Our eyes are a vital utensil in our lives. Beyond the obvious ability to see, your eyes can also express to others what you’re feeling with just a glance and can help you communicate with those around you. A potentially serious condition involving the eyes is eyelid ptosis, a condition that causes your upper eyelid to droop abnormally down. In some severe cases, it can obstruct your pupil and affect the quality of your vision. It can even hinder you from being able to make eye contact with people. Although ptosis isn’t a common condition, it can restrict the development of your eye and even lead to unwanted complications like amblyopia or lazy eye.

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Malena Amato and her team at Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates in Austin, Texas, provide superior care for your eyes. Her expertise and experience will give you confidence both before and after you correct your ptosis.

What Causes Ptosis?

Ptosis has several possible causes, including congenital ptosis, disease-related ptosis, and nerve-related issues.

Congenital ptosis is most common in children, meaning it was present at birth or developed sometimes during infancy. It almost always results from a problem with the levator muscle, which is the muscle responsible for keeping the eyelids lifted when your child’s eyes are open.

Disease-related ptosis most often affects your muscles’ response to nerves in the eyelids, which then cause ptosis.

Nerve issues are most often associated with any injury to the brain during which your eye muscles were affected, leading to ptosis. You can also experience nerve damage from long-term diabetes. Nerve-related issues can also be caused by an eye infection, a growth on your eyelid or eye socket, or from being hit or punched in the eye.

Correcting Ptosis

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of ptosis, such as droopy eyelids, it’s important to have Dr. Amato check the condition to determine its cause and level of severity. At Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery, there are several types of ptosis repair options depending on the cause of your ptosis, age, and severity. In most cases, ptosis repair is minimally invasive that typically leaves no noticeable scar.

There are some cases of ptosis that may need to be treated with a more extensive surgery called a blepharoplasty or eyelid lift surgery. This procedure involves shortening of the eyelid and sometimes the removal of redundant skin if necessary. While it might seem frightening, Dr. Amato’s thorough aftercare makes recovery comfortable and easy. You’ll be provided with ice packs, antibiotics, and pain medication. When you experience the advantage of having improved vision, you will be more than happy that you did it.

Ptosis Correction in Austin, Texas

Dr. Malena Amato has extensive training specifically in eyelid surgery and has performed thousands of ptosis surgeries throughout her career. It is important to seek medical attention for ptosis from a board-certified ASOPRS trained specialist to ensure the appropriate surgery is chosen for you and that all variables of your condition are considered. Not only will this ensure your best results, but it will also provide you with a higher level of safety.

For more information on ptosis correction surgery, please contact our office by phone at (512) 501-1010 or online to schedule your consultation.