The Difference Between Blepharoplasty and Ptosis Repair Surgery

Don’t you love titles that have words you can barely pronounce, let alone know the meaning of? Be patient,
please, because we at SightMD have been asked about the differences in these types of eyelid surgeries and feel it is important to cover them.

Getting straight to the point, the main difference between the two eyelid surgeries is that one is cosmetic
(blepharoplasty) while the other is performed out of necessity (ptosis). With blepharoplasty, excess skin is removed from the eyelids. As we age, our skin naturally tends to lose elasticity – and this includes the area around the eyes. The upper eyelids may become “droopy,” and lower eyelids develop bags. Older patients may decide to have blepharoplasty performed, where this excess skin around the eyelids is surgically removed to help enhance and provide a more youthful appearance. And, of course, older patients who choose this operation will have the side benefit of improved vision. If a patient’s main purpose from seeking eyelid
surgery is better vision, however, or prevention of being unable to see, he or she should consider…
The operation named ptosis is the recommended solution when a patient experiences a marked inability to see, or loses peripheral vision, due to a drooping upper eyelid. Through ptosis, the eyelid is literally elevated, or its height is changed. Through this procedure, the eyelid is operated on so that it rests higher on the surface of the eye, ultimately improving the patient’s field of vision in the affected eye.

So, there you have the basic difference between blepharoplasty and ptosis. While this is not a topic that you’ll
have reason to talk about in everyday conversation, consider it as an example of “knowledge is power.” In the
event you or a loved one should ever want or need eyelid surgery, you’ll have a better understanding of which
option to choose. And, of course, if you have further questions or wish to know more about the eyelid surgery
procedures performed at SightMD, feel free to call us at 855.295.4144 or contact us online.