Ptosis correction is eyelid surgery that lifts a drooping upper eyelid by tightening the levator muscle or, when that muscle is too weak, using a sling to the forehead muscle. It helps children with congenital ptosis, where vision may be at risk, and adults whose eyelid has drooped with age, eye surgery or injury.
- AnaesthesiaUsually local anaesthesia (general anaesthesia is often used for young children)
- DurationAbout 45 to 60 minutes per eye
- Hospital stayUsually day care
- Back to routineUsually about one week
What is ptosis correction?
Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. It can partly or fully cover the pupil, reduce vision and make a person look tired. It may be present from birth (congenital), develop with age (acquired) or follow an injury. Congenital ptosis usually comes from an underdeveloped levator muscle, the muscle that raises the eyelid, and rarely improves without treatment.
In children the main concern is amblyopia (lazy eye). A heavy lid can block vision, constant blurring can cause astigmatism, and ptosis can hide a squint. Children often tilt the head back or raise the eyebrows to see, which over time may affect head and neck posture. In adults the usual cause is stretching or separation of the levator tendon from the eyelid, linked to ageing, eye surgery such as cataract surgery, or injury; less often, nerve or muscle disease or a tumour in the eye socket is responsible.
Surgery tightens the weakened levator muscle or, if it is too weak, uses the forehead (frontalis) muscle to lift the lid through a sling. Ptosis correction does not remove excess eyelid skin or fat; that is done by blepharoplasty, which can be planned alongside it.
Who is ptosis correction for?
- Children with congenital ptosis, especially severe drooping that needs early treatment to protect vision
- Adults with acquired ptosis from ageing, previous eye surgery or injury, once the cause has been identified
- People whose drooping lid narrows their field of vision or makes them look tired
- Patients who can attend follow-up visits and have realistic expectations about symmetry
How is it done?
- The surgeon measures the degree of droop and levator muscle strength to choose the technique
- Levator resection (mild to moderate ptosis): the muscle is shortened through a small incision in the upper-lid crease
- Müller's muscle resection: used when the eyelid responds to a test eye drop; the muscle is dissected and reattached with adjustable height
- Frontalis sling (severe ptosis): a non-absorbable thread links the eyelid to the forehead muscle so the brow helps lift the lid
- Fasanella-Servat procedure: an option for mild ptosis
- Usually 45 to 60 minutes per eye under local anaesthesia; both eyes may be done together for symmetry
What is recovery like?
- Eye pads are usually removed within about an hour, or the next day for the second eye if both were operated
- Most patients go home the same day with prescribed eye drops and ointment
- Bruising and swelling typically last one to two weeks and may briefly affect vision and eyelid closure
- Time off work is usually about a week; driving is typically avoided for a few weeks
- A follow-up visit is usually at one week; contact lenses can be used once the eyelid closes fully
What are the risks?
- Mild pain and temporary unevenness of the eyelids while swelling settles
- Infection, usually treated with oral antibiotics
- Over-correction or under-correction of the eyelid height
- Poor eyelid contour or asymmetry that may need adjustment
- Temporary difficulty closing the eye fully, which needs lubricating drops
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
At what age should congenital ptosis be corrected?
Timing depends on severity. If the eyelid blocks the pupil and threatens vision development, surgery is usually advised early to prevent lazy eye. Milder cases can often wait until the child is older and facial structures are more developed. Your surgeon will assess vision, head posture and muscle strength before recommending timing.
Is ptosis surgery the same as blepharoplasty?
No. Ptosis surgery tightens or supports the muscle that raises the eyelid, changing the height of the lid margin. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids. Some patients need both, and they can often be done in the same sitting if your surgeon advises it.
Will both eyelids look the same after surgery?
The aim is good symmetry, which is why both eyes are often operated together. Eyelids may look uneven while swelling settles over one to two weeks. Exact matching cannot be promised, and a small number of patients need a minor adjustment for over-correction or under-correction.
How long is recovery after ptosis correction?
Most patients go home the same day. Bruising and swelling typically settle within one to two weeks, and most people return to work after about a week. Driving is usually avoided for a few weeks, and a check-up is typically arranged one week after surgery.
Can ptosis come back after it has been corrected?
Results are usually long-lasting, but the eyelid can droop again over the years with further ageing of the muscle and tendon, and slings in children may need revision as they grow. Your surgeon will review the eyelid at follow-up visits and discuss any further treatment if needed.
