If you haven't decided where to go for ptosis surgery

Hello. We are SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, where we perform plastic surgery with medical insurance coverage for areas with functional loss.

At our clinic, medical insurance coverage for functionally impaired areas includes the eyes, abrasions, skin diseases, and burns. While many people in their 20s to 40s are primarily familiar with cosmetic eye surgery, ptosis is a functional eye condition that may require surgery as one ages.

Ptosis, along with entropion, ectropion, and blepharospasm, are all eye conditions that cause functional problems.

Ptosis results in drooping eyelids, primarily affecting the upper eyelids.

Unlike drooping, entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, while ectropion is the opposite, where the eyelid is excessively turned outward. Blepharospasm is a twitching of the eyelid, also one of the conditions caused by drooping.

Among these, ptosis was the most common sign indicating that one was facing aging.

While not everyone develops it with age, people with naturally thick eyelids, or conversely, very thin eyelids, often experience eyelid drooping as their facial skin sags overall.

When we think of facial sagging, the first thing that usually comes to mind is ‘lifting’ procedures.

However, lifting is for cosmetic purposes and generally cannot lift the eyelids. Therefore, for eyelids, surgical methods were required to return them to their normal position.

While lifting generally improves facial wrinkles and lost elasticity evenly, the eyelids are a specific area with sagging and thin skin. Attempting to treat them with lifting could lead to eye problems, requiring delicate work. This is why SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic is a place to consider when looking for a hospital that specializes in ptosis.

What functional loss entails

Ptosis, which requires improvement for functional purposes, can range from obstructing vision and causing eye fatigue to impairing vision and even leading to decreased eyesight, depending on its severity.

Furthermore, to secure vision, one may adopt abnormal postures, tilting or lifting the head or neck. Maintaining such postures long-term can adversely affect cervical and spinal health.

Additionally, changes in eyelid position can lead to uneven tear distribution, causing dry eyes or excessive tearing, which, combined with the accumulated mental stress, can be distressing.

To avoid experiencing such issues, it was important to find a hospital specializing in ptosis and seek improvement.

Therefore, Director Eui-cheol Jung of SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic emphasized that surgical correction was necessary to maintain the previous eyelid condition long-term. Even if non-surgical methods for ptosis existed, they were semi-permanent and had the disadvantage of requiring frequent procedures.

However, surgical methods not only last much longer than semi-permanent options but also have the advantage of not requiring frequent visits. Among very elderly patients who came with ptosis problems, there were cases where astigmatism had developed due to the ptosis itself and needed correction.

For such individuals, after successful surgery, it was observed in numerous hospitals that vision gradually returned to normal after about one month. Therefore, if improvement is possible, it is recommended to undergo the procedure rather than living with the unfavorable condition.

Ptosis is mostly experienced by adults, especially those in their late adulthood, aged 60 and above.

Rather than thinking it's bothersome with age and can be left as is, many people in their 60s nowadays wish to live like those in their 50s. For such clients, it was beneficial to find a hospital specializing in ptosis and seek improvement.

Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops, narrowing the eyelid opening. It's not only caused by aging but also by congenital factors present from birth.

When children or students have eyes different from others, and these eyes cause discomfort in their daily lives, we meticulously examine the eye shape before surgery upon their visit to our clinic, performing skin incision and partial removal.

Then, unnecessary fat and soft tissues are removed through the incision, and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle is connected to the dermal layer to form the desired shape, while also preserving the double eyelid. Since it's a very thin skin layer, you should be aware that side effects can occur if the procedure is not performed by an experienced professional.

Why you need to choose a hospital for ptosis carefully

It was difficult to find a good hospital for ptosis through the internet.

Therefore, it was necessary to judge based on actual reviews via Naver Place or to check what the hospital primarily specializes in. The reason is that ptosis can be caused by congenital factors, aging, or nerve/muscle abnormalities.

Thus, accurate diagnosis is crucial as the surgical method varies depending on the cause. The eyelid is a delicate area, and even a small mistake during surgery can lead to asymmetry, overcorrection, or side effects. Therefore, we recommend consulting with SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, which strives to minimize such issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ptosis?

Ptosis refers to a condition where the upper eyelid droops, causing the eyelid opening to become smaller. While it primarily occurs due to aging, there are also congenital causes present from birth.

What problems can arise from ptosis?

Ptosis can obstruct vision, cause eye fatigue, and lead to decreased eyesight. Additionally, to secure vision, one may abnormally tilt or lift their head or neck, which can adversely affect cervical and spinal health.

Is medical insurance applicable for ptosis treatment?

Yes, for ptosis that involves functional loss, plastic surgery can be performed with medical insurance coverage. At SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, functional eye problems are eligible for medical insurance coverage.

Is there an effect of vision improvement after ptosis surgery?

Yes, in cases where severe ptosis caused astigmatism, vision can gradually return to its original state approximately one month after surgery.

Can ptosis be improved by methods other than surgery?

There are non-surgical methods, but they are semi-permanent and have the disadvantage of requiring frequent procedures. Surgical methods last much longer than non-surgical ones and do not require frequent visits, making them effective for long-term improvement.

What is important when choosing a hospital for ptosis surgery?

The eyelid is a very delicate area, and even a small mistake during surgery can lead to asymmetry or side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully choose a hospital with experienced and skilled medical staff.