We currently have three procedures specifically targeted to enhance your eyes. These are blepharoplasty, canthopexy and ptosis reduction/relief. Any of these can lead to a very subtle change with a major impact on your social and professional life.
Of the 3, ptosis is the most common condition needing corrective surgery done to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Overview
Ptosis or drooping eyelids can happen to anyone, adult or child. It can also happen to one or both eyelids. For some people, it is going to be barely noticeable while with others, it will be severe enough to affect their vision. This is a condition that is usually congenital for children or the effects of ageing for adults. It can also be caused by other factors like nerve damage and other factors
Best Candidates
People with good general health and as close as possible to their ideal BMI based on age, height and other physical factors.
People with physical conditions that hamper their vision who can benefit from any of the three procedures mentioned. Conditions include droopy upper eyelids that may affect the individual’s vision.
People who want to alter the appearance of their eyes with realistic expectations
People with ptosis, dermatochalasis or inherited droopy eyebrows and other similar conditions.
People who want to reduce visible signs of ageing.
People with severe ptosis.
Martin Rees
Martin Rees is a Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon who has been in private practice since 1988, founding the Auckland…
What to Expect
An initial consultation will be done to assess what you essentially need for functionality with a secondary assessment done for the aesthetic purpose of the operation.
Treatment is highly dependent on the type of ptosis the patient has. Ptosis that is caused by a disease leading to it can be treated successfully if the related disease is dealt with first.
Usual procedures involved in ptosis correction are the following:
Levator resection
Muller muscle resection
Frontalis sling operation
Other conditions related to ptosis are:
- Neurogenic ptosis
- Myogenic ptosis
- Aponeurotic ptosis
- Mechanical ptosis
- Neurotoxic ptosis
- And Pseudo ptosis
The involvement of an opthalmic plastic or reconstructive surgeon may be expected.
After Surgery / Recovery
As with all types of surgical procedures, caring for the areas where incisions were made is the highest priority. Follow your surgeon’s instruction for the proper care of affected areas.
You will need to sleep with 2 to 3 pillows to keep your head raised to avoid swelling or bruising too much. Arnica and Hirudoid cream can help reduce bruising and swelling. Ice packs can also be used to bring swelling down.
Expect a recovery time of 2 to 4 weeks. Sutures will be removed at around the second week.
Procedure Planner
Initial Meeting
45 – 60 minutes
Pre-op
30 – 45 minutes
Procedure Time
1 – 3 hours depending on the technique used
Recovery Time
Post-op Follow Up
1 week