droop and possibly impede your vision.
Dermatochalasis is caused by excess skin and fat rather than weakened muscles. The blepharoplasty procedure can be used solely to treat dermatochalasis and in combination with ptosis repair to treat ptosis.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive oculoplastic surgery. It’s often done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’re able to go home the same day you have the procedure.
The blepharoplasty procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids to treat drooping and sagging. However, it is most commonly performed to treat sagging of the upper eyelids.
During the procedure, your eyelid surgeon will make very small incisions along the natural creases in your eyelids. Excess skin and tissue can then be removed and the remaining skin tightened by stitching the incisions back up.
Because of the placement of the incisions, any surgical scars left from surgery are hidden in your eyelid’s natural crease. Recovery from blepharoplasty takes a couple weeks.
You may experience bruising and swelling around the eyes during this time, but discomfort is minimal and can be further minimized through proper post-operative care. Once you’re healed, your eyes will appear rejuvenated.
If you have ptosis, in order to restore your visual field, you will also likely need to have ptosis repair surgery. This procedure differs from blepharoplasty due to the fact that during ptosis repair surgery, your eyelid surgeon is correcting the eyelid positioning by altering your eyelid muscle.
Many people who require ptosis repair will also have a blepharoplasty to remove excess skin and fat for the most optimal visual and cosmetic outcome.
Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is for patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis who want to rejuvenate the appearance of their eyes. Blepharoplasty is often done purely for cosmetic purposes.
However, blepharoplasty and ptosis repair procedures may be paid for by health insurance if your vision is significantly impacted by your sagging eyelids. At Chicago Cornea Consultants, our specialists will be able to assess your visual impairment to help determine the medical necessity of surgery for your insurance carrier.
In order to safely have a blepharoplasty, you should also be in generally good health and not have any neurological or skin conditions. You also shouldn’t be pregnant or nursing.
Whether you’re having a blepharoplasty or ptosis repair to feel younger, restore your vision, or both, we can help you have a safe, successful surgery.
Do you want to learn more about ptosis correction or determine if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery? Schedule an appointment at Chicago Cornea Consultants in Highland Park, IL, today!
