The margin (edge, rim) of the upper eyelid normally lies just below the upper edge of the iris (colored portion) of the eye. The eyelid may fall lower on the eye yielding a sleepy appearance.

Repair involves improving the attachment of the retractor muscles to allow the eye to open more. Ptosis (drooping) repair often is performed in conjunction with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. (Please see Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty.)

Example 1
This woman had trouble keeping her eyes open to read or to watch TV. Driving at night was becoming a problem. She could forcibly raise her eyebrows to try and get the eyes to open, and sometimes used her fingers to help. After repair of the eyelid opening muscle (levator palpebrae superioris) through a small upper eyelid crease incision, she could see much better. Drooping eyelids of this severe a degree is coverable through most medical insurance plans as medically necessary. Photographs and side vision testing must be performed for documentation.

Example 2
Before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This woman also underwent elevation of the upper eyelid margins (blepharoptosis repair). Laser resurfacing of the forehead and temple areas was performed to smooth the wrinkling.

Example 3
Preoperatively this woman demonstrates severe drooping of the upper eyelid margins and excessive upper eyelid skin draping (hooding) over the eyelid margin. After upper eyelid blepharoplasty with ptosis repair, a remarkably enhanced appearance resulted.

Example 4
Before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures with blepharoptosis repair. Forehead lifting would further enhance the rejuvenation.

Example 5
This lady experienced slippage of the connections of the levator muscle, allowing the upper eyelids to droop.  The eyelids move normally, as the muscle remains healthy. In addition to strengthening the levator muscle, the excess skin in the upper eyelids has been reduced.