AVG. RECOVERY | 2 TO 3 WEEKS |
PERMANENCE | YES |
SURGICAL | YES |
MEDISAVE/INSURANCE CLAIMABLE | YES |
Ptosis or droopy eyelids is a medical condition where the upper eyelid of an individual droops. In severe cases, the droopy eyelid covers part of the pupil causing a reduction in peripheral vision. It is called unilateral ptosis when one eye is affected and bilateral ptosis when both eyes are affected. Droopy eyelids can be a birth defect or be acquired later on in life. In some cases, it will resolve itself naturally while in others it is a permanent condition that requires medical surgery.
Patients with ptosis often complain that the droopy lids cause them to look inattentive, sleepy or angry. They often notice that the vision is affected. As a result, they often raise their brows to compensate for their eyes drooping which leads to headaches and fatigue.
There are a variety of causes for ptosis. Ptosis in children may be due to improper development of muscles surrounding the eyes and the eyelids. They may also develop another condition known as 'lazy eye'.
Older people more commonly develop this condition due to the natural ageing processes causing the muscles to weaken around the eyes thus leading to the drooping of the upper eyelids.
Either of the following factors can cause your eyelids to droop:
Consultations with plastic surgeons would entail a physical exam and review of one's medical history.
Ptosis correction would depend on its severity and causes. If the condition is the result of age or if your eyelids block your vision, the doctor would inform you that there is nothing that can be done other than to refer you to plastic surgeons for an eyelid correction procedure (aka Ptosis surgery).
If there is an underlying medical condition, your doctor would treat you for that instead which would inadvertently treat the problem of the droopy eyelid without the need for undergoing surgery.
Yes, if the severity meets the benchmark. A review with an ophthalmologist will be required.
Depending on how the ptosis has been graded, the type of correction will differ. Correction of mild upper eyelid ptosis may be performed with a scarless suture technique.
For candidates who are not suitable for surgery or whose ptosis are deemed as only temporary, glasses that can hold the eyelids up are prescribed. These are known as Ptosis Crutches which are attached to the frame of eyeglasses.
Moderate to severe ptosis will require ptosis surgery. A surgical procedure involving an incisional technique in the eyelid crease will occur under local anaesthesia. It is then followed with the manipulation of the muscle (levator palpebrae superioris) that lifts the upper eyelid.
Dr Samuel Ho performs this surgery using a modified “under-through” levator application technique.
For those who are concerned with the cost of ptosis surgery — Ptosis surgery in Singapore has been classified as a medical condition by the Ministry Of Health (MOH) and thus it is Medisave claimable.
Aesthetically speaking, Ptosis surgery can further define the upper eyelid crease, eliminate the tired and listless appearance and make the eyes appear larger. Ptosis surgery in Singapore can be performed by plastic surgeons.
Ptosis correction could be required for you if your droopy eyelid has partially or entirely blocked your vision in the affected eyes.
A detailed consultation is required before surgery, where Dr Samuel will measure the distance from your pupil’s centre to the upper eyelid. This is called the marginal reflex distance. When the distance is below a certain level, then ptosis correction is required.
Ptosis Surgery Singapore is a common procedure done on an outpatient basis. Patients are given local anaesthesia and will be comfortable during the procedure. Patients experience minor swelling and bruising around the eyes which will diminish in a few days. There are usually no visible scars as a result of eyelid surgery.
Dr Samuel Ho, who trained in Korea and one of the top surgeons in Singapore. He has extensive experience in performing intricate surgery, which would be required for a delicate surgery like droopy eyelid surgery. To start, Dr Ho will conduct a detailed consultation to evaluate your eyes, facial anatomy and discuss with you the changes you desire. He will further discuss with you any concerns you have towards the ptosis surgery cost.
Some important details to go through with Dr Samuel during a consultation includes:
Patients are welcomed and encouraged to address any of their concerns or questions so that they can make a confident decision about undergoing ptosis surgery.
The type of ptosis surgery or droopy eyelid correction techniques used will depend on how your ptosis has been graded. For example, correction of mild upper eyelid ptosis may be performed with a scarless suture technique.
If your ptosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, your doctor would treat you for that instead, which would inadvertently treat the problem of the droopy eyelid without the need for surgery.
Dr Samuel Ho will measure the distance from your pupil’s centre and to the upper eyelid. This is called the marginal reflex distance. When the distance is below a certain level, then ptosis correction is required.
Ptosis Correction Singapore is a common procedure done on an outpatient basis.
Patients experience minor swelling and bruising around the eyes which will diminish in a week or 2. There are usually no visible scars as a result of eyelid surgery.