Ptosis of the eyes is commonly known as “droopy eyelids.” This condition signifies that your eyelids sag over your eyes. As we grow older, the muscles that support our eyelids may weaken, resulting in ptosis, or drooping eyelids. This condition can affect not only your appearance but also your vision and overall quality of life.
In adults, ptosis can result from muscle issues, or it might be a congenital condition present from birth due to a malfunctioning levator muscle. Children may experience Marcus Gunn’s “jaw-winking” ptosis, where the eyelid rises when the jaw is opened, typically affecting only one eyelid. In adults, ptosis can develop later in life as a result of contact lens wear, eye injuries, or cataract surgery, which may weaken the levator muscle tendon. If not treated, ptosis can cause astigmatism, blurred vision, and watery eyes due to the weight of the eyelid pressing against the eye.
This guide will describe ptosis surgery recovery and its daily, weekly, and monthly progress.
Ptosis Surgery Recovery Day By Day
While you should expect minimal disruption to your daily activities in the days after surgery, it is advisable to rest as much as possible. Typical swelling and bruising can be alleviated by sleeping in a raised position for the first few days and by gently applying an ice pack to the area with light pressure.
During the initial couple of days, it’s normal to experience soreness and mild discomfort that should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you experience any severe pain, significant bleeding, or vision loss not attributed to bandages or lubricants, contact your eye surgeon immediately and seek emergency assistance.
The majority of patients are able to resume work within one to two days following ptosis treatment. However, you will need to avoid any form of manual labour or heavy lifting for one to two weeks after the surgery.
Ptosis Surgery Recovery: Weekly Progress
A few weeks after the surgery, you will notice that moving your eyes and lifting your eyelids becomes easier. Most people start to observe significant reductions in bruising, swelling, and asymmetry around the eyes within 7-12 days after the procedure, especially if you have adhered closely to your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
In addition to avoiding heavy lifting, it is advisable for patients to stay away from contact lenses and makeup for the first two weeks after ptosis surgery. Always seek your doctor’s permission before resuming any of these activities.
In the occurrence of rare and severe situations, contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- Intense eye pain or discharge
- Extended vision impairment
- Heavy bleeding
- Injury near the surgical site
- Reoccurrence of drooping in the same eyelid.
- Double vision
Ptosis Repair Recovery: Monthly Progress
During the months following your surgery, you may feel completely healed and back to your usual self, but it is crucial to adhere to all your doctor’s post-operative guidelines. If your recovery is progressing well, you can discuss your results with your eye surgeon in your follow-up visits. If you notice any irregularities in the positioning of your eyelids, a follow-up procedure can be performed, though this is rare.
Ptosis surgery has extremely few side effects, and the majority can be resolved with small changes. In unusual cases, loss of eyelash hair may occur if the hair follicles are damaged or removed during the excision of eyelid skin.
Most patients are fully recovered from ptosis surgery within three months and often express high levels of satisfaction with their results.
Aftercare Advice Following Ptosis Surgery
- After surgery, you may notice blurred vision due to a thick ointment applied to keep the eye lubricated and moist.
- A padded dressing may be placed on the eyelid to help reduce swelling, which should remain on for the first day. Patients can carefully remove it at home, following instructions provided by the nurse at discharge.
- Before you leave the clinic, the nurse will clean your eyelids.
- Once home, follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. You’ll be prescribed ointment and eye drops to prevent dryness, which is a common cause of irritation after surgery.
- Starting on day 1 post-surgery, you should gently wash your eyelids to keep sutures clean and help in their removal.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled a week after surgery to assess healing and check the eyelid’s position.
- Another clinic visit will be arranged within 12 weeks to evaluate the final results after swelling and bruising have subsided.
- Stitches may either dissolve on their own or be removed at the first follow-up, depending on the type used.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and bending over for at least 2 weeks or until your surgeon gives the all-clear to reduce pressure on the eyes.
Conclusion on Ptosis Surgery Recovery
Making the decision to get ptosis surgery is crucial since it can enhance the appearance and functionality of your eyelids. However, recovery does require patience and close monitoring. Your recovery process will proceed as easily as possible if you know what to expect on a daily basis and take easy steps to control any swelling or discomfort.
Throughout your recuperation, pay close attention to what your surgeon instructs you to do and keep in contact if you have any queries or concerns. A clearer vision and a revitalised sense of confidence in your appearance will soon be yours with the right care, making all of your hard work worthwhile.
For minor cases, if you’re curious about how to fix droopy eyelids without surgery, options include topical creams and exercises, although ptosis surgery is generally more effective for lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go home right after my surgery?
Most adult patients are free to go home a few hours after the procedure, but it’s recommended that children stay at the hospital until the anaesthesia has completely worn off. After surgery, it’s essential to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, as it’s not safe to drive for at least the first 24 hours. Some patients may also find it helpful to have someone stay with them for support during the first day at home.
Do I need to take leave from work following surgery?
Recovery from ptosis surgery is generally minimal, and most patients are able to return to work fairly quickly. Many can resume working from home as soon as the next day, especially if the job is computer-based. However, if your work involves physical labour or heavy lifting, taking one to two weeks off is recommended to allow for a safe recovery.
Will there be any visible scars?
Ptosis surgery is performed with a focus on minimising scarring. The incision is typically made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, meaning any scar will be discreet and barely visible once healed. In some cases, surgeons may operate from the inside of the eyelid, which completely eliminates any visible skin scarring.
How much bruising should I expect?
Moderate bruising and swelling are common after ptosis surgery, but the amount varies from person to person. Most people notice that bruising on the upper eyelid fades within 7 to 10 days, especially with proper post-op care. To help reduce swelling and bruising, it’s advised to apply an ice pack to the eyelids and sleep with your head elevated during the first couple of nights.
Will I experience pain after the surgery?
Some soreness and discomfort are common in the first couple of days, but over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol, is generally enough to keep any discomfort manageable. If you encounter any unusual symptoms—such as sharp pain, vision issues, or excessive bleeding—reach out for immediate medical help, as these are not typical side effects.
When can I start wearing makeup again?
Most patients can safely begin wearing makeup about 10 to 14 days after surgery, although this may vary depending on how quickly you heal.
