Droopy Eyelid (or Ptosis) Surgery

A droopy eyelid, also known as ptosis, occurs when the upper eyelid sits lower than normal, affecting appearance and sometimes vision. While some people are born with the condition, it most commonly develops with age. Droopy eyelid surgery can restore the eyelid’s position, improving both function and appearance.

Key Information

PRICE

from £2800

TIME OF PROCEDURE

45 – 90 min

DOWNTIME

1 – 2 weeks

DISCOMFORT LEVEL

2 out of 5

AVERAGE SESSION REQUIRED

1

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Monthly payment plans to suit every budget, including 0% finance and payment options starting from just £169.58. Terms and conditions apply.

What Is a Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)?

Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. It occurs when the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid becomes weakened, stretched, or doesn’t function as it should, causing the eyelid to sit lower than its normal position.

The condition may affect one eye or both eyes and can range from barely noticeable to severe. In mild cases, ptosis may only alter the appearance of the eyes. In more advanced cases, the eyelid can cover part of the pupil and interfere with normal vision.

Some people are born with ptosis because the eyelid muscle develops differently before birth. Others develop the condition later in life, most commonly as part of the natural ageing process, although it may also occur following injury, previous eye surgery or certain neurological or muscular conditions.

Regardless of the cause, an assessment by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment.

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Can a Droopy Eyelid Affect Vision?

Yes. While mild ptosis may only affect appearance, more severe drooping can partially block the field of vision. This can make everyday activities more difficult, particularly when reading, driving or looking straight ahead.

Many people unconsciously compensate by raising their eyebrows or tilting their head backwards to see more clearly. Over time, this can contribute to forehead discomfort, eye strain or headaches.

If the eyelid significantly affects vision or causes ongoing functional problems, surgery may be recommended to restore a more natural eyelid position and improve both comfort and visual function.

How Is Ptosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ptosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by an oculoplastic surgeon.

During your assessment, your surgeon will examine your eyelid position, evaluate how well the lifting muscles are functioning, and determine whether the drooping is affecting your field of vision. They will also discuss your symptoms, medical history and when you first noticed the problem.

The aim of the consultation is not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to identify the underlying cause of the drooping eyelid and determine whether surgery is the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances.

Droopy Eyelids Treatment Options

The most appropriate treatment for a droopy eyelid depends on its severity, the underlying cause, and whether it affects your vision or daily life. While mild cases may be managed without surgery, more significant ptosis often requires surgery to achieve long-lasting results.

Non-Surgical Management

In some cases, surgery may not be necessary or the most suitable option. Depending on your individual circumstances, your surgeon may recommend monitoring the condition, specialised glasses fitted with a ptosis crutch or prescription eye drops that temporarily lift the upper eyelid.

Although these options can help improve symptoms for some patients, they do not permanently correct the underlying cause of ptosis.

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Droopy Eyelid Surgery

For moderate to severe ptosis, surgery is generally considered the most effective long-term treatment. The procedure restores the position of the upper eyelid by tightening or repositioning the muscle responsible for lifting it, helping to improve both eyelid function and appearance.

In some patients, droopy eyelid surgery may be combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This is particularly beneficial when excess skin also contributes to a heavy or hooded appearance, allowing both concerns to be addressed in a single procedure.

How Is Ptosis Surgery Performed?

Ptosis surgery involves tightening the muscles or tendons that lift the eyelid. A discreet incision is placed in the eyelid’s natural crease or, alternatively, via the eyelid’s inner surface to avoid a visible scar.

The primary step in treating a droopy eyelid is to pinpoint and adjust the muscle that lifts the eyelid, securing it back to the lid. For less common types of ptosis, the eyelid may be mechanically linked to the eyebrow, lifting both at the same time.

The ptosis surgical procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthetic (general anaesthetic for children) and takes around 45-90 minutes, depending on whether one or both eyelids are being treated. After 1-2 weeks, the sutures can be removed.

The procedure is sometimes combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty to enhance the upper eyelid’s appearance and vision. A brow lift may also be performed concurrently for better aesthetic outcomes.

Droopy eyelid surgery before and after

Every patient is different, so results will vary depending on the severity of the ptosis, the underlying cause and your individual anatomy. However, the aim of surgery is always the same: to restore the upper eyelid to a more natural position while improving both function and appearance.

Our before-and-after gallery showcases real patient results following droopy eyelid surgery. These images demonstrate how correcting the eyelid position can improve facial symmetry, create a more refreshed appearance and, where appropriate, restore a clearer field of vision.

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FAQ

Is ptosis surgery painful?

Ptosis surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising are normal afterwards, but these symptoms are typically temporary and can usually be managed with pain relief recommended by your surgeon.

How long does recovery from ptosis surgery take?

Most patients can return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, although healing continues over several weeks. Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first few days and gradually improve as the eyelid heals.

Can ptosis return after surgery?

Ptosis surgery provides long-lasting results for most patients. However, because the natural ageing process continues, some people may notice gradual changes to the eyelids over time. In some cases, additional treatment may be recommended in the future.

How much does droopy eyelid surgery cost?

The cost of droopy eyelid surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether one or both eyelids require treatment. Following your consultation, your surgeon will provide a personalised treatment plan and a detailed quotation based on your individual needs.

Learn More About Droopy Eyelids

If you would like to learn more about droopy eyelids, our comprehensive guide covers the condition in greater detail. You can explore the causes and symptoms of ptosis, how it is diagnosed, what to expect during recovery and when surgery may be recommended.

Whether you have recently noticed a drooping eyelid or are considering treatment, our guide can help you better understand your options before booking a consultation.

Contact us

If you are interested in any of the treatments we offer, or require any clarifications, we would love to hear from you. We deal with all issues relating to the Harley Street and Moorfields practices. You can reach us by phone, by email or by filling out the contact form below.

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