A droopy eyelid or ptosis (the “p” is silent, pronounced TOE-sis) is the sagging of an upper eyelid on one or both eyes. In minor cases, it may be barely noticeable. In more serious cases, the lid can cover part of your pupil, making vision difficult at best. Ptosis affects children and adults, but it most often occurs with aging. If you suspect that you have ptosis, the easiest way to find out is to compare a recent photo of your face with one from 10 or more years ago. Do you see any difference in your eyelids?
Ptosis typically occurs when the levator muscle, which is attached to the upper tarsus (“backbone” of the upper eyelid) slides upward with aging, causing the lid to become droopy. The levator attachments to the upper lid can be restored back to their original position through an internal procedure underneath the upper eyelid, leaving no external scars.
Ptosis can also be congenital or caused by an injury, or it can be due to the natural aging process. In most cases, Dr. Scott can eliminate this condition with surgery.
Keep in mind that results vary according to the individual patient and the chosen procedure. Dr. Scott will explain all surgical procedures as any procedure, no matter how minor or major, has risks.
For more information regarding ptosis repair, please call us at 703-620-4300 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. We welcome patients from Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean and neighboring cities and towns.
