Here at the Harley Day Surgery, Dr Peter Martin provides surgical treatment for ptosis, often referred to as ‘eye lift surgery’.

So what is ptosis?

Ptosis refers to permanent drooping of the upper eyelid. The condition occurs when the muscle called the levator is unable to fully lift from the eye.

Ptosis causes

Ptosis can be diagnosed from birth (congenital ptosis) but it can also develop later in life. The following have been known to be linked to the development of ptosis:

  • Astigmatism – blurred vision caused by irregularity in the shape of the cornea
  • Cataract surgery or other eye surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Allergies
  • Eyelid tumour

People with the condition tend to tilt their heads back or lift their eyebrows in order to see. The constant look of surprise can cause premature age lines along the forehead. Eyelids that are not quite open have been known to cause headaches, obscure vision and eye irritation.

Can congenital ptosis improve without intervention?

Congenital ptosis will not improve on its own. Children with severe ptosis may develop lazy eye if left untreated. Severe ptosis is where the eyelid is fully or partially covering the eye.

Ptosis surgery

Ptosis surgery, often referred to as eye lift surgery, tightens the levator muscle by shortening it. Ptosis repair is carried out to ‘lift’ the eyelid from over the eye. In some cases where the levator muscle is weaker than usual, the eyelid will be carefully attached to the brow muscles to elevate the eyelid.

At Harley Place Day Surgery the surgical procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic and is quite safe. Once healed from the surgery, the thin scars from the procedure will be virtually invisible.

After ptosis surgery

Post-operative symptoms to look out for include:

  • Tightness
  • Discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Discolouration
  • Minor bleeding

Some patients find that they cannot fully close their eyes for a few days following surgery but this is customarily handled with eye drops and ointments.  Generally this condition will subside or improve however some patients may not gain full control over eyelid movement.

During your consultation, Dr Peter Martin will discuss with you expected results so you are fully aware of the risks and complications of the surgery.

Eyelid adjustment after ptosis surgery

In some cases a follow-up adjustment may be necessary. At 5-7 days reassessment is made and if there is over-correction or under-correction, re-alignment may be performed in the day surgery. The adjustment is best made one week post treatment but may be delayed an extra week if swelling is still apparent.

Costs associated with adjustment after surgery with Dr Peter Martin

If adjustment surgery needs to be performed, all further admission costs are the patients’ responsibility. Dr Martin may charge the rebate fee, however there may be anaesthetist or Day Surgery costs associated with the second admission into the Day Surgery.

Ptosis surgery Sydney with Dr Peter Martin in Bondi Junction

Whether ptosis surgery is for medical or cosmetic reasons, it is usually a straightforward surgical procedure with a high rate of success.

For more information regarding the surgery, including the complications and risks associated, book a ptosis consultation with Dr Peter Martin at the Harley Day Surgery in Sydney today.

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