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Overview
of Upper Eyelid Surgeries
- Ptosis is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid;
it may affect one or both eyes.
- Ptosis is
different from having
Pseudoptosis
which is repaired by
Blepharoplasty
- There are two 'main' surgeries
that may be performed on the upper eyelid.
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(1)
Repair of a ptotic eyelid:
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Ptosis (Ptosis
is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an
eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of
vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow
strain.
-
Surgery involves elevating the eyelid itself, either by a skin incision
or from the back of the eyelid
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Before Surgery |
After Surgery |
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Repair
the one or both of the eyelid
muscles
that
has weakened resulting in a ptotic
eyelid.
- Ptosis can be corrected via
several different techniques.
-
Repair of a droopy eyelid can be performed via
an eyelid crease incision or from the inside of
the eyelid (no skin incision), or if
severe, via alternate suspension techniques
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Repair of ptosis &
blepharoplasty are often performed at the same
time.
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In
the photograph above, take note that there appears to be
little, if any excess upper eyelid skin.
-
Rather, the patient's superior visual
field is limited by the position of the eyelid since it
partially obstructs the pupil.
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The normal position of the upper eyelid is midway between superior limbus and the upper pupillary margin.
- When the edge of the upper eyelid falls, it may block the upper field of your vision
- Ptosis
may be classified by time of onset or by etiology.
Congenital Ptosis
Acquired Ptosis
Mechanical (pseudo-ptosis, or mass pushing down eyelid)
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(2) Removal of Excess skin
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Excess skin
causes a hooding, or blinders effect,
limiting the peripheral visual field.
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Surgery is
called a
Blepharoplasty.
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Before Surgery |
After Surgery |
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- Removal of
upper eyelid excess skin and fat (often
cosmetic
in nature and
not
covered by insurance).
-
This is often
called
Pseudoptosis
and is repaired by
Blepharoplasty
- Repair of
ptosis & blepharoplasty are often
performed at the same time.
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