There is a general misconception about the meaning of a droopy eyelid. From a medical standpoint, this term should only be used for eyelid ptosis, a common condition which affects eyelid position. Ptosis is the proper term for an eyelid whose height has dropped, interrupting vision, or creating a sleepy appearance.
It is important to note that when talking about an eyelid lift, patients may be referring to a procedure that removes excess eyelid skin while others may be referring to ptosis repair. Ptosis repair is the correct term for a surgery that treats droopy eyelids; it is complex operation that requires careful manipulation of eyelid tissues.
Alternatively, cosmetic eyelid lift typically refers to upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a procedure dedicated to restoring a youthful eyelid shape and contour and improving skin texture.
Some patients, however, are not particularly concerned about the appearance of their eyes and do not seek intervention unless functionally necessary. In these cases, a blepharoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure but rather a functional operation that improves the patient’s visual symptoms; thus, most insurance companies will reimburse its cost. An additional benefit of this procedure is that it makes the patient look younger or more awake, even if this wasn’t the indication to proceed.
In both cases, the surgery should be performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon to have a higher chance of success and less risk of complications.
|