Ptosis.
Your Comfort, Your Journey
When you visit my clinic, my only priority is ensuring you feel genuinely heard. Meaningful care is entirely about you, which means leaving any surgical ego at the door. I want to learn exactly what is bothering you and what you would like improved.
As an oculoplastic surgeon, my focus is strictly on the eyelids and surrounding structures. Correcting a drooping eyelid, known as ptosis, safely merges ophthalmology with plastic surgery. Whether caused by contact lenses, trauma, or present from birth, we will find the right solution together.
During your consultation, we will properly assess your eye area. It is crucial to distinguish true ptosis from simple hooding caused by excess skin, # which requires a different approach like a blepharoplasty. This nuanced understanding is why trusting an eyelid specialist makes all the difference.
Ptosis repair is a very safe, routine procedure clinically shown to significantly improve quality of life. It is typically a day surgery with about a week of downtime. If an incision is needed, I use a carefully hidden approach so no visible external scar remains.
"True care means putting my ego aside to listen to what is bothering you, so that together we can safely restore the comfort and natural harmony of your eyes."
Dr. Swan KangProcedure at a Glance
Exploring Your Options
Together
Surgical correction of upper eyelid ptosis primarily focuses on carefully tightening the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting your lid. The specific technique we choose will depend entirely on your unique anatomy, the strength of your muscle, and the severity of the drooping.
We can often correct this using an internal approach called a mullerectomy, which is performed behind the eyelid, meaning there is no visible external scar at all. Alternatively, we might use an external approach where a very fine incision is hidden perfectly within your natural upper eyelid crease, exactly as we do for a standard blepharoplasty. If a patient has congenital ptosis or particularly weak levator tendons, we can use a frontalis sling technique. This gently links the eyelid to the forehead muscle for reliable, lasting support.
Your comfort always comes first. Depending on your preference and health, we can perform the surgery under local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia. Having you awake during the procedure is actually incredibly helpful, as it allows me to make precise adjustments to ensure the final height of your eyelid is just right.
If we use the external approach, the delicate incision sits in the natural folds of your skin. The levator muscle is identified, gently shortened, and secured with tiny stitches that are typically removed six to ten days after surgery. We rarely need to use heavy padding or bandages, and if we do, they are usually taken off before you even head home. I will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions, including applying an antibiotic cream three times a day for the first week and using an ice pack immediately after the procedure.
Recovery generally involves one to two weeks of mild swelling and occasional bruising around the eyes. Depending on your lifestyle and job, I usually suggest taking a week or two of downtime, though many of my patients feel perfectly fine getting back to most of their daily routines within just a few days.
Any discomfort is very minimal and can be easily managed with standard pharmacy painkillers. I ask that you rest completely for the first 48 hours. By day three, you should be safe to go for a brisk walk, which actually helps the healing process by encouraging good blood circulation. You will use cold compresses to reduce swelling and can gently wash the area after the initial 48 hours. Please hold off on wearing makeup for the first ten to 14 days. Within three to four weeks, the majority of the swelling will subside, allowing you to enjoy your refreshed results.
Cosmetic
5.0/5
"I was extremely happy with the service provided."
"They were quick to provide an appointment.
I received a clear picture of my situation and choices.
We had an open and friendly discussion."
"Dr. Swan Kang was very thorough with all my eye issues and went further to track down my glaucoma history with Moorfields NHS. She was very friendly, highly professional, and explained clearly what would be involved with the upper eyelid surgery. She spent a lot of time understanding my background health history. I was very happy with my first consultation appointment."
"Dr. Kang is a real professional and a good listener who takes the time to explain everything about your operation.
Also, her aftercare is second to none."
"Communication was excellent, and the procedure was explained in great detail. The follow-up was great, too."
"A highly professional, first-class practitioner. The advice, procedure, and aftercare could not have been better."
"An excellent surgeon with a kind, approachable personality."
"She was brilliant; she reassured me, and I felt instantly at ease."
"She was really helpful and explained the process and expectations. I am only three days post-op and am pleased with the results so far. I highly recommend her."
"Ms. Kang and her team, Frederick and Andres, were all exceptional. They were professional but friendly, and cheerful while remaining well within the bounds of professionalism. I found them to be very helpful and truly felt they all cared about how I was coping with the experience."
Functional
5.0/5
"Dr. Kang has been there with me every step of this journey. Thank you to her!"
"Dr. Kang took the time to explain what was about to happen and the expected results. She listened to my questions, responded thoroughly, and made sure I was comfortable with her feedback."
"Really great experience."
"Dr. Kang was incredibly thorough, understanding, and kind."
"Everything was very good."
"I had a very good experience.
I would recommend Miss Kang; she listens and explains instructions clearly."
"I had two appointments with Miss Swan Kang to treat a stubborn chalazion on my eyelid. Miss Kang diagnosed the lump and my eyelid skin condition using a microscope and carefully explained the mechanics of how the eyelid and meibomian glands work. The options for treatment were well elaborated. Miss Kang's medical approach is empathetic. I felt respected and trusted throughout the process. My condition improved after the first consultation, and no surgery was needed."
"Really impressed with Dr. Swan."
"Do not worry or be anxious; you will be in expert hands!"
"She is lovely and corrected more issues during my eye surgery than I knew were there. The follow-up was good."
"Everything was well organised and efficient."
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