Restore a natural, alert appearance with ptosis repair by David Isaacs, MD, a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon. This advanced procedure corrects droopy eyelids, improves symmetry, relieves visual obstruction, and reduces strain. Whether age-related, congenital, or acquired, ptosis repair is tailored to your unique needs to help you look and see your best.
Restore Clear Vision and
Youthful Eyelids
Ptosis, or blepharoptosis, is a condition where the upper eyelid margin droops lower than normal, often giving the eyes a tired, sleepy, or uneven look. It can affect one or both eyes and ranges in severity from mild to severe. In some cases, ptosis obstructs the visual field, causing patients to raise their brows to see more clearly. Some of the causes of ptosis include age-related muscle weakening, previous eye surgeries, long-term contact lens wear, trauma, neurological conditions, or congenital factors present from birth.
Ptosis repair is a procedure that lifts the drooping eyelid by tightening or repositioning the muscles responsible for elevating it, most commonly the levator or Mueller’s muscle. Dr. Isaacs performs both anterior and posterior ptosis repair surgeries, depending on your anatomy and goals. These outpatient procedures are typically done under local anesthesia with sedation.
Ptosis Repair Treats:
- Drooping upper eyelids that obscure vision
- Asymmetry between the eyes due to eyelid height differences
- Tired or sleepy-looking eyes despite adequate rest
- Forehead strain from constantly lifting the brows
- Congenital eyelid drooping present from birth
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Ptosis Repair Surgery
Dr. Isaacs takes a highly individualized approach to ptosis repair, using advanced techniques tailored to your specific anatomy, severity of eyelid drooping, and functional or aesthetic goals. Every case begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the optimal surgical plan for natural-looking, long-lasting results. Most surgeries are comfortably performed under local anesthesia with sedation, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia.
Anterior Ptosis Surgery
In the anterior approach, Dr. Isaacs creates a precise incision hidden within the natural upper eyelid crease. This allows him to directly access and modify the levator aponeurosis, the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. By tightening or reattaching this muscle, he can elevate the eyelid margin to a more youthful and functional position. This method also allows for the simultaneous removal of excess skin or fat, if needed.
Posterior Ptosis Surgery
The posterior approach is performed from the inside of the eyelid, without any external incision. This technique targets Mueller’s muscle, a secondary elevator muscle, and is ideal for patients with good levator function and minimal excess skin on the eyelids. Dr. Isaacs gently shortens this muscle to achieve a natural and effective lift. The absence of a visible scar and faster recovery make this option especially appealing for appropriate candidates.
Congenital Ptosis Surgery
For children and adults born with ptosis, Dr. Isaacs offers specialized congenital ptosis correction. When the levator muscle is severely underdeveloped, he may perform a frontalis sling surgery, using either synthetic material or the patient’s own fascia to connect the eyelid to the forehead muscle. In select cases, Dr. Isaacs can perform a modified levator advancement that avoids synthetic slings altogether while still balancing eyelid elevation.
Advantages of Ptosis Repair:
- Restores a more youthful, alert appearance
- Improves symmetry between both eyes
- Enhances peripheral vision obstructed by drooping lids
- Reduces forehead strain and tension from brow lifting
- Boosts confidence and facial expressiveness
- Performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
Your Private Consultation With Dr. Isaacs
During your consultation with Dr. Isaacs, you’ll receive his full attention in a relaxed setting. He will take the time to understand your concerns, perform a detailed eyelid and facial exam, and explain the underlying cause of your ptosis. You’ll learn about your treatment options, including surgical approaches tailored to your anatomy. Dr. Isaacs will answer all your questions honestly, even advising against surgery if it’s not necessary, so you can make an informed decision.
Ptosis Repair FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need Ptosis Repair or Just an Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)?
If your upper eyelid margin (where the lashes are) is sitting lower than normal and affecting your vision or appearance, you may need ptosis repair. Blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat, while ptosis repair lifts the actual eyelid muscle. Dr. Isaacs will carefully evaluate both during your consultation to determine which procedure (or combination) is right for you.
How Long Is the Recovery From Ptosis Repair?
You can expect to resume light activities within a few days. Most swelling and bruising improve by the end of the first week, when any stitches are usually removed. You’ll receive detailed instructions and have follow-ups to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Will the Scar Be Visible?
If the anterior approach is used, the incision is placed within your natural eyelid crease, making it virtually invisible once the wound has healed. The posterior approach leaves no external scar at all, as it is performed entirely from inside the eyelid.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training from UCLA and extensive expertise in both cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery. He spends 1.5 hours or more in consultation to understand your concerns and provide honest, personalized recommendations. Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Isaacs in Beverly Hills today to learn if ptosis repair is right for you.
