Ptosis Repair in Baltimore

Regardless of how you actually feel, droopy eyelids can make you look tired or disinterested. Ptosis repair corrects this issue by restoring function to the eyelid muscles. It requires absolute precision and should only be performed by a board-certified specialist. As an eyelid surgeon, my training is specifically in oculofacial surgery, with years of experience performing this exact procedure for patients from Rosedale, Baltimore, and across Maryland.
A young woman with closed eyes, calm expression; a medical professional marks her right eyelid with a pen, indicating pre-surgery preparation.

What Is Ptosis?

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. While ptosis is usually the result of aging, some people develop ptosis after eye surgery or an injury. In some cases, it may be congenital (present at birth). Because ptosis may be present due to serious causes, patients with this disorder should be checked by a medical professional to determine whether treatment is necessary, and if so, what kind.
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Ptosis Repair Surgery

Patients may seek treatment for droopy eyelids for cosmetic or medical purposes. Mild ptosis usually remains a cosmetic concern. However, severe drooping may obstruct vision. As it worsens, the eyelid gradually droops lower and lower, eventually covering the eye.
Ptosis repair involves adjusting or repositioning the muscle responsible for opening the eyelid. I alter my approach based on the cause and severity. For example, one patient may need the muscle resected (shortened) and repositioned. Others may need only minor repositioning of the muscle. If you have excess eyelid skin as well, I may remove a portion to reduce strain on the muscle. Each approach is based on your condition and situation.

Causes of Ptosis

Typically, ptosis results from weakening of the muscle that raises the eyelid or from damage to the nerves that control it. In addition to the possibility of the disorder occurring as a congenital condition, or as a consequence of an injury or surgery, ptosis may be caused by:
  • Migraine headache
  • Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
  • Bell palsy
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Horner syndrome
  • Benign or malignant tumor
Many young patients with mild to moderate ptosis should be examined regularly to check for other vision problems, including amblyopia, refractive errors, and macular diseases.

Ptosis Repair FAQs

What are the symptoms of ptosis?

Ptosis presents as the drooping of one or both eyelids and perhaps one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Increased tear production
  • Difficulty blinking or closing the eye
  • Reduced vision (with severe drooping)

Since ptosis caused by aging is usually gradual, a sudden onset of symptoms is a greater cause for concern.

The first step in treatment is determining whether you have excess eyelid skin or genuine ptosis. Ptosis is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist (like myself). As a board-certified ophthalmologist, I am trained to spot the key signs of this condition. My examination process can include:

  • Testing visual acuity
  • Visual field testing
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Tension test for myasthenia gravis

 If there is a suspicion of an underlying systemic disease, the patient will be referred to an internist or other physician for further investigation.

Ptosis costs will reflect the complexity of the procedure and the experience of your surgeon. A typical range for the procedure is about $3,000 to $5,000 per eye. However, ptosis can often qualify as a medically necessary procedure. In these cases, your insurance may provide coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs. I provide a quote with clear breakdowns based on your consultation. My patient care team can also help you understand your insurance benefits and financing options.

Initial recovery is about 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal during this time, and your eyelid will be vulnerable to damage. So your best path of action is no action. Simply rest, follow your post-procedure instructions, and minimize any strain. Some pain is normal. However, it should be mild enough to be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Full recovery can take several months, but this mostly involves waiting for residual swelling to fade. I will provide a clear timeline for when you can return to your usual physical routine.
Future eyelid drooping may occur, but it will depend on your situation. Aging naturally leads to droopier eyelids and can weaken the eyelid muscles again in the future. Likewise, certain medical conditions could cause a return of ptosis. My approach to surgery is to create results that last for a maximum duration, taking contingencies into account.
I will start with the good news: you should have no visible scarring. Keep in mind that any incision heals as a scar. This simply is how the body repairs this type of damage. However, my approach always involves minimizing incision size and strategically placing them. Smaller incisions heal better, and careful placement can hide any scarring within the folds of the eyelid.
Yes! Since many cases of ptosis are caused by aging, many of my patients are in their 60s and up. Age is not a limiting factor. Rather, I focus on the patient’s health. As long as you still have good overall health, you will likely qualify as a candidate, regardless of age.
If I have corrected severe ptosis, you should notice an improvement right away. Your swelling will have to subside before you feel the full benefits, though. Correction of milder ptosis might not have a noticeable impact on vision. But this is only because it may not have caused issues to begin with.
Yes! I can combine ptosis repair with upper or lower blepharoplasty. Upper blepharoplasty techniques involve removing excess skin, which can help lessen the burden on the eyelid muscle. Lower eyelid surgery is purely cosmetic. But it can complement the results of ptosis repair by creating a more rested look.

Schedule Your Consultation

You can call my office to set up a consultation for ptosis repair. I serve patients across the Baltimore, Maryland area at my practice in Rosedale. I look forward to helping address each of your concerns through patient-centric care and tailored procedure plans.

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