Droopy eyelid, or ptosis, is commonly caused by aging, trauma, or previous surgery. It may also be congenital.
The eyelid can be raised through a skin incision (anterior approach), or through the inside of the eyelid (Müller’s muscle resection). The latter is preferred, when possible.
First, the eyelid is everted with a silk suture. This maneuver exposes the eyelid mucosa.
A cautery is employed to mark the area beneath the tarsus (eyelid plate).
The amount of muscle resection is marked. This was previously determined during the preoperative examination.
The conjunctiva and Müller’s muscle are grasped with a ptosis clamp. Next, a mattress suture is passed beneath the clamp.
A steel blade is used to cut the tissue grasped by the clamp. Extreme care is taken to avoid cutting the suture.
The suture is externalized and tied above the skin.
One week after surgery, the left upper eyelid (right on screen) has a normal height.
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