Functional · Eyelid Position Surgery
Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid caused by a weakened or stretched levator muscle - the muscle responsible for lifting the lid. It is distinct from sagging skin caused by ageing, and can affect one or both eyes, comfort, and vision.
Available at Kelsall Surgical Centre, Cheshire, and iSIGHT Clinic, Southport.
Recognising Ptosis
A drooping eyelid can make the eye appear smaller and asymmetrical, and often causes a heavy, tired sensation as the muscles around the eye and brow work harder to compensate. In more significant cases, it can encroach on the visual field, particularly affecting the upper and outer parts of vision.
Ptosis can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life due to age-related stretching of the levator muscle, previous eye surgery, contact lens wear, or other causes. Mr Sultan's assessment identifies the underlying cause before recommending treatment.
Surgical Correction
Ptosis repair typically involves shortening or tightening the levator muscle to raise the eyelid to a more natural position. Depending on the findings at assessment, this may be performed from the inside surface of the eyelid, leaving no visible external scar, or through a fine incision within the natural upper-lid crease.
Ptosis repair is generally carried out as day surgery and can, where appropriate, be combined with upper blepharoplasty for a more complete result.
Getting It Right
Achieving symmetrical, well-judged lid height is technically demanding - under- or over-correction can be difficult to fully reverse. Mr Sultan's fellowship training in oculoplastic and reconstructive eyelid surgery, alongside a high volume of complex peri-ocular cases through his NHS work at a busy tertiary referral unit, underpins a precise, conservative approach to ptosis assessment and repair.
Costs vary between Kelsall Surgical Centre and iSIGHT Clinic, and depend on the complexity of your procedure. After your consultation you'll receive a clear, itemised quote before you decide whether to go ahead. No surprises on the day.
Frequently Asked
Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic and is generally well tolerated - most patients manage comfortably with no additional support needed. If you feel nervous about the procedure, oral sedation can be offered where clinically suitable to help you feel more relaxed throughout. Mild discomfort, bruising and swelling in the days afterwards is normal and settles with simple aftercare.
Achieving symmetry is a central goal of surgical planning. Because ptosis often affects each eye slightly differently, Mr Sultan tailors the correction to each lid individually rather than treating both sides identically.
Where ptosis is affecting vision or eye comfort, it is generally considered functional surgery and may be covered by insurers including Allianz, WPA and Aviva, subject to individual policy assessment.
Initial swelling settles over one to two weeks, with the eyelid position continuing to refine over the following months as tissues fully heal.
Book an assessment to understand whether your ptosis is functional, aesthetic, or both.