Droopy Eyelid Surgery In Singapore – Ptosis Correction

1. Can Droopy Eyelid Surgery Make My Eyes Look Bigger?

Yes!

Ptosis eyelid correction or droopy eyelid surgery removes the loose, saggy skin and soft tissue around the eyelids and tightens the eyelid muscles. Clinical studies and post-surgical trials have shown this procedure to be effective and it allows your eyes to open wider and make them appear bigger.

2. Can I request for a particular eyelid style or height?

It depends on the condition, age, and general wellbeing of the patient. You can discuss a particular eyelid style and height during your consultation with the surgeon. The questions you can ask include;

• The desired eyelid crease height after the procedure
• If you prefer to have a parallel or nasally tapered eyelid crease

3. Will health insurance cover droopy eyelid surgery?

You can claim droopy eyelid surgery fees from your insurer in certain cases in which eyelid drooping is causing functional abnormality (such as blocking of field of vision). The doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes and label it as a medical condition that needs surgical correction. 

Ptosis is considered a medical condition in Singapore. Therefore, droopy eyelid surgery is subsidized by most health insurance companies.

To get a diagnosis for upper eyelid ptosis, you will be advised to undergo a margin reflex distance (MRD) test. Your health insurance company will require MRD certification before qualifying you eligible for insurance claims.

4. How long does results from Ptosis surgery last?

The results of the surgery are long lasting. However, it also depends on the aging process after the surgery as the skin and eyelid lid muscle may lose elasticity and firmness in response to the environment, sunlight and other factors. 

With the passage of time, you may experience further drooping of the brow that may cause excess skin, fat, and soft tissue to reappear on the upper eyelid. Rather than a second eyelid surgery, alternative surgery solutions such as a brow lift procedure would be beneficial.

5. What is the recovery time for droopy eyelid surgery?

In most cases, the recovery time is around 2 weeks. The most common post-surgical signs include mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and very little discomfort. We recommend keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses to reduce swelling. In most cases, sutures are removed one week after your procedure and you will be allowed to wear makeup after that.

6. What can I do to make my eyelids swell as little as possible?

Post-surgery swelling usually peaks during the second day of the surgery and it will gradually subside in the following 4-6 days. Apply a face cooling mask within the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling and discomfort.

• Avoid wearing makeup or applying facial creams before the removal of sutures.
• To speed up the swelling reduction, keep your head above the heart level during sleep (use two pillows)
• Post-surgical recovery can be managed using prescription anti-swelling supplements and creams.

7. How big will my scar be?

It is very unlikely for the suture method to leave a scar on the eyelid.

The surgeons use thin sutures to close the wound and also prescribe an anti-scar cream to inhibit the scar formation. The initial scarring will disappear completely if you diligently apply the scar gel.

The incision method will leave a small scar; however, it will also blend in with the skin and soft tissue within 4 to 6 months. 

8. How long will it take before I look normal?

The recovery period varies from patient to patient – some heals faster while others take longer. Usually, most patients start looking normal within 3-4 weeks of surgery. You may require three to six months to let your eyelid crease blend in with the surrounding skin. 

Most surgeons reevaluate final results after a year. However, most patients have about 80-90% of their final result within the first 3 months. 

9. Can I wear glasses after eyelid lift surgery?

Following droopy eyelid surgery, your surgeon will prescribe ointments to use in the eye and on your upper eyelid. The ointments are used to minimize the risk of infection as well as to prevent dryness. This can cause problems with vision and may make your vision blurry for the first day or two.

You will not be able to wear contact lenses for at least a week due to delicate incisions and swelling. You can; however, wear prescription glasses.

Your doctor may recommend wearing dark sunglasses to camouflage your incision/scar, especially when you are out into public. Wearing glasses will also help reduce bright sunlight exposure. 

10. When can I take a shower and wash my hair?

There is no such restriction of not washing your hair or showering after the procedure. Avoid steamy showers as they can slow recovery and prolong swelling. Routine showers with tap water or lukewarm water – followed by ice massage – help boost recovery. Avoid rubbing your eyelids under all circumstances and gently pat dry if the incision site comes in contact with water.

11. When can I start applying makeup after my droopy eyelid surgery?

Most doctors recommend applying makeup and other facial creams from the tenth day after the operation. However, you should be careful when removing make-up and avoid rubbing it off.

12. When can I wear contact lenses after surgery?

Contact lenses require stretching of the upper eyelid that can disrupt the incision and delay wound healing. In general, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks after surgery.

13. When will I be allowed to do sports again, exercise myself physically?

Aerobic exercises and intense physical activity is not allowed during the first two weeks after surgery as they increase the risk of bleeding and swelling. More strenuous exercises such as contact sports and weightlifting is prohibited for an additional 2 weeks. Sweating from the exercise is harmful for the new wound and it may interfere with healing and recovery. 

Light physical activity and exercises such as walking, yoga, and meditation are recommended and they can boost blood flow to the operation site and boost healing. 

14. How much does surgery cost?

The cost varies greatly from patient to patient due to multiple factors. You will receive a detailed summary of the estimated cost and insurance claim eligibility at your initial consultation.