Ptosis Frequently Asked Questions

Miscellaneous

What is Ptosis?

There are different kinds of Ptosis. Ptosis is the condition where a body part droops. Ptosis most often refers to drooping of the breasts in women, and drooping of the eyelids in men or women.

 

Ptosis is generally a hereditary condition, and in this case it is referred to as congenital ptosis. In some other cases Ptosis can be caused by aging. In some circumstances ptosis can come about as a result of trauma to the eye or head.

 

 

In some rare cases certain neurological disorders or other similar problems may manifest themselves through ptosis. It is highly recommended to consult with your doctor or physician if you or a loved one develops ptosis of the eyelid suddenly.

 

Although ptosis refers to the two parts mentioned above; eyelids and breasts, it is commonly and most associated with the eyelid. Ptosis of the eyelid is generally not a harmful condition, but it might affect vision and cause other problematic conditions related to the eye. The general advice is to treat it early in a person’s life. Treatment most often requires surgery to correct the drooping. Ptosis caused by aging can be treated by performing cosmetic eyelid surgery.

 

Also see:

 

 

 

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is surgical modification of the eyelid. Excess tissue such as skin and fat are removed or repositioned, and surrounding muscles and tendons may be reinforced. It can be both a functional and cosmetic surgery.
source: Wikipedia.

What is blepharochalasis?

Blepharochalasis is an inflammation of the eyelid that is characterized by exacerbations and remissions of eyelid edema, which results in a stretching and subsequent atrophy of the eyelid tissue resulting in redundant folds over the lid margins. It typically affects only the upper eyelids, and may be unilateral as well as bilateral.
source: Wikipedia.

Blepharochalasis may be treated with eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.

Eyelid Ptosis

Can blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) be performed more than once?

Surgeons and history suggest yes. There are certain personal parameters that you should consult with your physician and surgeon about this but generally after so many years, you may be able to have the surgery again. In some extreme cases, the surgeon may perform a few surgeries every few years if the ptosis is really augmented or difficult to treat so this alone suggests that blepharoplasty can be performed more than once. Consult your physisican for your particular case. There’s also this discussion to give you more perspective.

http://www.realself.com/question/blepharoplasty-performed-more-than

What is Congenital Ptosis of the Eyelid?

Congenital Ptosis is a condition where the upper or lower eyelid falls or droops. As the name suggests, Congenital Ptosis is a hereditary condition. The drooping of the eyelid often affects one eye only, but in some rare cases both eyelids could be affected. The falling or drooping of the eyelid sometimes gets worse throughout the day as the person is awake longer or the muscles in and around the eyelid become fatigued.

Congenital Ptosis is often considered unsightly or strange looking, but it also can have repercussions that go beyond cosmetic problems. If left untreated Ptosis could cause certain problems with obstructed vision, or worse. It can also cause Amblyopia or even Astigmatism. It is often recommended to treat this disorder very early in life, to prevent developmental problems with the person’s vision.

Also see:
What is Amblyopia?
What is Ptosis?

What Causes Ptosis of the eyelid; also known as Blepharoptosis? – FAQ

A drooping eyelid is also called ptosis or blepharoptosis, technically. With this condition, the upper eyelid falls to a lower position than normal. Sometimes the cases can be severe enough to cover the eye and interfere with vision.

  • Ptosis of the eyelid, or Blepharoptosis may exist at birth. This is called Congenital Ptosis. This seems to be a hereditary problem.
  • Ptosis may develop over time as the individual ages. Sometimes, the ptosis comes after many decades and it does not affect vision nor does it have any other health side effects.
  • Sometimes a neurological problems may manifest themselves with Ptosis of the eyelid, or Blepharoptosis.

Also see: How much does eyelid surgery cost?

 

Is It Possible to Have Rhinoplasty and Blepharoplasty (Nose and Eyelid Surgery) Done at the Same Time?

Is It Possible to Have Rhinoplasty and Blepharoplasty Done at the Same Time?

The short answer is yes. But really, it depends on the patient and only an experienced surgeon can assess each situation and make the appropriate recommendation on a case by case basis. Consult with your surgeon, physician or cosmetic surgeon.

Combining multiple cosmetic procedures has become commonplace in the world of plastic surgery. It is a nice way of getting a dramatic result with fewer administrations of anesthesia and a single recovery period. Of course, you never want to combine procedures that may compromise the health of local tissues or…

Rhinoplasty and lower blepharoplasty is a safe combined procedure.

there’s a discussion going on about this over here: Real Self.

What is the Marcus Gunn Phenomenon?

Also known as the Marcus Gunn jaw wink phenomenon. This is a condition whereby the upper eyelid jerks upward involuntarily. This is caused by two or more muscles that essentially twitch and move the eyelid(s).

This condition or phenomenon is named after Marcus Gunn, who described this condition in 1883.

The Marcus Gunn Phenonmenon affects about 5% of newborns that are affected with congenital ptosis. This condition usually manifests itself during sucking, chewing or other related facial movements.

Check out Wikipedia for a full description of the Marcus Gunn Phenomenon.

Breast Ptosis