Click here to view more images BEFORE AFTER  Before and after ptosis surgery.

Ptosis (pronounced “tō-sis”) is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). This lowering of the upper eyelid margin may cause a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelid either partially or completely obstructs the pupil. Patients with ptosis often have difficulty keeping their eyelids open. To compensate, they will often arch their eyebrows in an effort to raise the drooping eyelids. In severe cases, people with ptosis may need to lift their eyelids with their fingers in order to see.

What Causes Ptosis?

There are many causes of ptosis including muscular or neurologic disease, trauma, or simply the natural aging process. As we age, the tendon that attaches the levator muscle to the eyelid could stretch and cause the eyelid to fall. The levator muscle is the major muscle responsible for elevating the upper eyelid. Ptosis may also occur following routine lasik or cataract surgery.

Can ptosis be corrected?

Ptosis can be corrected surgically and usually involves tightening the levator muscle to elevate the eyelid. In severe ptosis, when the levator muscle is extremely weak, a “sling” operation may be performed, enabling the forehead muscles to elevate the eyelid(s). The goal is to elevate the eyelid to permit a full field of vision and to achieve symmetry with the opposite upper eyelid.

Who Should Perform Ptosis Surgery?

When choosing a surgeon to perform ptosis surgery, look for an ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon who specializes in the eyelids, orbit, and tear drain system. It’s also important that he or she has completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship. This indicates your surgeon is not only a board certified ophthalmologist who knows the anatomy and structure of the eyelids and orbit, but also has had extensive training in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Shorr is Director of the Fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine. He and his associates are board certified ophthalmologists as well as ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons who have completed an ASOPRS fellowship.

Dr. Norman Shorr is an early pioneer in many of the reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid, eyebrow, forehead and midface surgeries performed today worldwide. He and our surgeons continue to innovate and contribute to the specialty of cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery. Call today to schedule your personal consultation!

Visit our cosmetic surgery and reconstructive facial plastic surgery office located in Beverly Hills, near the Los Angeles area.

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