By Grant Mya
If the eyes are the mirror to the soul, how does having droopy eyelids sound?
Not exactly the picture of perfection, right? And following the analogy, no one would want to have some lumpy, heavy curtains decorating the windows of their soul. It is, therefore, unfortunate that a droopy eyelid, or ptosis, is an actual medical condition that affects a lot of people in Singapore. Read more about ptosis in the Allure Plastic Surgery website if you are looking for information and treatment options. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about ptosis.
What is ptosis and what causes it?
Ptosis is the medical term for the dropping of the upper eyelid. Although it is more common among middle-aged and older individuals, it can occur at birth (congenital ptosis), or as a result of an eye disease or injury. Nerve disorders, tendon injury, and muscular dystrophy may cause a temporary form of ptosis. People who wear contact lenses, use heavy eye make-up regularly, or have developed a habit of rubbing the eye excessively are also likely to experience ptosis, as these habits can speed up the skin’s aging process and cause the eyelids to droop.
A person with this ptosis may experience difficulty in keeping their eyes open. Over time, they may feel minor aches in the eyebrow area and eye strain from the tedious task of raising the eyelids. In severe cases, the patient’s vision may be obstructed, and they often find themselves having to tilt their heads backwards to see more clearly. And last but not the least, ptosis is responsible for giving the face a tired, drowsy, and fatigued appearance.
How is droopy eyelids/ptosis/blepharoptosis diagnosed?
While it is fairly easy to spot someone afflicted with ptosis – with the telltale drooping eyelids as the primary symptom – medical intervention is needed to assess the severity of the condition and how it affects the lifting ability of the levator palpebral superiosis, which is the main muscle that controls eye opening. During the assessment, the doctor will measure the amount of eyelid movement (levator excursion) in order to determine the levator function. The patient will be asked to look downwards then upwards while the brow remains immobile so that the doctor can evaluate the levator function and degree of ptosis and subsequently, the type of corrective surgery that needs to be done.
What are the types of ptosis?
There are five types of ptosis, namely: myogenic, traumatic, neurogenic, aponeurotic, and mechanical. The myogenic type occurs when the levator palpebral superiosis muscle is not functioning properly. Traumatic ptosis occurs when the levator muscle is weakened or damaged after sustaining an injury or trauma. Neurogenic ptosis is caused by the failure of nerve function, while aponeurotic ptosis occurs when the eyelid muscle gets detached due to the natural process of aging, and/or frequent pulling or rubbing of the eyelid. Lastly, there is mechanical ptosis, which occurs when the upper eyelid gets pulled down by excess fat, skin, or a tumor.
Who are at risk for ptosis?
Droopy eyelids can affect anyone. And by anyone, it means that the old and young, male and female, and people from different ethnicities, geographic locations, and social classes can develop ptosis.
According to recent studies in the field of ophthalmology, congenital ptosis occurs in 1 out of 842 births, which shows that the condition is more common in children. For ptosis in adults, eye injury and aging are the usual suspects.
What are the disadvantages and dangers of having ptosis?
While most cases of ptosis are quite harmless, some patients experience other symptoms of ptosis such as watery or dry eyes, migraines and headaches that occur when the eyes are strained for long hours, having a weary expression/appearance all the time, and the need to tilt back the head to see or read properly.
Severe cases of ptosis can alter a person’s vision drastically and from there it becomes a burden in his or her daily life. A person with poor vision due to ptosis is more likely to be involved in accidents (whether it be something as minor as tripping on a wire, or something major like falling down a flight of steps – just because they cannot see the surface that they are walking on properly!). It also affects their ability to sense danger and threats in their surroundings.
What are the benefits of a ptosis correction surgery in Singapore?
The benefits of undergoing a ptosis correction surgery are twofold. On the functional level, the patient will enjoy unobstructed vision, zero occurrence of migraines and headaches,less eye strain, and more importantly, they will no longer have to tilt their head back to see clearly. Then there is the aesthetic level. Undergoing ptosis surgery will improve the patient’s appearance by making the eyes look bigger and more alive, and the face looking well-rested and more awake (as opposed to always tired and sleepy-looking). The eyelid crease will also benefit from the surgery, as it can either create a new one or redefine the existing crease.
What happens during a ptosis surgery?
Your doctor will run a few standard tests – blood tests, x-rays, etc – to determine the severity of the condition first before deciding if a ptosis surgery is necessary. The doctor will also evaluate your overall health, age, and personal medical history to make sure that it is safe for you to proceed with the surgery.
During the surgery, the doctor will tighten, or in extreme cases, reattach, the levator muscle to the brow bone or the eyelid to lessen any drooping. Then they will eliminate any excess skin that causes obstruction. Local anesthesia will be provided in order to lessen the patient’s pain and discomfort.
Ptosis surgery in Singapore has a high success rate and it is a common treatment, so there is nothing to be afraid of! If you want a consultation, you can contact Allure Plastic Surgery and we will be happy to schedule one for you, at your earliest convenience.
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Allure Plastic Surgery
435 Orchard Road
#22-04 Penthouse Floor Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/
Phone: + 65 6734 9988
Whatsapp: + 65 9623 7836
