What is the Difference Between Ptosis and Blepharoplasty?

Ptosis and blepharoplasty are two different procedures that deal with the delicate tissue around the eyelids, but they serve different purposes and have distinct outcomes.

Ptosis Repair:

• Primarily functional
• Tightens or shortens the eyelid muscle to enable the eyelid to lift and open adequately
• Addresses the drooping eyelid height, which can obstruct or limit vision
• May involve an incision behind the eyelid or in front of the eyelid, depending on the cause and severity of the ptosis

Blepharoplasty:

• Considered a cosmetic procedure
• Corrects loose, sagging skin and excess tissue on the upper or lower eyelids
• Addresses the drooping eyelid appearance, making the eyes look younger and more rested
• Involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, with incisions made along the natural eyelid crease for minimal scarring

In some cases, ptosis repair and blepharoplasty can be combined to improve both the function and appearance of the eyelids. Ptosis repair can be performed alongside blepharoplasty for patients with excess skin on their upper eyelids, where the excess skin is removed, fat is repositioned or removed, and the levator muscle is tightened.

Comparative Table: Ptosis vs Blepharoplasty

Ptosis and blepharoplasty are two different procedures that involve the eyelids. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

In some cases, patients with excessive sagging skin and a weak eye muscle may benefit from combining both procedures. However, not all cases of ptosis allow for this combination, and it depends on the patient's unique anatomy and the technique being used.