Who is this procedure for?
This procedure is intended for people with unilateral or bilateral eyelid ptosis. The discomfort can be purely aesthetic, or become functional when the eyelid partially covers the pupil. Ptosis can be congenital, acquired with age, traumatic, neurological, or myogenic.
A sudden drooping of the eyelid requires urgent medical evaluation to rule out a neurological cause.
Consultation process
Initial consultation and diagnosis
The consultation involves a precise clinical examination of the eyelids and gaze. The analysis focuses on eyelid height, the position of the eyelid crease, the function of the levator muscle, the position of the eyebrows, and ocular symmetry.
A complete ophthalmological examination assesses the ocular surface and rules out certain contraindications.
Further examinations and strategy
In most situations, no further examinations are required.
If neurogenic or myogenic causes are suspected, imaging or a specialist opinion may be recommended.
A pharmacological test can sometimes help guide the surgical technique choice.
Explanations, technical choices, and quote
The consultation explains the possible surgical options, the expected limitations, the post-operative course, and the known risks.
A personalized quote is provided after a complete review of the medical file.
The procedure in practice
Anesthesia and duration
The procedure is most often performed under local anesthesia with sedation, with anesthetic monitoring.
The average duration is between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the chosen technique.
Technical principles
The procedure involves readjusting or strengthening the eyelid levator muscle.
The approach can be made through a skin incision hidden in the eyelid crease or through a conjunctival approach, without a visible scar.
The adjustment of eyelid height relies on intraoperative cooperation to achieve optimal symmetry.
Hospitalization
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with return home the same day.
Post-operative course
The post-operative period usually involves swelling and sometimes bruising, which are temporary.
The pain is mild, often absent, and responds to simple painkillers.
Care involves using eye drops, ophthalmic ointments, and rigorous local hygiene.
Resumption of social activities is generally considered after 7 to 10 days, depending on recovery.
Results and scars
The goal is a more symmetrical eye opening and an improvement in the upper visual field.
The outcome continues to evolve over several weeks, during the time of muscle stabilization.
The scars, when present, remain fine and hidden in the natural eyelid crease.
The degree of satisfaction depends on the cause of the ptosis, the muscle quality, and individual healing.
Risks and possible complications
Like any surgery, this procedure carries known risks.
The following may occur, though not systematically: residual asymmetry, under-correction or over-correction, temporary dry eye, or delayed healing.
A re-operation may sometimes be considered if the outcome warrants it.
Serious complications remain rare when the indication and technique are appropriate.
Fees and coverage
The ptosis surgery may be eligible for partial coverage when there is an objectified functional impact.
For aesthetic purposes, the fee depends on the technique used and the complexity of the procedure.
As an indication, the cost is determined after a personalized review of the file.
