Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD
Oculoplastic Surgeon located in Beverly Hills, CA & Long Beach, CA
Do you feel like your eyelids often look tired and droopy? If so, the problem may not be cosmetic. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, specializes in treating ptosis — a condition that causes the upper lid to sag — at his state-of-the-art office in Beverly Hills, California. As an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Douglas has developed many techniques to help reduce the number of ptosis repair surgeries you need and minimize your recovery times. To learn more, call Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, or schedule a visit online today.
Ptosis Repair Q&A
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition in which the upper eyelid starts to droop and sag, covering a portion of the pupil. In addition to preventing the eyelid from fully opening, ptosis often causes eye strain and fatigue. This condition can make you look tired and older than you are.
While droopy eyelids are a natural sign of aging, ptosis is more than just lax skin around your eyes. The drooping of the eyelid that occurs with ptosis relates to the stretching or separation of the levator muscle that is situated in the upper eyelid. This means a blepharoplasty procedure to remove excess skin from the upper lid isn’t enough to treat the condition.
What causes ptosis?
While there are many reasons you can develop ptosis, the main culprit is age. As you age, the levator muscle can weaken and droop, giving your eyes a sleepy appearance while impairing your vision.
Other common causes of ptosis include trauma and genetics. Though it’s primarily seen in older adults, children can be born with ptosis.
What is ptosis repair?
Ptosis repair is a procedure that involves tightening the levator muscle to lift the upper eyelid. The team does this by making an incision in the eyelid crease or the undersurface of the eyelid.
In severe cases, he may support the levator muscle with a frontalis suspension, which involves placing strands of fibrous tissue between the eyelid and eyebrow.
The goal of ptosis repair is to restore appearance, function, and a normal field of vision. The team uses both a local anesthetic and IV sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, which they typically perform on an outpatient basis.
What should I expect from a ptosis repair recovery?
You can expect minor swelling and bruising after ptosis repair. The procedure may also temporarily affect your ability to blink, resulting in dry eye.
Elevate your head and use cold compresses intermittently after the procedure to reduce pain and swelling.
While you can typically return to work seven to 10 days following the procedure, refrain from strenuous activity for at least three weeks.
To find out if ptosis repair surgery is right for you, call Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, or book an appointment online today.