Eyelid Ptosis Surgery for drooping eyelids

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Eyelid ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) is a condition where the upper eyelid droops over the eye, often caused by weakened eyelid muscles, aging, or congenital factors. In some cases, it can block vision or create a tired, asymmetrical appearance.

Ptosis surgery is a corrective eyelid procedure that tightens or repositions the eyelid muscle to lift the eyelid to a more natural, functional position.

• A drooping upper eyelid that covers part of your eye
   
• Uneven or asymmetrical eyes
   
• Difficulty seeing due to a low-hanging lid
   
• A constantly tired or sleepy look
   
• Congenital ptosis (present since birth)
   
• Acquired ptosis from aging or trauma

Before surgery:  Make sure blood pressure is controlled.  Medications that cause bleeding or easy bruisability like anticoagulants should be stopped 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.

Anesthesia: preferably done under Local Anesthesia, so the patient is awake but numb to be able to assess eyelid opening

Incision: the incision is placed on the area of the desired eyelid crease.  This is often extended on the outer eye to adequately remove excess skin.  Excess skin, muscle and fat are removed, then the skin is sutured meticulously.

Procedure Time: 2 hours

Types of Eyelid Ptosis Surgery:

• Levator Advancement Surgery: Tightens or repositions the levator muscle that naturally lifts the eyelid; best for patients with good levator muscle function.  Usually done for ptosis due to aging.

• Frontalis Sling Surgery: Connects the eyelid to the forehead (frontalis) muscle so the brow helps lift the eyelid; used when the levator muscle is weak or nonfunctional using a silicone rod implant.  Usually done for congenital ptosis.

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for a week.  Expect swelling for 1-2 weeks over the eyes and cheeks.  Frequent ice compress is advised to help with the swelling.  

• Suture Removal: sutures are removed after 6-7 days
   
• Downtime: 7-14 days for swelling; most return to work in a week

• Scarring:  scars are usually visible for 1-3 months and will gradually fade over 6-12 months
   
• Results: the eyelids look puffy for 3-6 months, this will eventually look more natural in 6-12 months.  Sometimes revision surgery is necessary to ensure symmetry of the eyelid height.  This is due to many factors such as resolution of swelling, progressive levator muscle weakness, or stretching of the silicone rod over time to name a few.

Q: How is ptosis surgery different from blepharoplasty?
A: Blepharoplasty only removes excess skin and fat, while ptosis surgery lifts the eyelid by tightening the muscle that opens the eye or connects the eyelid to the forehead muscle, known as Frontalis Sling Surgery for severe ptosis.

Q: Will my vision improve?
A: If your ptosis was affecting your field of vision, yes — most patients experience improved sight and eye comfort.

Q: Is this a cosmetic or medical procedure?
A: It can be both. If it affects your vision, it may be considered medically necessary. Cosmetic ptosis is usually done to improve symmetry and appearance.

Cost of Eyelid Ptosis Surgery by Dr. Aicee Bernal is P75,000 per eye if done in the clinic under local anesthesia, and this does not yet post-operative medications. 

If you prefer to be sedated, the procedure will be done in a hospital setting under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Hospital cost will vary from P160,000–200,000 for uncomplicated cases, also excluding preoperative laboratories , clearance and post-op medications.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced oculoplastic experience, Dr. Aicee Bernal specializes in delicate eyelid surgeries — including ptosis correction. She customizes each procedure based on your muscle strength, eyelid structure, and desired aesthetic.

Her goal is to restore both clear vision and a natural, balanced eyelid contour — with minimal visible scarring and downtime.

If you're struggling with droopy eyelids or uneven eye height, ptosis surgery by Dr. Aicee Bernal can help restore both beauty and function.