Ptosis, or drooping eyelid can affect one or both eyes and may be present from birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life due to aging, injury, or nerve damage. The severity of ptosis varies.
Some cases are mild and barely noticeable, while others significantly obstruct vision and require correction. While ptosis is not always dangerous, you may want to see a plastic surgeon to help you correct ptosis to fix the various complications that may come with it.
In some people, ptosis leads to difficulty keeping the eyes open. This can cause frequent forehead muscle strain and headaches.
Others may experience visual impairment, particularly when the drooping is severe enough to block the field of vision. In children, congenital ptosis can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), a condition likely to affect long-term visual development if left untreated.
When should ptosis removal be considered? The answer depends on its severity and impact.
If ptosis is causing vision problems, frequent eye fatigue, or aesthetic concerns that affect self-confidence, medical assessment is necessary. While some mild cases improve over time, most require intervention.
This is especially true when daily activities like reading, driving, or working become challenging. To tell if you need surgery for ptosis correction, the best next step would be to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon.
On this page, you will learn how long it typically takes to fix ptosis. Keep reading!
How Long Does It Take to Fix Ptosis?
Just so you know what to expect during your ptosis correction you may also wonder, how long does it take to fix ptosis? Here’s a good answer;
The duration of ptosis correction depends on the method chosen. As you’d expect surgery is the most common and effective solution. Ptosis surgery typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on whether one or both eyelids are being corrected. If only one eyelid is being treated, the procedure may take around 45 minutes, whereas correcting both eyelids takes slightly longer.
The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia with sedation. This allows you to to remain awake but comfortable while the surgeon works.
However, children or patients undergoing extensive corrections may receive general anesthesia. The primary surgical technique involves adjusting or shortening the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid.
This is done by either tightening the muscle or reattaching it to the eyelid to improve elevation. In severe cases where the levator muscle is too weak to function effectively, a frontalis sling procedure may be performed.
If this technique is chosen for you, the surgeon will use a small piece of your own tissue or a synthetic material to connect the eyelid to the forehead muscles. This allows them to facilitate the lifting of the eyelid.
While this approach provides functional improvement, it may not achieve the same level of symmetry as levator muscle tightening. Most patients are discharged on the same day as the surgery, with detailed post-operative care instructions provided.
Although the procedure itself is relatively quick, the overall treatment timeline extends beyond the operating room. Initial recovery occurs over the first two to three weeks, with significant swelling and bruising gradually improving. However, complete healing and final results can take several months, as the eyelid settles into its new position.
How Long Does Ptosis Take to Go Away?
Away from the surgery, you may also wonder, how long does it actually takes for ptosis to go away after treatment? Now, the time it takes for ptosis to fully resolve depends on the cause and treatment method used.
In cases where ptosis results from temporary factors like botulinum toxin injections or fatigue for example, it may improve on its own within a few weeks to months. However, surgical correction remains the definitive treatment for persistent ptosis, and recovery timelines vary based on individual healing responses.
For non-surgical cases, mild ptosis may resolve spontaneously or with conservative treatments such as eye exercises, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle changes. If ptosis results from botulinum toxin injections, it typically resolves once the toxin wears off.
Usually, this happens within two to four weeks. However, if symptoms persist beyond this period, a follow-up consultation is advisable to rule out other underlying causes.
When ptosis correction involves surgery, the recovery process follows a predictable pattern. In the first few days post-surgery, you will experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the treated area.
These localized side effects are generally expected. You will be prescribed cold compresses and medications to manage these symptoms.
Most noticeable swelling subsides within two to three weeks, allowing patients to see initial improvements in eyelid positioning. Over the following weeks, the eyelid continues to heal and adjust.
By the six to eight-week mark, most patients observe significant results, with improved eyelid function and appearance. However, full recovery may take up to three months, as the eyelid tissues settle into their final shape and any residual swelling disappears. Several factors can influence the recovery timeline:
- Severity of ptosis: More pronounced cases may require extensive surgical correction, leading to longer healing times.
- Individual healing rate: Some patients naturally heal faster than others, depending on factors such as age, overall health, and post-operative care.
- Surgical technique used: Different surgical approaches have varying recovery durations. Levator tightening generally heals faster than frontalis sling procedures, which involve more extensive tissue adjustments.
Post-surgical care plays a key role in ensuring optimal healing. You’re are advised to avoid strenuous activities, rubbing their eyes, or exposing the treated area to direct sunlight.
If you used to smoke before the procedure, you will want to cease this habit both before and after the procedure as smoking can impair the natural healing process and even increase your risks of complications. Attend scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon is well-placed to monitor healing progress and address any concerns that may come up.
In Closing
The time required for ptosis correction varies depending on the treatment method and individual healing process. Surgical procedures typically take under an hour, but full recovery can extend over several months.
In non-surgical cases, ptosis may improve within weeks if caused by temporary factors. If ptosis is affecting your vision or confidence, consult a qualified eye specialist to explore the best treatment options. Book a consultation below;
Allure Plastic Surgery – Ptosis Surgery | Breast Augmentation | Double Eyelid Surgery
435 Orchard Rd, #22-04 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
https://www.allureplasticsurgery.sg/
Phone: +65 6734 9988