For the right patient, ptosis treatment can make a world of difference. However, symptoms of ptosis may at first look similar to simply having excess eyelid skin. So, the key question for patients to ask is: “do I have ptosis or excess eyelid skin?”
Do I Have Ptosis or Excess Eyelid Skin?
Both of these conditions can result in your eyelids seeming to droop. However, they actually have different causes.
Ptosis: What It Is and What It Looks Like
Ptosis is caused by insufficiency of the muscle responsible for opening the eyelid. This muscle (the levator) can become damaged or weakened over time. In other cases, some people are born with a weaker muscle. For others, an injury might have detached or damaged the muscle.
Ptosis generally looks like the eyelids are heavy. The muscle can no longer lift the eyelid all the way, so it rests at a lower position. This can range from mild to severe. In very severe cases, the eyelid can droop over the pupil, interfering with vision.
Ptosis can occur in one or both eyelids. However, if only one eyelid is affected, it may be more likely to be ptosis than excess skin.
Excess Skin: What It Is and What It Looks Like
Excess eyelid skin may look like ptosis, but it does not involve the muscle. Instead, it tends to most commonly occur due to aging. Aging eyelid skin loses its elasticity, leading to a sagging look. This process can be exacerbated by excess sun exposure, smoking, and dehydration. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition tied to excess eyelid skin.
However, aging eyelid skin will typically not interfere with vision. Since the eyelid muscle still functions, it can lift the extra skin. That said, it can still influence your appearance. It can lead to a similar tired-looking appearance as with ptosis.
How to Tell the Two Apart
The short answer is to have an eyelid surgeon evaluate your case. They can expertly determine the cause of your concern and recommend a path for resolving it. But, it could take some time to set up a consultation. So how do you tell by yourself if you have ptosis or excess eyelid skin?
Check Your Vision
Ptosis is more likely to interfere with your vision than excess skin. It will not always cause vision problems, but they are a key sign. See if your resting eyelid touches or covers the iris or pupil. If it does, it may point to ptosis.
Check the Eyelid Skin
Excess eyelid skin tends to have a puffy or hooded look. Ptosis tends to look more like the eyelid is hanging low. However, avoid rubbing your eyelids when checking the skin. An already damaged levator muscle could sustain more damage from the action. In fact, rubbing your eyelids can be a risk factor for ptosis in the first place.
Check Your Symptoms
Excess eyelid skin tends to remain mostly a cosmetic concern. Ptosis can cause associate symptoms, such as:
- Obstructed vision
- Eye strain
- Increased tearing
- Double vision
- Head tilting to compensate
- Headaches
Both Are Possible
Ptosis and excess eyelid skin are not mutually exclusive. In some cases, you may very well have both concerns present. When this happens, you may need a combination procedure to resolve the issues. Blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin, while ptosis repair can help restore the muscle.
A Leading Eyelid Surgeon
Whether you have droopy eyelids or aging features, an eyelid surgeon can help you restore your appearance. Dr. Geoffrey Kwitko has years of experience crafting lasting results that bring out his patients’ best.
