oculoplastic Services

Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)

Improve upper eyelid symmetry

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drooping eyelid or ptosis close up of woman's eye

Ptosis (droopy eyelid) surgery can improve the position of the upper eyelid.

A ptosis is a condition of the upper eyelid, where its border droops to a lower position than before. This can make the eye seem to appear smaller than it truly is. Often the appearance can be cosmetically unpleasant, but in more severe cases, the vision can be affected. This is due to the drooping eyelid obscuring the pupil and may result in neck ache as the patient attempts to lift their chin to overcome the visual defect. Some patients also report eye strain.

There are many causes of ptosis, ranging from aging (most commonly) to serious neurological disease. It is important to seek urgent medical advice if the eyelid drops suddenly, you develop double vision, severe headache or weakness of any other muscles.

It can affect one or both eyes at the same time. Most cases are due to age-related muscle weakness and can be managed with surgery. This surgery is only performed by oculoplastic surgeons who undergo extensive specific training.

The main reason to undergo this type of procedure would be to improve the height of the upper eyelid and achieve a more symmetrical facial appearance. It can be performed through the natural upper eyelid skin crease or inside of the eyelid (scarless posterior approach).

"Always a pleasant experience with Elizabeth. Results are amazing and she is very professional and polite."

How long does Ptosis surgery take?

Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic. The duration is approximately 30-45 minutes for one upper eyelid, or 90 minutes for both upper eyelids.

Small sutures are used during the repair. Serious complications from surgery are rare. All risks and benefits of surgery are discussed at a pre-operative appointment.

Downtime

It is recommended to plan for 1-2 weeks off work after surgery. The first week is the most important for healing. During this time, it is essential to rest with your head elevated and use regular ice compressions. Sutures are typically removed at day 5-7. Most patients return to their normal lifestyle after 2 weeks, but this can vary on a case by case basis.

Outcomes

Surgery is very effective in improving the position and appearance of the upper eyelid. In severe cases, surgery can improve the field of vision.

Most patients are happy with their results, and the vast majority will not require a second operation.

Trusted Practitioner

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Award-winning and Tatter-recommended, Dr Hawkes is honoured to be commended for her achievements.

Bespoke Treatment

Using extensive facial and ocular expertise, Dr Hawkes tailors each treatment to the individual needs and natural features.

Advanced Techniques

State-of-the-art technologies and meticulous care underscore Dr Hawkes’ dedication to continuous innovation, learning and excellent results.

TESTIMONIALS

Happy patients

From the very start of my consultation, I felt that I had made the right decision with my choice of consultant. Ms Hawkes’ expertise and professionalism coupled with a warm and reassuring ‘bedside manner’ put me immediately at ease and I felt confident in taking the next steps to have blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. Throughout the procedure and follow up consultation, Ms Hawkes’ calm professionalism made the entire process so much easier for me and I felt throughout that I was in extremely capable and experienced hands. Making the decision to have surgery wasn’t one I made lightly and I gave it serious consideration before taking the first step. I am delighted that I I chose Ms Hawkes for all the reasons I’ve mentioned, I had my surgery just over 12 days ago and although I am still healing, I can already see an improvement with my eyes. It was important for me to find someone who was not only an expert in their field but also with the care and attention that is reassuring for a patient; I received all of this with Ms Hawkes and for that I am extremely grateful and would have no hesitation in offering a recommendation.

March 16, 2024

I’ve already passed on my recommendation to two friends & one colleague. One week after surgery, I have a significant increase in range of vision and no longer have a ‘heavy eyes’ feeling. I look fresher and like ‘me’ again. So happy; wish I’d done this years earlier but now delighted with the results

December 19, 2023

I consulted with Ms Hawkes for a concern about my eyelids and questions around blepharoplasty. She has been very helpful in explaining how it works, transparent about the expectations of the results on my case specifically and the risk. We also discussed other alternatives not involving surgery. I felt very confident after the consultation and decided to proceed with the surgery (lower & upper). On the day of the surgery, I felt reassured, it all went very smoothly. I am now more than 6 weeks post op, the results are incredible, the scars are almost invisible. We looked together at before and after photos last week, and it is impressive. I am very happy with the results, looking more fresh, rested and youthful. I would recommend anyone who is bothered by dropping eyelids to get a consultation with Ms Hawkes.

February 23, 2023

Elizabeth is very reassuring and provides a comprehensive service. Im not the type to seek out cosmetic procedures but was bothered by my hooded eyes and so with a degree of anxiety and much research as to who was 'the best', I went for a consultation with Elizabeth. She immediately put me at ease with her thorough explanation of the procedure and all the photographs of before and after and what to expect. I wanted a natural look in that no-one would notice specifically other than 'I looked fresh' and that is exactly what I have got. Im delighted with the results. They take a few weeks to settle down but I recovered quickly, the scars have almost disappeared already and any inbalances I perceived in the first few weeks have also now equalised. I have very natural eyes from a decade or so again and have received many compliments on how 'well' Im looking. My eyes are bright and sparkling again. Thank you and I cannot recommend Elizabeth more highly. Super skilled, listens, and delivers.

January 06, 2023

I found Miss Hawkes to be very approachable, kind and very professional. I was able to call or e-Mail if I had any concerns and she would always reply as soon as possible. My recovery from my surgery was longer than I expected, mostly due to severe swelling, but Miss Hawkes reassured me that all the issues would settle in time. Now everything has settled, I am very satisfied with the surgery and would highly recommend Miss Hawkes to anyone considering eye surgery.

July 30, 2022

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