Congenital or Acquired Ptosis (droopy upper eyelids), which can occur at birth or later in life, is generally due to hereditary tendencies, aging changes, or trauma.

The main reason for having corrective surgery for droopy upper eyelids is to improve vision in the upperlateral field of gaze; however, there is a beneficial cosmetic side effect. Corrective surgery is also necessary in children who have ptosis in both eyes for proper visual development. Surgery is done in adults to improve the visual field. Ptosis is a frequent cause of “fender benders” in the elderly because of a decreased amount of reaction time when their side vision is reduced.

There are two basic surgical procedures to correct ptosis. The strength of the levator muscle in the eyelid determines which operation is performed.

TIGHTENING / RESECTION
If the opening muscle has some strength and can elevate the eyelid, then the levator muscle can be tightened or resected. This elevates the lid to the desired level.

FRONTALIS SUSPENSION
If a patient has poor strength of the eyelid muscle, tightening the muscle does not work well. This procedure uses the strength of the eyebrow muscle (frontalis muscle) to correct the droopy eyelid. A tiny silicone rod/band is passed inside the eyelid up into the eyebrow muscle where it is secured. This elevates the lid and allows the patient to use their eyebrow muscle to control the lid height. This is analogous to suspenders holding up baggy pants.

Nationwide, approximately 25% of those having a ptosis repair need a secondary adjustment so that the best possible symmetrical results may be obtained; the percentage is 10% in Dr. Cole’s practice.

REMEMBER to do your research when considering any type of surgery! Facial surgery, especially, is a very specialized procedure, it is essential to select a surgeon with expert knowledge in both ophthalmology and facial cosmetic surgery Dr. Cole is board certified in both!

If you’re considering surgery or have any questions, give us a call at (404) 2561500 or go thru our website, OculusPlasticSurgery.com, to schedule your COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION with a quadruple board certified plastic surgeon!

Dr. Chip Cole is a quadruple boardcertified surgeon based in Atlanta, specializing in ophthalmology and plastic surgery of the eyes and face—honored with The Golden Scalpel Award for Surgical Excellence.

Dr. Cole is also a fellowship instructor for two university programs, training tomorrow's surgeons, and has been honored with the Most Outstanding Faculty Award several times. Dr. Cole is frequently shares his knowledge through teaching lectures, and has been an invited keynote speaker to many prestigious universities. He is also an Amazon #1 BestSelling author!

Want to stay home? Dr. Cole also offers virtual consultations (video visits) and is always happy to review any photos sent thru messenger or email!

Instagram @drchipcole

Oculus Plastic Surgery
5505 PeachtreeDunwoody Rd
Suite 630
Atlanta, GA 30342
Main: (404) 2561500
Fax: (404) 2562006
https://oculusplasticsurgery.com

*The content of this channel is for entertainment and educational purposes only. This content is not meant to provide any medical advice or treat any medical conditions. Patients must be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider on an individual basis and treatment must be tailored to meet that patient's needs. Results and particular outcomes are not guaranteed.

Timecode
0:00 Meet Dr. Harvey “Chip” Cole, III, MD, FACS
0:04 Can eyelid surgery fix ptosis?
0:27 What causes ptosis of the eye?
1:04 What diseases can cause ptosis?
2:20 Does ptosis go away?
3:16 How do you fix ptosis?
3:47 Is ptosis surgery risky?
4:35 Is ptosis surgery painful?
5:07 How long is recovery from ptosis surgery?
6:03 How long does a ptosis repair last?
6:32 How much does it cost for ptosis surgery?