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Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) Surgery
True ptosis is more than the gradual hooding that comes with age — it’s a drooping of the eyelid itself, often caused by a weakened levator muscle, the muscle responsible for lifting the lid. When the lid sags low enough, it can do more than make a person look tired; it can actually interfere with vision. Ptosis can be present from early childhood or develop later in life through aging, trauma, or certain medical conditions. Dr. Erez Dayan offers ptosis repair to restore both a refreshed appearance and, when needed, a clearer field of vision at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV.
Few areas demand more surgical precision than the eyelid, and Dr. Erez Dayan brings exactly that to ptosis repair. A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Medical Director of Avance Plastic Surgery Institute, he combines refined aesthetic judgment with the reconstructive skill needed to restore the eyelid’s delicate muscle function — not simply remove tissue. Dr. Dayan completed his plastic surgery training at Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by an elite aesthetic surgery fellowship at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. That dual command of form and function makes ptosis repair one of the most exacting of the practice’s eyes and brows plastic surgery procedures.
What Is Ptosis and What Causes It?
Ptosis refers to a drooping upper eyelid, distinct from the loose, excess skin (dermatochalasis) that also develops with age. The most common cause is muscular — a weakened or stretched levator muscle that can no longer fully lift the lid. Muscular ptosis often presents in early childhood but can also appear in adulthood. Other cases develop later in life from aging, eye trauma, or certain syndromes. Because the right repair depends on the underlying cause, an accurate diagnosis is the essential first step.
“Eyelid surgery isn’t about removing as much as possible — with ptosis especially, it’s about restoring the muscle’s ability to do its job. Done well, the eye looks naturally open and rested, and often sees better too.” — Dr. Erez Dayan
Reno/Tahoe Ptosis Repair Surgery
During a confidential consultation, Dr. Dayan examines your eyes and performs any needed testing to determine the exact cause and extent of the ptosis, then explains the technique best suited to your situation along with its benefits and risks. For muscular ptosis, repair typically involves strengthening or tightening the levator muscle so it can properly lift the lid, and any excess skin may be addressed at the same time. Other cases may call for suturing the delicate eyelid tissue or removing small amounts of fat and tissue. In each approach, a small incision is hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid, and repair generally takes about 45 minutes per eye.
What to Expect During Recovery
Ptosis repair is performed on an outpatient basis, so you return home the same day. Dr. Dayan generally recommends avoiding work and other activity for five to seven days, and you’ll be given eye drops and a lubricant to use in the days following surgery. Residual bruising may last two to three weeks before fully subsiding. A detailed aftercare plan and follow-up support your healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptosis Surgery
What’s the difference between ptosis and droopy, excess eyelid skin?
Ptosis is a drooping of the eyelid itself, usually from a weakened levator muscle, while dermatochalasis is loose, excess skin. They can occur together, and Dr. Dayan determines which is present — and the right repair — during your exam.
What causes ptosis?
The most common cause is a weakened levator muscle. Muscular ptosis often appears in early childhood but can also develop in adulthood, and other cases stem from aging, eye trauma, or certain syndromes.
Can ptosis affect my vision, and is repair covered by insurance?
Yes, significant ptosis can obstruct the upper field of vision. When drooping is severe enough to impair sight, repair may be considered medically necessary, though coverage varies by insurer and is best confirmed with the office and your insurance provider.
How is ptosis repaired?
For muscular ptosis, Dr. Dayan typically strengthens or tightens the levator muscle, sometimes addressing excess skin as well. The incision is hidden in the eyelid crease, and the procedure usually takes about 45 minutes per eye.
Can children have ptosis surgery?
Yes. Because muscular ptosis often presents in early childhood and can affect vision development, repair is sometimes recommended for children. Dr. Dayan will advise on the appropriate approach and timing.
What is recovery like?
Most patients return home the same day and avoid work and activity for five to seven days. Eye drops and lubricant are used afterward, and bruising typically resolves within two to three weeks.
Why Choose Avance Plastic Surgery Institute for Ptosis Repair
- Periorbital Surgical Precision: refined technique for the delicate muscles and tissue of the eyelid
- Function and Form: repair that restores eyelid lift and a naturally rested appearance, not just tissue removal
- Harvard Training and Aesthetic Fellowship: board-certified with elite fellowship training
- Care for Children and Adults: ptosis repair tailored to the cause and the patient’s age
- Discreet Incisions: incisions hidden within the natural eyelid crease
Schedule Your Ptosis Consultation in Reno/Tahoe
If a drooping eyelid is affecting your appearance or your vision, ptosis repair with Dr. Erez Dayan can help. Contact Avance Plastic Surgery Institute in Reno/Tahoe, NV at (775) 800-4444 to schedule a consultation. Virtual consultations are also available for patients traveling from out of town.
Maintenance Program
The maintenance program at Avance Plastic Surgery Institute is designed to offer patients a convenient way to continue seeing the benefits of our treatments for as long as possible.
For all eyes and brows cosmetic procedures, we recommend maintenance with Morpheus 8.
