Is Eyelid Ptosis Caused by Blepharoptosis, Entropion, or Ectropion?

Hello. This is SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, where we help you find the cause of your droopy eyelids.

Our clinic is not solely focused on cosmetic procedures; we also provide medical care for functional changes that are covered by health insurance. In other words, we operate a separate Oculoplastic Clinic, so you are welcome to visit us even when you want to resolve eye-related issues for functional rather than aesthetic purposes.

When most people experience droopy eyelids, the common procedure they undergo is ‘upper blepharoplasty’.

Upper blepharoplasty is often sought by those whose eyelids have sagged due to aging, creating a perpetually frowning appearance and a cosmetically dark facial image, leading them to seek aesthetic improvement.

However, there are many cases where eyelid ptosis occurs even without an aesthetic purpose.

Therefore, for those who wish to improve their condition not just to regain beautiful eyes, but because the degree of eyelid ptosis is severe enough to obstruct their vision, narrowing their field of view, we provide functional improvement depending on their specific condition.

Eyelid ptosis can manifest in several types. First, the most common ‘blepharoptosis’ is a condition where the upper eyelid (superior eyelid) abnormally sags, covering the pupil or preventing the eye from opening fully.

Blepharoptosis

In such cases, not only is vision impaired, but the unintentional habit of opening the eyes wide to see better can also lead to forehead wrinkles.

For eyelid ptosis, general non-surgical methods only provide short-term maintenance. Since the sagging will inevitably recur due to the natural phenomenon of aging, patients visiting SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic typically undergo upper blepharoplasty or blepharoptosis surgery.

Upper blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis might seem like the same thing, but upper blepharoplasty is a method of tying together the skin, the fascia inside the skin, and the dermal layer in the area where a double eyelid is desired.

Blepharoptosis surgery is primarily performed to alleviate the phenomenon where the muscles used to open the eye are weakened, causing the pupil to appear less distinct and covered by the upper eyelid. It improves the appearance of ‘sleepy eyes’ by shortening the length of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or aponeurosis.

Entropion

When searching online to improve droopy eyelids, articles related to upper blepharoplasty or blepharoptosis are predominantly found.

However, it is crucial to find an experienced oculoplastic clinic like SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic, led by Director Eui-cheol Jung, who can accurately assess the condition and propose appropriate surgery. In such cases, if you come in thinking it's blepharoptosis or upper blepharoplasty, you might hear the diagnosis of ‘entropion’.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye.

In our clinic, this condition is treated by redesigning the eye shape, considering the eye’s appearance and pupil position, followed by an incision to excise the inverted muscle and tissue.

Ectropion

Another possible diagnosis is ‘ectropion’.

This is also an unfamiliar term for most laypeople. Unlike entropion, ectropion is a condition where the eyelid turns outward, excessively exposing the surface of the eye. When this condition is somewhat pronounced, excessive tearing occurs without reason, and conjunctivitis or dry eyes frequently develop.

At our clinic, ectropion is also categorized into four types, and each type is appropriately addressed.

Generally, if ectropion is not severe, it is treated with eye drops and ointments to protect the eyeball. However, in severe cases, surgery is required to strengthen the weakened muscles and reattach the detached eyelid retractors.

The main cause of these three eyelid-related phenomena, for modern people, is ‘aging’.

While each condition has specific underlying causes, the common factor is problems due to aging. Most middle-aged and elderly individuals who visit SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic do so because of droopy eyelids and visual impairment.

It is true that many people, depending on their age, choose to live with the condition. However, as we live in an era often called the ‘100-year lifespan’, many middle-aged and elderly individuals are living smarter lives, so we help them achieve a more comfortable state when they wish for improvement.

SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic is a place where plastic surgery medical insurance is applicable for customers who experience visual impairment and various daily discomforts due to issues such as blepharoptosis, entropion, and ectropion.

However, some mistakenly believe that cosmetic procedures like epicanthoplasty or lateral canthoplasty are also covered by medical insurance because eye surgery can be. It is important to understand that cosmetic surgeries focused on aesthetic purposes are not covered.

Our clinic operates for the convenience of our customers; we never propose anything burdensome and only suggest the most ideal solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of droopy eyelids?

The main cause of droopy eyelids for modern individuals is ‘aging’. While there are other specific causes, most cases are due to aging, leading to visual impairment and discomfort.

What condition is referred to as blepharoptosis?

Blepharoptosis refers to a condition where the upper eyelid (superior eyelid) abnormally sags, covering the pupil or preventing the eye from opening fully. In addition to visual impairment, the habit of opening the eyes wide can also lead to forehead wrinkles.

How do upper blepharoplasty and blepharoptosis surgery differ?

Upper blepharoplasty is a procedure that creates a double eyelid and improves sagging skin, whereas blepharoptosis surgery is performed to improve the appearance of ‘sleepy eyes’ caused by weakened eye-opening muscles.

What is entropion and how is it treated?

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye. At our clinic, it is treated with surgery that involves excising the inverted muscle and tissue, considering the eye’s shape.

Can ectropion also be improved with surgery?

Yes, if ectropion is severe, it can be improved with surgery. Surgery is required to strengthen the weakened muscles and reattach the detached eyelid retractors.

Is medical insurance applicable for droopy eyelid surgery?

Yes, it is possible. Medical insurance for plastic surgery can be applied for functional improvements, such as visual impairment or daily discomfort, rather than for purely aesthetic purposes.