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Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) Houston
Conveniently located to serve Houston
If a droopy eyelid (ptosis) affects your vision or makes you look tired, our Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery team can help. Dr. Mirwat S. Sami specializes in functional and aesthetic ptosis repair tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether the condition is congenital, age-related, or the result of trauma or neurological changes, we offer precise surgical approaches to restore eyelid position, improve field of vision, and refresh your overall facial appearance.
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a medical term for a droopy eyelid. This lowering of the eyelid is more than just having an excess of eyelid skin drooping downwards. Ptosis can not only reduce the field of vision, but also partially or wholly cover the pupil. It can also change a person’s appearance by making them appear sleepy, tired, and aged. The amount of droopiness or ptosis can also differ between the two eyes, making them appear asymmetric.
Click for more information about Ptosis.
Ptosis results from the weakening of the levator muscle, a muscle in the eyelid responsible for elevation. While some are born with this condition, most people develop it with increasing age. With extra eyelid skin, a ptotic or droopy eyelid can result in an aged look and change a person’s vitality and appearance.
Cosmetic And Functional Improvement
Ptosis repair procedures can be performed in the upper eyelids for both cosmetic and functional improvement.
Although this procedure has existed for a long time, it has been tremendously refined. Its potential to achieve aesthetic harmony is well appreciated and harnessed today. That is why it is imperative that you seek an oculoplastic surgeon, trained in all the subtle nuances of this procedure and its countless outcomes, to perform this cosmetic procedure on your eyes to ensure you achieve the best results.
More Youthful & Invigorated Appearance
The goal of a cosmetic ptosis repair is to reveal a more invigorated, youthful, and refreshed appearance. Dr. Sami‘s vast experience with cosmetic surgery and attention to detail ensure that her patients obtain excellent results and outstanding care.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more about the surgeries listed in the Cosmetic Procedures section.
Before
After
You can see more photos of our Ptosis Procedures in our Before & After Gallery
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sami, please do not hesitate to contact us at 713-668-1264 so we can help enhance your life.
Ideal Candidates for Ptosis Repair
Patients suffering from ptosis and good general health are ideal candidates for ptosis repair. Non-smokers and patients with no post-surgery healing issues are excellent candidates for this procedure. Candidates should have a positive outlook and realistic goals.
Patients suffering from moderate to severe eye dryness may not be recommended for ptosis repair, since the surgery can worsen the symptom.
Preparation for Ptosis Repair
Ptosis repair preparation instructions vary depending on the specifics of each patient’s case. However, there are general instructions that most patients will need to follow to prepare for the surgery.
Preparatory instructions for ptosis repair may include the following:
- Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements at least two weeks before surgery.
- Stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks.
- Avoid sun damage and use at least SPF 30 sun protection.
- Stop taking blood thinners for at least 10 days before surgery.
- Arrange for someone to take you home after surgery and assist you during recovery.
- Avoid eating and drinking the night before the surgery.
- Bring sunglasses or a protective hat during surgery.
- Do not wear contact lenses, mascara, makeup, earrings, or necklaces.
- Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure.
The Procedure
Like any eyelid procedure, ptosis repair begins with a thorough knowledge of periorbital structures and a unique and customized approach to each individual patient. Remember, no two eyes, let alone any two faces, are the same. In addition, every person has some degree of asymmetry between the two halves of the face.
Preoperative Assessment
Dr. Sami carefully customizes her operative plan for each patient, taking into account their unique features such as eyebrow position, facial symmetry, shape of the eye, position of fat pads, skin quality, muscle tone, dry eye problems, and position of the eyeball in relation to the facial bones. Based on her preoperative assessment and the needs and expectations of each patient, she ensures her surgical plan is carried out with compassionate care to yield fantastic results.
Surgical Process
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation in an outpatient setting. It can be performed at the same time as other eyelid or orbital procedures, such as blepharoplasty, browlift, or eyelid malposition correction.
A small incision, often hidden in your eyelid crease, is made to access the delicate lifting muscles. Dr. Sami then fine-tunes the eyelid’s position; if under local anesthesia with sedation, you may briefly sit up to confirm optimal height and symmetry. The incision is meticulously closed with fine, scar-minimizing sutures, and a protective dressing is applied.
Recovery Period
The patient can go home the same day of the surgery. Dr. Sami will provide instructions and prescriptions to help the patient recover. The patient’s vision may be blurry during the first 24 hours. Minor symptoms such as swelling, bruising, pain, and discomfort may be experienced for seven to ten days. Cold compresses can aid in swelling reduction.
The patient can see the initial results after two weeks. Full results will take between 1-3 months to show. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the recovery process and results.
“
I look better and feel better
“I had droopy eyelids. My right eye would shut automatically whenever I would lay down in bed. It was impossible to read in bed. Dr. Sami did the surgery and the problem was solved. It was an eye-opening experience. I did not realize how much of my peripheral vision I had lost. Also, when I smiled for a photo, my eye would close and you could hardly see it.”
How Much Does Ptosis Cost?
The overall cost of a ptosis repair in Houston is affected by anesthesia fees, hospital fees, post-surgery garments, and medications. Price is also impacted by medical tests, surgeon’s fees, and the exact techniques employed.
Why Choose an Oculoplastic Specialist in Houston
Dr. Mirwat S. Sami is a board-certified ophthalmologist and an oculoplastic surgeon who focuses on eyelid, orbital, and periocular surgery. Choosing an oculoplastic specialist gives you the combined benefit of ophthalmic knowledge and advanced reconstructive/cosmetic eyelid techniques, so your eyes stay healthy while looking their best.
At Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on our compassionate patient care, sensitivity and understanding of each patient’s needs and expectations, and our drive for excellence.
We aim to help you and your loved ones feel welcome, comfortable, and 100% satisfied with your experience.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sami, please do not hesitate to contact us at 713-668-1264 so we can help enhance your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ptosis repair corrects the eyelid muscle (levator) to raise the lid and improve vision. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat to improve appearance. Although they are distinct procedures, they are sometimes performed together for optimal functional and cosmetic results.
When ptosis causes functional visual impairment, many insurers (including Medicare) may cover surgery with appropriate documentation. Cosmetic-only procedures are typically not covered.
During the procedure, you'll receive anesthesia so that you won't feel any pain. After surgery, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. Significant pain is rare.
External levator repair uses a small incision in the eyelid crease that generally heals discreetly in the natural fold. Internal approaches leave no external scar.
Recurrence can happen over time, especially if the underlying cause progresses. Some patients require a touch-up or revision procedure years later. Your surgeon will counsel you about the likelihood based on your diagnosis (congenital vs. acquired) and levator function.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want to find out if Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) is the right cosmetic procedure for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sami at the Houston Oculofacial Plastic Surgery in Houston, Texas today. Call us at 713-668-1264 so we can help enhance your life!
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DROOPY EYELIDS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIX THEM
Ptosis occurs when the muscles that lift the eyelid are simply not strong enough to do so. It can occur in one or both eyes, and is also more commonly encountered as an age-related process in which the muscle either detaches or weakens. It may be caused by damage or trauma to the muscle that lifts the eyelid, damage to the nerve which… Read More
