What is Ptosis?

The drooping of the upper eyelid in one or both eyes is known as ptosis. The drooping can be subtle or so severe that the eyelid covers the entire pupil giving a sleepy and tired appearance, as aging may involve anything from a slightly drooping eyelid to a completely closed eye. However, it is not a problem of skin drooping brought on by aging but of a dysfunction of the levator muscle that naturally elevates the eyelid, which might impact both children and adults. The lid position ought to optimally allow for 80 to 90% visibility of the iris. In most circumstances, a patient with anything less than that is deemed to have ptosis.

Ptosis should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid subsequent aesthetic issues such as forehead wrinkles and sagging eyelids caused by weak eye muscles, or even some physical problems such as headaches from brow and eye strain, and difficulty reading for extended periods.

Ptosis symptoms:

A drooping eyelid is the most visible indicator of ptosis. People with ptosis may have problems seeing depending on the severity of their eyelid drooping. People will occasionally tilt their heads back to try to see under their eyelids or elevate their brows repeatedly to try to lift the eyelids. The amount of sagging differs from individual to person. If you suspect you have ptosis, compare a recent photo of your face to one from 10 or 20 years ago, and you will most likely notice a difference in the skin on your eyelid.

What Causes Ptosis?

Congenital Ptosis:

A vast majority of children with ptosis have this form of the disorder, which is present at birth or emerges sometime during infancy. Congenital ptosis is when the levator muscle, the eyelid lifting muscle, is not developed properly.

However, ptosis is more commonly present in adults. As we age, the levator muscle starts to thin and stretch out, causing your eyelids to sag. When ptosis is not corrected at an early stage, it can cause secondary issues such as eye sagging, forehead wrinkles, severe eye fatigue, and headaches. Sagging eyelids can also cause visual impairment. Other causes include long-term wear of contact lenses, trauma, and sometimes, tumor or neurological issues.

What is Ptosis Correction?

There are two methods of ptosis correction.

1. Non-incisional ptosis correction: When the ptosis is not severe, and there is not too much skin or fat, the levator muscle can be tightened. The surgeon will create 1-2mm micro holes along the eyelid. The stitches are made to connect the levator muscle on the upper eyelid, creating brighter and fresher eyes.

Ideal Candidates for Non-incisional Ptosis Correction

-     The upper eyelid covers the pupil, giving a tired appearance

-     Who has difficulty opening eyes comfortably

-     Who wants to keep the same double eyelid but have a clearer and fresher look

2. Incisional Ptosis Correction: When ptosis is severe, skin is thick, and/or has excess fat, the incisional ptosis correction method is used. The surgeon will design the double eyelid line. After making an incision, they will remove the unnecessary excess skin, muscles, or fat. Then, the surgeon will correct the eye muscles to the upper eyelid with a thread, creating a defined and bigger eye shape.

Ideal Candidates for Incisional Ptosis Correction

-     Who has difficulty opening eyes due to severe ptosis

-     Who has thick and severely sagging eyelids

-     Who has small eyes with excess fat

-     When double eyelid surgery is not effective due to ptosis symptoms

Ptosis correction not only improves the aesthetics of the eyes but also enhances vision, boosts your self-esteem, and impacts the overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing ptosis, it's essential to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon who can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the most suitable treatment option.

Recovery time after ptosis correction:

After surgery, you will notice that your vision becomes blurred as a consequence of the dense ointment applied at the end of the procedure in order to keep the eye moist and adequately lubricated. A padded dressing can be applied to the eyelid to help reduce swelling, and it should be maintained for the first day. Patients can remove it at home, but they must follow the instructions that were given by the nurse while leaving the clinic.

When you go home, you ought to stick to the instructions that were given to you. Ointment and/or eye drops will be recommended and should be applied to the eye to avoid dryness, a condition that is common after the procedure and may lead to irritation.

Some bruising is usual following the ptosis procedure, and swelling may last for many weeks.

As the healing process progresses, you may notice certain changes in the position of your eyelids. It is possible that the eyelid will not reach its permanent position until two or three months following surgery.

It is normal to experience soreness and minor discomfort during the first few days, which is usually tolerable with over-the-counter painkillers. If you feel any severe pain, significant bleeding, or vision loss that is not caused by bandages or lubricants, notify your eye surgeon right away and seek emergency care.

several factors, including skin type, lumps, and bumps might appear along the incision lines during the initial stages of recovery. These normally fade away over time, but we can often speed up the healing process through local injections of steroids.

Following surgery, the wounds must be kept dry. Swimming and heavy activity need to be postponed for the first two weeks while the eyelids heal.

For the initial 5 days, avoid allowing water to come into contact with your eyelashes when showering or bathing. If the eyes come into touch with water, pat them dry with a face towel or cotton pad, being careful not to rub the skin. After 5 days, water can be applied to the skin and the eyelids can be gently cleansed.

FAQ

Am I a good candidate for ptosis correction in Korea?

If your droopy and sagging eyelid has partially or completely weakened your vision in the affected eyes, you may need ptosis correction.

Is Ptosis Correction procedure and double eyelid surgery alike?

They are not the same. Ptosis correction involves the restoration of the levator muscle and/or removal of extra eyelid skin to elevate the eyelid, whilst double eyelid surgery involves the formation of an eyelid crease to create a bigger, almond-shaped eye. However, both techniques are comparable, and a double eyelid can be achieved during the ptosis correction procedure by creating an incision and removing the superfluous eyelid while creating a double eyelid fold or crease.

What Are the Potential Risks of Ptosis Correction?

As with any type of procedure, there is always a possibility of bleeding, swelling, and inflammation. There are other risks associated with the type of anesthesia used, whether general, local, or local plus sedation. Ptosis surgery-specific risks, on the other hand, include the following:

- Under-correction of ptosis, in which the eyelid continues to droop.

- Overcorrection of ptosis, in which the eyelid appears excessively open.

- Undesirable aesthetic physical appearance, scars, and infection and swelling complications.

What is Revision Ptosis Correction?

If you are dissatisfied with the results of earlier Ptosis Correction(s), you can have a revision procedure. Asymmetry, undesirable scarring, or unappealing alterations that come along with aging can all occur after the initial operation.

The doctor will review your case to determine the best treatment option for your ptosis condition.

Tips for ptosis correction surgery recovery period

As with any other cosmetic surgery treatment, there will be preventative measures to be followed after ptosis correction surgery to guarantee the best possible recovery. Here are some post-operative recommendations:

- To prevent damage to the sensitive skin of your eyelids, avoid extensive sun exposure.

- After the surgery, avoid rubbing your eyes.

- Make certain that you complete the medicine course to avoid infections and problems.

- To minimize swelling the next day after ptosis correction surgery, apply cold compresses.

- Remember to obtain enough rest and nutrition to help your wound heal faster.

- During a week or two, avoid any strenuous activities.

Which clinic do I have to choose, for the ptosis correction procedure in Korea?

- There are a few things to consider while selecting a suitable clinic for your ptosis surgery:

- Board certificated surgeons

- Clinic facilities and provided technologies

- Process and after-care

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Differences Between Incisional & Non-Incisional Ptosis Correction

For people who have drooping eyelids, ptosis correction surgery in Korea can be a life-changing procedure. Even though all surgical procedures have associated risks and potential problems, ptosis surgery remains a safe and successful procedure choice for patients. When administered by a skilled surgeon, the risk of complications is greatly minimized.

Are you stressed because others frequently tell you that your eyes appear tired?

Ptosis symptoms are frequent innate traits for many people who do not have a clear eyelid crease, resulting in sleepy eyes and, in extreme cases, forehead wrinkles. If you open your eyes and use your forehead and brow muscles instead of the eye muscles, you probably have weak eye muscles.