Ptosis or drooping eyelids, while common with age, can also occur in younger individuals. In children, also referred to as congenital ptosis, it is usually caused by improper levator muscle development. Such kids may also develop amblyopia, commonly referred to as lazy eye. Besides aging and development concerns, ptosis could also be caused by conditions like diabetes, stroke, horner syndrome, tumor (behind/around the eye), and eyelid swelling. Ptosis Peoria surgery can offer a permanent solution unlike ptosis props fitted to glasses that only lift the eyelid when worn. Let us take a glance at ptosis surgery to help you make a more informed decision.

The procedure

Ptosis surgery takes, on average, 40-90 minutes. This depends on the extent of the drooping and whether one or both eyelids need the correction. The surgery is done under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision on the skin crease of the eyelid and places stitches in the levator muscle. This is to strengthen the muscle’s attachment to the eyelid and adjust its height.

Recovery

You can be discharged after a few hours following the surgery. To facilitate smooth recovery, you are advised to avoid wearing eye makeup or getting the eyelids wet, including avoiding swimming for the first few weeks. You are advised against strenuous activities or bending down before the stitches are removed. You should also avoid direct sunlight, more so on your face. Avoiding alcohol also helps during the recovery process.

Preparation

Ptosis surgery does not require considerable preparation. Nonetheless, you can take some steps to ensure your body is primed for the procedure, limiting the chances of complications. The preparation tips include the following:

• Weight management: Excess weight puts you at high risk of complications following any surgery
• Quit smoking: Smoking exposes you to many post-surgical risks, including delayed healing, infections, and impaired organ functions.
• Exercise: Physical activity promotes overall health, which helps during recovery and long-term health.
• Diet: A healthy diet empowers your body, making it easier to respond accordingly after the surgery to facilitate faster and smooth healing.
• Medication: Talk to your doctor about any active prescription or over-the-counter medication. This will help ensure your medications are factored in, which is important since some put you at high risk of concerns like bleeding. You also need to ensure your prescriptions are in order, such as if you are managing chronic conditions. The healthier you are before the procedure, the safer and more successful it gets.

The risks and complications

Like any other invasive procedure, ptosis surgery comes with risks, including surgical site infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions to the medication, materials, and/or equipment used. Ptosis surgery-specific complications are also possible. This includes under/over correction, corneal abrasion, bleeding into the eye socket, and cosmetic concerns.

Ptosis surgery entails lifting the eyelid, which improves vision and looks. The surgery is relatively safe, offers effective correction, and the result lasts long. Call or visit Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery for more on ptosis surgery.