# Ptosis Surgery for a Droopy Eyelid Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/ptosis-surgery-for-a-droopy-eyelid **Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09 > **Summary:** A droopy upper eyelid (ptosis) can narrow the field of vision and, in children, lead to lazy eye. Ptosis surgery repairs the weak or stretched muscle that lifts the upper eyelid, while blepharoplasty removes excess skin (and sometimes fat) from the upper or lower eyelid, for aesthetic or visual reasons. ## Quick Facts - **Anaesthesia:** Generally local anaesthesia - **Operation duration:** One to two hours - **Swelling and redness:** Three to four days, lessening within 1-2 weeks - **Dressing:** Ends within three days - **Sutures removed:** Within 5-10 days - **Return to daily tasks:** Within a few days; social life and sport after 1-2 weeks --- ## Ptosis and Blepharoplasty - **Ptosis:** The upper eyelid sits low because the muscle that lifts it is weak or has stretched; ptosis surgery repairs that muscle. It can be congenital or acquired (age, illness, genetic factors) and is seen most in older patients. It is the most common congenital upper eyelid condition. - **Blepharoplasty:** The muscle is not treated; sagging excess skin and, where needed, excess fat are removed from the upper or lower lid. It is a form of aesthetic surgery. Sagging, wrinkling (upper lid) and bagging (lower lid) arise with age, trauma, infection or genetics. - The two can occur together in the same person; if the doctor considers it appropriate, both are corrected in the same operation. The incision is made in the eyelid crease and the scar fades over the months. - Other congenital lid conditions: fusion of the eyelid, incomplete development, lid margins turning inwards or outwards. ## Symptoms - Considerable narrowing of the field of vision - Raising the eyebrows to lift the lid, which can become a tic - Excessive watering or dry eye - A more tired facial appearance - Untreated: eye strain, headache; in young patients, lazy eye ## When is Surgery Done? - **Ptosis surgery:** When the lid sits too low, narrows the field of vision or, in children, puts vision development at risk. - **Blepharoplasty:** When excess upper lid skin or lower lid bags are bothersome, for aesthetics or because the skin narrows vision. --- ## The Treatment Journey ### 1. Before Treatment - Stop blood thinning medication, reduce smoking and report regular medication to the doctor. - For blepharoplasty, the natural folds are marked with a pen and measured. ### 2. During Treatment - **Ptosis surgery:** The lifting muscle is reached through the natural lid crease or the inner side of the lid, tightened or shortened and reattached; lid height is checked during surgery for symmetry; closed with a fine suture. - **Upper blepharoplasty:** Incision along the lid crease; excess skin and, where needed, a little fat removed; the lifting muscle is not changed. - **Lower blepharoplasty:** Incision beneath the lashes or just inside the lid (transconjunctival); under-eye bags removed, muscles addressed if needed. - Cautery or a scalpel is used for the incision. ### 3. After Treatment - Swelling, redness and burning for three to four days, lessening within 1-2 weeks; cold compresses help. - Sutures checked and dressings applied; dressing ends within three days, sutures removed within 5-10 days. - Wear sunglasses, protect the eye from the sun and avoid heavy exercise. - The scar lies in the lid crease, can be noticeable in the first weeks and fades over the months. ## Risks - Risk is very low when done by specialists in a sterile setting; swelling and redness are the most common temporary effects. - Neglected dressings or infection make recovery harder; severe bleeding or vision-threatening effects are very extreme situations. - After ptosis surgery the lid can occasionally sit slightly too high or too low; this can be corrected. - After blepharoplasty the skin can slacken again over the years; the operation can be repeated, especially in older people or those with less elastic skin. - Surgery can be done in any season. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is droopy eyelid surgery difficult?** A: It is generally done under local anaesthesia, takes one to two hours and is safe in experienced hands. **Q: Does a mark remain?** A: Incisions follow natural lines; the scar lies in the lid crease and fades over the months. **Q: Is repeat surgery needed?** A: Depending on age and skin structure, it can be needed again over the years. **Q: Is it done in children?** A: Yes. In congenital ptosis surgery is usually postponed until the age of 3-4; if the lid covers the pupil and blocks vision, it is done earlier to prevent lazy eye. --- ## References - What Is Ptosis?, AAO - Blepharoptosis, EyeWiki (AAO) - Congenital Blepharoptosis (Ptosis), EyeWiki (AAO)