Ptosis
We operate on and correct eyelid ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, in adults and children. We have a professional team of highly qualified specialists and suitable facilities to provide patients with the best results in eyelid-lifting treatment.
What is ptosis?
Eyelid ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. It can occur in both adults and children and may be unilateral or bilateral.
Although age-related ptosis is often considered a cosmetic issue, it is in fact also an ophthalmological problem. Ptosis blocks part of the visual field and, in the most severe cases, the blockage can become total when the eyelid covers the entire pupil.
At Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera, we perform the tests needed for a diagnosis and treatment that allows it to be corrected. Book a consultation with our specialists.
Ptosis or drooping eyelid caused by aging
The most common cause of ptosis is the passage of time and the body’s natural aging. This aging affects the eyelid, which loses function as the muscles that open and close it weaken. Age also causes laxity of the upper eyelids.
In these cases, ptosis is an aesthetic, functional, and vision problem. Ptosis treatment corrects these problems.
- Aesthetics. A drooping upper eyelid makes the face look older and the gaze sad and dull. If it affects only one eyelid, or both unevenly, it creates an asymmetry, as the imbalance makes it more evident and noticeable.
- Functionality. Weakness of the eyelid muscles prevents them from functioning normally, causing problems and, in many cases, affecting the self-esteem and quality of life of those affected.
- Vision. The drooping upper eyelid covers part of the eye, reducing the visual field. Even in the early stages it is a problem in this respect, and it becomes more pronounced if not treated in time. When the drooping eyelid completely covers the iris, there is no visual field.
Schedule an appointment with the specialists at Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera for diagnosis and treatment.
Other causes of ptosis
Besides aging, ptosis can have other causes:
- Degenerative diseases: Some degenerative diseases that affect the muscles can also affect the orbicularis muscles of the eyelids, which are responsible for opening, closing, and keeping the eyelids open. They can also affect the nerves that control these muscles.
- Congenital ptosis: Congenital causes are the reason for ptosis in babies or young children. It’s usually visible at birth or during the first year of life.
- Injuries: Blows or accidental trauma in everyday life, work, or sports may damage the eyelid or affect the nerves that control its muscles, causing ptosis.
- Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, strokes, tumors behind or around the eye, and myasthenia gravis, among others, may cause ptosis. If you have any of these conditions, it’s recommended to book a consultation to check for this problem and start early treatment if needed.
If you suffer from ptosis, think you might have it, or have a condition that could cause upper eyelid drooping, book a consultation with the specialists at Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera.
What is the treatment?
The correction of ptosis is always surgical, and is recommended in all cases, as it not only causes a feeling of heaviness in the upper eyelids but can also cause alterations in the upper or even central visual field in the most severe cases.
At our clinic, we work with different surgical techniques for drooping upper eyelid surgery or ptosis surgery. As highly qualified and experienced professionals, we choose the appropriate method for each patient based on our professional criteria, depending on the case and the needs, to provide the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome.
- Anterior approach ptosis surgery, performed through the skin with a natural incision along the eyelid. Requires stitches, which are removed after a few days, leaving a very small, barely visible scar.
- Posterior approach ptosis surgery, performed through the conjunctiva, leaving no visible scar.
The surgery is always outpatient, and it takes about 1 to 2 months for the eyelids to reach the desired height.
Book an appointment at I.O. Castanera with our team of plastic surgery and ophthalmology professionals specialized in ptosis. We treat ptosis in both children and adults. We have advanced technology and comfortable, hygienic facilities for the patient’s maximum comfort during the procedure.
Our specialists talk about ptosis
What is oculoplastic surgery?
Professionals who form the medical team for ptosis
Dr. Rebeca Rosés
Medical license no.: 65.107
Dr. Rebeca Rosés
Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zaragoza and the Université Libre de Bruxelles in 2015. Specialist in Medical and Surgical Ophthalmology after completing her residency training (MIR) at Hospital Universitario Sant Joan d’Alacant (Alicante, Spain) in 2020. Fellowship in oculoplastic surgery, tear duct surgery and orbital disorders accredited by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (United Kingdom).
Dr. Rebeca Rosés is an ophthalmologist at Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera, specializing in oculoplastic and tear duct surgery, orbital disorders and aesthetic medicine of the eye area.
Medical societies:
- Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre des Médecins de Paris (France)
- BMA (British Medical Association)
- Société Française d’Ophtalmologie
- General Medical Council (UK)
Frequently asked questions
Book a consultation with our specialists to assess your case and recommend the appropriate surgical treatment. At Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera, we provide the best aesthetic and functional outcome with the right treatment based on a thorough evaluation.
It is not a risky surgery—it is a safe procedure with minimal discomfort for the patient. Complications are very rare, and if they do occur, they are mild and temporary, such as small hematomas or bruising that disappear within a few days.
The treatment for ptosis is always surgery. An operation is needed, which may be done via anterior or posterior approach depending on the case and the professional’s judgment. At Instituto de Oftalmología Castanera, we provide you with all the information you need during the preoperative phase, explain the treatment clearly, and answer any questions you may have.
It is ptosis that occurs in children. If it appears within the first year of life, it’s usually congenital, but it can also be caused by injury or illness during childhood. If it appears or you suspect it has, consult our specialists.