Ptosis Specialist

Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery

Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon located in Scottsdale, Peoria, & Phoenix, AZ

Ptosis, more commonly known as drooping eyelids, can affect adults and children, but most often occurs because of aging. As a board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dustin Heringer, MD, of Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, expertly performs ptosis repair as an outpatient procedure for men and women. If drooping eyelids are interfering with your vision or affecting your self-esteem, call the Scottsdale, Peoria, or Phoenix, Arizona, office to schedule a consultation.

Ptosis Q&A

What is ptosis?

Ptosis, or drooping eyelids, is a condition that typically occurs as you get older, however, in some cases, ptosis is present at birth. Ptosis may affect one or both eyes. If your eyelid droops too far over your eye, it can impair your vision. Ptosis is usually caused by a weakened or stretched levator muscle that occurs as people age.

In addition, Eee surgery, cataract surgery, or eye injuries can lead to ptosis. In rare cases, eye tumors, neurological disorders, or diabetes, can also cause your eyelids to droop.

What happens during ptosis surgery?

Dr. Heringer performs ptosis surgery to correct drooping eyelids in a surgery center using monitored anesthesia. Ptosis surgery can be repaired internally or externally and the decision as to which approach is best depends on the degree of ptosis and your overall exam at the time of the consultation.

With the external approach, an incision is made in your natural upper eyelid crease to access the levator muscle. In the internal approach, the lid is everted and an incision is made to allow access to the Mueller's muscle. In both cases the muscles are then tightened with suture and then the incisions are closed with temporary sutures.

After your ptosis surgery, you may experience blurry distance vision for up to two weeks, and blurry near vision for up to a month.

You won’t be able to wear contacts for the first two to three weeks after surgery. You apply eye drops to lubricate your eyes as you recover.

If your vision changes slightly as a result of ptosis surgery, Dr. Heringer recommends waiting three to four months before seeing your eye doctor for a new glasses or contacts prescription, so your eyes can fully heal.

If droopy eyelids are affecting your vision or your self-confidence, or your child has ptosis, rest assured that Dr. Heringer has specialized training to perform ptosis surgery on both adults and children.

Call the office to schedule a consultation today, or use the convenient online booking tool.