Understanding Ptosis: The Drooping Eyelid Condition
Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis), commonly known as a droopy eyelid(s), is a condition where people have trouble keeping their eyelids open. To see better, they might consciously or unconsciously raise their eyebrows or tilt their heads back. In severe cases, they may resort to lifting their eyelids with fingers or even using tape for a clearer view.
Various causes lead to droopy eyelids, and Dr. Kellie Satterfield offers expertise in treating all types of ptosis. She specializes in customized Scarless Ptosis repair, External Levator Advancements, and Frontalis Ptosis Slings for those with complete eyelid paralysis, addressing each patient’s unique anatomy and concerns.
Acquired Ptosis:
Acquired ptosis, the most common form of ptosis, develops later in life as the structures that support the upper eyelid lose their ability to keep it elevated. This often results in a half-open eye appearance due to weakened eyelid muscles or changes in eyelid structure.
Causes of acquired ptosis may include prior eye surgeries, contact lens use, eyelid rubbing, sleep apnea, and eyelid trauma.
Congenital Ptosis:
Congenital Ptosis, less common, presents as a lower upper eyelid position at birth. Noticed early in children, it can affect one or both eyes. Severe cases may hinder visual development, leading to amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’, necessitating early surgery. Mild cases often see patients adapting by adopting a slight chin-up position. Surgical options vary based on severity, focusing on tightening the eyelid lifting muscle or connecting the brow lifting muscles to the eyelid for improved function.
Other less common causes of ptosis include trauma, thyroid eye disease, Horner’s syndrome, strokes, tumors, or myasthenia gravis. Dr. Satterfield conducts thorough screenings and any will perform any necessary testing.
Temporary Non-Surgical Treatments:
Non-surgical treatment with Upneeq (oxymetazoline) eyedrops may offer temporary relief of a droopy lid by stimulating the eyelid lifting muscle. Carefully placed neurotoxin (Botox®) can also be used to semi-temporarily help open the eyes for a few months at time by relaxing the eyelid closing muscles. Not all ptosis types respond to this treatment, but Dr. Satterfield can determine its suitability during your consultation.
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Surgical correction remains the permanent solution for ptosis. Dr. Satterfield discusses all surgical options, guiding patients based on their specific type and severity of ptosis. Dr. Satterfield has expertise in all type of ptosis repair, from her customized Scarless Ptosis repair to External Levator Advancements and Frontalis Ptosis Slings for complete eyelid paralysis.
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What is Scarless Ptosis Repair?
Most patients can benefit from Dr. Satterfield’s Scarless Ptosis Repair. In this procedure the eyelid lifting muscle is tightened through the inside of the eyelid, not only minimizing bruising and swelling, but also reducing recovery time for patients. Scarless Ptosis repair not only allows patients to see better, but brightens the eyes and can make someone look more awake.
What is External Levator Repair?
In External Levator Advancement or Resection surgery, an incision is made in the upper eyelid crease and the surgeon carefully dissects to safely reach the weakened or stretched levator muscle causing ptosis. They then tighten this muscle based on pre-surgery measurements to an ideal eyelid height and contour. During the surgery, Dr. Satterfield ensures the eyelid’s height and symmetry are optimal to enhance both eyelid function and appearance.
What is A Frontalis Sling (Frontalis Ptosis Repair)?:
This surgery is reserved for patients that no longer have functioning eyelid lifting muscles (Levator and Mullers muscles). Dr. Satterfield will discuss if this procedure is right for you.
Complementary Procedures:
Browlifts and Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty complement ptosis repair by enhancing the rejuvenation of correcting droopy eyelids. By elevating the eyebrows to a more youthful position, a browlift reduces forehead wrinkles and improves the aesthetic balance between the brows and eyes. Meanwhile, upper eyelid blepharoplasty eliminates puffiness and removes excess skin and fat, opening up and refreshing the eye’s appearance. These procedures, when combined, significantly enhance appearance, offering a more alert and rejuvenated look that perfectly complements the effects of ptosis repair.