“Scarless” Ptosis Surgery in London
Say goodbye to droopy lids and hello to brighter, more expressive
eyes

Patients with eyelid trauma or myopathic ptosis may benefit from ptosis props, crutch spectacles, or scleral contact lenses. Although the outcome may not produce as good an aesthetic result, in certain cases, they are an option to consider and can be discussed by your surgeon. Patients with mild (1 mm) ptosis can benefit from topical prescription eye drops (Upneeq). Some patients may also benefit from a neurotoxin injection to temporarily improve the eyelid ptosis.

After a surgical ptosis procedure, patients can go home after a few hours. Pain medication is not needed, and you’ll need to wear an eye patch for around 24 hours to reduce swelling. Antibiotic eye ointment and lubricant eye drops will be prescribed for several weeks after the operation. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled, and you should keep the wound clean and dry. Contact your doctor immediately if there are any signs of infection. Avoid strenuous physical activity for 14  days, swimming, wearing contact lenses, and make-up until the wound has completely healed.

There are many products on the market that promise to tighten eyelids. But frequently, there is little or nonexistent evidence that these are effective. Ptosis cannot be effectively treated with facial exercises.  Our expertise has shown that the most effective treatment for drooping eyelids is eyelid reduction surgery.

Every surgical treatment has some risk. However, you can be sure you are in competent and safe hands with us. We will go over any potential issues and side effects during your appointment with us. Following your ptosis surgery, you should anticipate a few common symptoms, which often go away in a few days. Some of them include:

Infection: This is rare; stitches may become infected or inflamed. This can be swiftly settled with oral and topical antibiotics.

Scarring: Generally, scars are hidden in the skin fold. Stitches are normally visible for the first week, and when they are removed, a faint scar is visible. While the scar may seem thickened and red for 6 to 12 weeks, it will gradually become almost invisible after that period. While not every scar heals equally well, silicone scar remodelling gel can improve the appearance of a thickened or reddened scar. However, the treatment needs to be continued for several months to have a good result.

Large bruise or haematoma: This can be minimised by using ice packs, avoiding heavy exercise for 2 weeks after surgery, and stopping aspirin and other anticoagulants 2 weeks pre-operatively. If you do experience a haematoma, you may have to go back to have the blood clot removed and your stitches redone. 

Asymmetry of eyelid shape, height, upper lid fold, or fullness: This is rare but can occur. Often, asymmetry may be due to lid bruising and settles as the swelling resolves. Rarely, this may require revision surgery. Occasionally, pre-existing asymmetry of the face, eyebrow, or eyeball position may be responsible; however, your surgeon will discuss this with you prior to the operation.

Blood-stained tears: This can occur within the first 48-72  hours after surgery and should be managed by gentle, firm, and constant pressure on the shut eyelid for 10-15 minutes.

Recurrence of ptosis: This can occur early or late after surgery due to suture dissolution, stretching, or scar weakening. It will need to be corrected by reoperation.

Contralateral ptosis: The position of one droopy eyelid can make the other appear normal. However, immediately after surgery, the “normal” eyelid can droop. This can correct itself within a few weeks or require a ptosis correction.

Exposed stitches causing discomfort or a pricking sensation: If this happens, the offending stitch must be removed. Rarely, if the stitch is not removed, it can cause a corneal ulcer, requiring intensive topical antibiotic treatment.