What Is Ptosis Surgery

What Is Ptosis Surgery in Simple Terms?

Ptosis surgery is a precise operation that lifts drooping upper eyelids by tightening or repositioning the muscles that elevate the eyelid.

The main muscles involved are:

• Levator palpebrae superioris– the primary eyelid elevator, which can weaken or detach with age or trauma.
• Müller’s muscle– a small smooth muscle that can be targeted in mild cases for additional lift.

Dr. Askeroglu performs levator advancement or Müller’s muscle resection (also called Müllerectomy) depending on your eyelid anatomy and droop severity. The goal is a natural, functional lift without visible scars.

What Causes Ptosis?

Understanding the causes helps clarify why surgery is needed:

• Aging-related weakeningof the levator muscle
• Congenital ptosis(present at birth)
• Neurological or muscular conditionsaffecting eyelid movement
• Trauma or injuryto eyelid structures
• Stretching or detachmentof the levator aponeurosis

For mild droop with preserved levator function, a Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection may be sufficient to restore eyelid height.

How Is Ptosis Surgery Performed?

Ptosis surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Incisions may be:

• Internal (conjunctival approach):hidden inside the upper eyelid
• External (eyelid crease):in selected cases

Techniques include:

• Levator advancement:tightening or reattaching the levator muscle/aponeurosis
• Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR):removing a small strip of Müller’s muscle and conjunctiva for mild lifts

Sometimes both muscles are addressed for optimal eyelid elevation and symmetry.

What Is Ptosis Surgery Recovery Like?

Recovery is generally smooth:

• Mild swelling or bruising may occur but usually resolves quickly
• Patients often resume normal activities within 3–5 days
• Cold compresses and head elevation help reduce swelling
• The eyelid gradually settles into a more symmetrical and open contour

Dr. Askeroglu provides personalized post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Benefits of Ptosis Surgery

Understanding what ptosis surgery can do highlights its advantages:

• Naturally lifts droopy upper eyelids
• Restores facial symmetry and alert appearance
• Improves vision if drooping obstructs sight
• Minimal or hidden scars with internal incisions
• Long-lasting results with proper technique

Patients often report looking more awake, refreshed, and confident.

Ptosis Surgery vs. Blepharoplasty

Although both procedures involve the upper eyelid, they serve different purposes:

• Blepharoplasty:removes excess skin or fat for cosmetic eyelid rejuvenation
• Ptosis surgery:restores eyelid height by repairing eyelid muscles for functional and aesthetic improvement

For many patients, combined ptosis and blepharoplasty achieves both droop correction and enhanced lid contour.

Ptosis Surgery in Turkey

Istanbul is a leading destination for eyelid and facial surgery. Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu is internationally recognized for his expertise in:

• Functional eyelid correction
• Advanced aesthetic eyelid rejuvenation
• Minimally invasive techniques with attention to symmetry and natural appearance

Turkey offers modern facilities, experienced surgical teams, and competitive pricing, making it a popular choice for international patients.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ptosis Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have droopy upper eyelids affecting vision or appearance
• Notice uneven eyelid height
• Struggle to keep your eyelid fully open
• Are in good general health

Dr. Askeroglu evaluates your levator and Müller’s muscle function to determine the safest and most effective surgical approach.

Expected Results

Ptosis surgery improves both function and aesthetics:

• Eyelids sit higher and symmetrically
• Facial appearance looks more alert and refreshed
• Vision may improve if drooping previously blocked sight
• Most patients notice immediate results, with final contour visible as swelling subsides within weeks
• Results are long-lasting with proper care

Key Takeaway

What is ptosis surgery?
It is the most effective surgical technique to correct droopy upper eyelids by repairing levator and/or Müller’s muscles. Under Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu’s expert care, patients achieve safe, natural-looking eyelids, improved vision, and enhanced confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does ptosis surgery take?
   About 1–2 hours depending on complexity.
2. Is ptosis surgery painful?
   It’s performed under anesthesia with minimal post-op discomfort.
3. Will there be visible scars?
   Usually not. Internal incisions hide scars inside the upper eyelid.
4. Can both eyelids be corrected at once?
   Yes, both eyelids can be treated in a single operation.
5. How long do results last?
   Results are long-lasting; natural aging continues gradually.

Restore Natural Eyelid Function and Appearance

Now that you understand what ptosis surgery is, you can take the next step toward clearer vision and refreshed eyelids.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu in Istanbul for a safe, personalized, and expertly performed procedure that restores both function and aesthetics.