18th Apr 2024
What is ptosis?
Ptosis is the medical term for the drooping of the upper eyelid (s).
Ptosis can affect anyone. It is more common in older people due to the skin's natural ageing process that occurs. The levator muscle is crucial for elevating the eyelid, but it can become stretched over time and this results in drooping eyelids. When the upper eyelid sags in more severe cases it can affect our vision and eyesight. You may also experience dry or watery eyes, and people may remark that you look sleepy.
There are different types of ptosis:
- Aponeurotic ptosis: This is the most prevalent type of ptosis, and it commonly appears in people in their 50s and 60s. There are instances when it can occur in a younger age group and can be the result of an eye injury, surgery, or wearing contact lenses for an extended period.
- Neurogenic ptosis occurs when the neural pathways in the eyelid muscles are disrupted. It is frequently caused by disorders like Horner syndrome or third cranial nerve palsy.
- Myogenic ptosis is when the levator muscle, which is responsible for moving the eyelid, stops operating properly. The muscle loses its ability to lift the eyelid. In addition to the eyelids, this type of ptosis can often affect other aspects of a person's facial expression.
- Mechanical ptosis occurs when the eyelid becomes too heavy to control. It can be caused by extra weight from fat or excess skin.
- Pseudoptosis is a dysfunction with the levator muscle. it is the most common cause of ptosis. When a droopy eyelid develops due to other circumstances, it is referred to as pseudoptosis. Blepharospasm, which produces uncontrollable blinking or eye spasms, can lead to pseudoptosis.
Surgical and nonsurgical treatments for droopy eyelids in Harley street, London
Although surgery may be required to treat sagging eyelids, there are nonsurgical options available. Ptosis nonsurgical treatments include:
- Thermage FLX a radio frequency treatment can reduce the drooping lid. The treatment lasts approximately 18 months.
Ptosis surgical procedures for drooping eyelids at Kensington Medical in Harley street, London:
- Blepharoplasty: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens and elevates the eyelids. For more information about an upper eyelid reduction click here.
- Frontalis sling procedure: A frontalis sling technique is a typical surgical option if the problem is with the levator muscle's function. The frontalis muscle is used to regulate the top eyelid, whereas the forehead muscle is used to control the lower eyelid.
- Levator resection: Levator excision is another technique for impaired levator function. This is accomplished by contracting the levator muscle.
Most ptosis surgeries are day case procedures done under a local anaesthetic, which means that the patient can return home the same day.
Eyelid exercises
Droopy eyelid workouts may help if you notice that your eyes are becoming lax and tired, or your eyelids are becoming heavy.
Although no scientific studies have been conducted to assess how well this might work, researchers do know that using any muscle more often can counteract the effects of muscle weakness and deterioration, often resulting in greater muscular strength and a lifted appearance in the target area.
- Warmup: Even without a workout, cleansing, warming, and gently massaging your eyelids has been shown to improve circulation and nerve responses. It also makes muscles softer and more flexible, which prepares eyelids for an intended workout.
- Basic muscle stimulation: Direct stimulation, such as through focused eye movement or the use of a stimulating device, may help to minimise ptosis.
- Resistance workout: Eyelid droop can be improved by forcing your eyelids to work out every hour. Raising your brows, inserting a finger below, and holding them up while trying to close them can work eyelid muscles. This provides resistance in the same way that weightlifting does. Eyelid muscles are also worked with quick, forced blinks and eye rolls.
Can a blepharoplasty help with upper eyelid droop?
A blepharoplasty is the most popular long-lasting procedure to reduce eyelid droop. At Kensington Medical our expert Blepharoplasty surgeons have decades of experience. During your consultation they will discuss what you are hoping to achieve, they will show you many eyelid reductions before and after photos and will explain in detail what happens during and after the procedure. Our aftercare is extremely thorough and we are on hand 24/7. It is a good idea to discuss dates if you have a special holiday or event coming up. This ensures you take into account the correct recovery times so you are looking refreshed and confident.
To find out more about blepharoplasty view our eyelid lift videos.
To find out if you are suitable for an upper blepharoplasty call 0204 551 4892 to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist registered plastics surgeons or fill in the contact form.
Our expert upper blepharoplasty surgeons:
Mr David Gateley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 2939470 MA FRCS, FRCS (Plast)
Mr Amir Sadri Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 6163656 FRCS (Plast)
Mr Paul Tulley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC: 4035952 | BSc MB BS MD FRCS(Plas)