Eyelid Surgery

Why might I need eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery might be necessary if you have a condition called involutional ptosis. This disorder arises when the levator muscle that lifts your eyelid stretches or comes away from the lid.

Causes of ptosis include aging and eye injuries. It can also be a complication that arises after certain forms of eye surgery. In rare cases, ptosis is due to a disease or tumor that affects the eyelid muscle. 

Your ophthalmologist at Lowcountry Eye Specialists needs to determine the cause of your ptosis so they can recommend the best treatment. They perform a thorough eye exam, and you might need to have blood tests and diagnostic imaging tests as well.

Eyelid surgery is often required when you have ptosis to help your eyelid muscle work properly.

What does eyelid surgery involve?

The team at Lowcountry Eye Specialists typically performs eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure so you can return home the same day. Rather than a general anesthetic that puts you to sleep, the team gives you a local anesthetic that numbs your eye and the surrounding area. You might also benefit from a sedative to keep you relaxed.

If your ptosis is severe, the team might need to strengthen and reattach the levator muscle to your eyelid. In less serious cases, they may only have to make a slight adjustment to the muscle to enable you to lift your eyelid properly.

How does eyelid surgery differ from blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty are both procedures used to treat drooping eyelids, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences.

Blepharoplasty involves the removal of any loose eyelid skin to tighten an eyelid that's overhanging the eye, whereas eyelid surgery treats the root cause of ptosis by repairing the muscle that you use to lift the eyelid.

How long does it take to recover after eyelid surgery? 

After your eyelid surgery, there's likely to be some bruising and swelling around your eyes. Still, most people find they can manage any postoperative pain with over-the-counter medications.

You should be able to see straight after your eyelid surgery and resume your normal activities around a week after the procedure. 

To find out whether you need eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty for your drooping eyelids, call Lowcountry Eye Specialists and schedule a consultation or request an appointment online today.