Ptosis Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide

Droopy eyelids (ptosis) can make your eyes look perpetually tired, impacting your vision and your self-confidence. True ptosis, caused by weakened or stretched eyelid muscles, is a common condition that can affect your overall facial aesthetics. Fortunately, ptosis surgery, also called blepharoptosis repair, can restore both function and appearance.¹

Read on to explore what blepharoptosis repair involves, the typical costs and information about the recovery process.

What Is Ptosis?

The term "ptosis" comes from a Greek word meaning "falling." It's often used to describe body parts that are drooping or sagging, such as the eyelid. Ptosis of the eye, also called blepharoptosis, can impact both the way you look and how well you see.¹

Ptosis happens when the muscles responsible for lifting your upper eyelids weaken or separate. The main muscle involved is called the levator, with a smaller muscle called Muller’s muscle also playing a role.¹

Ptosis can be present from birth (congenital), but more commonly, it's caused by aging, as muscles stretch and loosen over time. In some cases, ptosis runs in families or is linked to neurological or muscular conditions. Eye injuries can be another underlying cause. Sagging can affect one or both eyelids, and the degree of drooping may vary between eyes.¹

Note that not all droopy eyelids are caused by ptosis, and thus may require a different type of surgical treatment.²

Ptosis repair surgery

Ptosis surgery lifts drooping upper eyelids by tightening and repositioning the muscles that raise the eyelid. This helps open up your field of vision and improves your overall appearance.¹

There are several techniques that can be used to correct ptosis:¹

• External approach (levator advancement). Your surgeon will adjust the main lifting muscle through a small incision in the eyelid crease.
• Frontalis sling. For severe cases, your eyelid is connected to the forehead muscle to help lift it.
• Internal approach (Muller muscle-conjunctival resection). This minimally invasive method is for mild to moderate ptosis when the eyelid muscle is still strong.

Not all droopy eyelids are caused by weak eyelid muscles. Dermatochalasis is a condition where the skin of the upper eyelid becomes loose and saggy due to aging. This can also block your vision or make your eyes feel heavy. It can be corrected with blepharoplasty.²

Blepharoplasty is different from ptosis repair, which focuses on tightening or repositioning the eyelid muscle. In this surgery, excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid to achieve a smoother, more open appearance.²

Key difference:²

• Blepharoplasty. Removes extra skin and sometimes fat, but does not address muscle weakness.
• Ptosis repair. Lifts the eyelid by working on the eyelid muscle.

If you have both muscle weakness and excess skin, your surgeon may recommend combining both procedures or having a brow lift.²

How Much Does Ptosis Correction Surgery Cost?

According to eye surgery professionals, the costs for ptosis surgery can range between $4,500 and $9,000.³

Cost considerations can include:³

• Anesthesia and facility fees
• Pre- and post-op visits
• Surgeon’s experience and credentials
• Type of procedure (muscle tightening vs. sling)
• Whether one or both eyes are treated
• Whether other procedures (like blepharoplasty) are done at the same time

Is ptosis surgery covered by insurance?

Private insurance and government payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, may cover ptosis surgery if your drooping eyelids block your vision or cause other medical issues. Your provider typically needs to show how ptosis affects your daily life, often with vision tests and photos.⁴

How Ptosis Surgery Works

Understanding the steps of ptosis surgery can help you feel more comfortable with your decision. Here is a high-level overview of the process from your initial consult through recovery. ⁵

Preparation

Preparing for ptosis surgery may include:

• A review of your health history and examination of your eyelids by your surgeon
• Obtaining vision tests and photographs for insurance approval.
• Stopping certain medications (such as blood thinners)
• Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery

Procedure

Most people have ptosis surgery as an outpatient, meaning you go home the same day. The procedure can also include:

• Local anesthesia with sedation is common.
• The surgeon makes a small incision (usually hidden in the eyelid crease) and adjusts the muscle that lifts your eyelid.
• Stitches hold your eyelid in its new position.
• Surgery usually takes less than one hour per eye.

Recovery

Recovery from ptosis may vary depending on your circumstances, but the following is typical:

• Your surgeon will provide instructions for cleaning and caring for your eyelids.
• Using cold compresses for the first two days can help with swelling.
• Keeping your head elevated while resting or sleeping
• Avoiding heavy lifting, bending or strenuous activity for at least one week
• Stitches may dissolve or be removed in five to seven days.
• Swelling and bruising usually improve within 10 to 14 days.
• Most people go back to normal activities after one week, but full healing can take a few weeks.

Potential Complications of Ptosis Surgery

After ptosis surgery, some eyelids may appear undercorrected at first due to swelling. This usually improves over time. The following complications may persist and require further surgical treatment:¹

• Conjunctival prolapse. In rare cases, the inner eyelid tissue (conjunctiva) may bulge forward. This is treated with sutures or by repositioning the tissue.
• Eyelid shape irregularities. The shape of the eyelid can be affected if the sutures are not placed correctly. Small issues may be managed with massage and exercises, but persistent problems may require surgery.
• Incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos). This is when the eyelid cannot fully close after surgery. It's managed with lubricating drops and ointments, but a temporary suture may be needed in severe cases.  
• Overcorrection. The eyelid is lifted too high. This is more common in age-related ptosis repairs and may require a follow-up procedure called a revision.  
• Undercorrection. The eyelid is not lifted enough. This may be noticeable right after surgery due to swelling, but usually improves over time. If not, a follow-up procedure may be done to adjust the muscle.  

Your Future Is Looking Up

Ptosis surgery may offer an effective way to restore both vision and facial balance. By understanding the causes of droopy eyelids, the differences between ptosis repair and blepharoplasty and what may be expected throughout the surgical process, you can make a well-informed decision about your care. With a board-certified surgeon and a clear recovery plan, you may achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results that can help enhance both function and appearance.

Financing a Ptosis Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for ptosis surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.