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.