Ptosis surgery corrects a droopy eyelid by reattaching the levator muscle that lifts the lid, so that the eye is more open, improving vision and correcting the tired appearance.
The choice of ptosis treatment will depend on the cause of the ptosis, the severity of the ptosis and the remaining levator function (how much the lid can move up and down). Acquired aponeurotic ptosis with poor levator function can be treated by a frontalis sling, which attaches the tarsal plate of the lid to the eyebrow (frontalis) muscles, by means of silicone rods, so the eye can be opened by raising the eyebrow.
The majority of patients have acquired aponeurotic ptosis with good levator function and can be treated by a levator aponeurosis advancement, which reattaches the aponeurosis back onto the tarsal plate of the lid.
Surgery is carried out as a daycase procedure under local anaesthetic, so that the lid height can be checked part way through the operation, with the patient in a sitting position. This allows more accurate lid height adjustment. Consultant ophthalmic anaesthetists can also provide sedation if required.
Levator aponeurosis advancement ptosis surgery often includes removal of excess upper lid skin (blepharoplasty). Before the procedure the natural desired position of the skin crease is marked. When sitting up any excess skin is also carefully marked, with the eye closed. Sedation is given, if required. The upper lid is then injected with local anaesthetic to numb it.
In the operating theatre the face is prepped and draped ready for surgery. Any excess skin is removed. The levator muscle (aponeurosis) is carefully identified and securely reattached to the eyelid. Halfway through the operation the new lid height, and lid contour, is checked with the patient sitting upright. Any fine adjustments are made.
Finally, the skin is closed with very fine stitches. The lid is covered with an eye pad which stays in place until the following morning. Post-operative medicines include antibiotic ointment to apply to the wound and lubricant gel for the eye. A follow-up appointment is made for approximately 2 weeks, when the stitches can be removed.
My Eye Clinic is conveniently located in Gosforth with easy parking and relaxed comfortable waiting areas with refreshments.
My Eye Clinic has highly-experienced consultant oculoplastic surgeons to provide expert assessment and treatment of ptosis.
My Eye Clinic can provide easy access to surgery with minimal waiting times.
My Eye Clinic has a new fully-equipped operating theatre staffed by specialist ophthalmic theatre nurses and supported by two consultant specialist ophthalmic anaesthetists.
Mr Boyce is a Consultant Oculoplastic surgeon with a special interest in blepharoplasty, ptosis, entropion and ectropion surgery. He has been a Consultant Ophthalmologist, with special interest in Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Surgery, at Sunderland Eye Infirmary for 20 years. He now works exclusively in the private sector.
Mr Meredith graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010 after receiving several prizes and a distinction in Medicine and Surgery. After undertaking junior doctor training at Addenbrookes’ Hospital he completed seven years of post-graduate Ophthalmic Specialist Training on the south coast of England including one year of advanced specialist training in Oculoplastics in Portsmouth.
Inclusive prices include post-operative medicines and follow-up appointments:
