Ptosis Surgery in Mumbai: Droopy Eyelid Correction
On this page: What Is Ptosis? · Ptosis in Children · Surgery Options · Before and After · Who Performs Your Surgery? · Cost · Recovery · FAQs
What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid margin itself. The eyelid sits lower than normal over the eye, because the muscle that lifts it (the levator) or its tendon is weak, stretched or not developed properly. Ptosis can affect one or both eyes. It can make the face look tired or sleepy and, when the eyelid covers the pupil, it blocks vision.
Ptosis in Children
In a child, a droopy eyelid that covers the pupil can stop the eye from developing normal vision (amblyopia, or lazy eye). Children with ptosis need regular vision checks, and early surgery is advised when the eyelid blocks the visual axis or the child tilts the head back to see.
Is It Ptosis or Excess Skin?
| Cause | What you see | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ptosis | The eyelid margin itself sits low over the pupil | Ptosis surgery |
| Excess skin (dermatochalasis) | Skin folds over the crease; the margin may be normal | Blepharoplasty |
| Low eyebrow (brow ptosis) | The brow sits low and crowds the eyelid | Brow lift |
Many patients have more than one, and they can be corrected in the same operation. Precise measurement is the first step.
How Ptosis Is Assessed
- Eyelid height (margin reflex distance) and the difference between the two eyes
- Levator function: how far the lifting muscle moves the eyelid
- Eyelid crease height and skin
- Eye protection: tear film, Bell’s phenomenon and corneal sensation
- Visual field test, where the droop affects vision
- Fatigue and neurological signs, where the history suggests a nerve or muscle cause
Ptosis Surgery Options
- Levator advancement: the stretched lifting tendon is tightened and reattached through a hidden crease incision. Used for most age-related ptosis.
- Levator resection: a measured portion of the lifting muscle is shortened, for moderate ptosis with fair muscle function, including many congenital cases.
- Müller muscle surgery: performed from inside the eyelid, with no skin scar, for mild ptosis with good muscle function.
- Frontalis sling: links the eyelid to the forehead muscle with a sling, for congenital or severe ptosis with poor lifting function.
- Frontalis flap surgery: a newer technique in which a flap of the forehead muscle itself is used to lift the eyelid, avoiding a sling material, for severe ptosis with poor lifting function.
The right operation depends on the measurements, not on a standard approach.
Results: Before and After
Photographs of Dr. Shah’s own patients, cropped to protect their identity. Individual results vary.
Watch: Recovery and Care After Ptosis Surgery
Who Performs Your Surgery?
Dr. Devanshi Shah
MS (Ophthalmology, Gold Medalist), DNB, FNERF (Oculoplasty), FRCS (Glasgow)
Oculoplastic & Eyelid Surgeon · Founder & Chief Surgeon, Deevine Eye Care and Multispeciality Centre
Ptosis surgery is measured in millimetres. At Deevine Eye Care in Ghatkopar East, ptosis surgery is planned and performed by Dr. Devanshi Shah, an FRCS (Glasgow) eye surgeon with a one-year oculoplasty fellowship and over 25,000 eye surgeries to her name.
Why Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon for Ptosis Surgery?
Ptosis surgery is measured in millimetres: a lift that is too little leaves the droop, and too much can stop the eyelid from closing and expose the eye. Matching the height, curve and crease of both eyelids requires precise measurement before surgery and careful adjustment during it. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye surgeons first, and take meticulous care of your eyes throughout the surgery.
Know Your Doctor: read more about Dr. Devanshi Shah →
How Ptosis Surgery Is Done at Deevine Eye Care
- Consultation and measurements as above
- Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia with mild sedation for adults, so that the eyelid height can be checked while you open your eyes during surgery; general anaesthesia for children
- Surgery: usually 45–90 minutes, depending on the technique and whether one or both eyes are treated
- Going home: the same day, with ointment, cold compresses and written instructions
Ptosis Surgery Cost in Mumbai
| Procedure | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Ptosis surgery | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Ptosis with blepharoplasty | On consultation |
| Congenital ptosis (child) | On consultation |
The final cost depends on the technique, whether one or both eyes are treated, and the type of anaesthesia. You will receive an exact, all-inclusive estimate after your consultation.
Recovery After Ptosis Surgery
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and bruising; the eyelid may not close fully at night at first, so lubricating ointment is used |
| Around day 7 | Stitches removed; desk work usually resumes |
| Weeks 2–3 | Bruising fades; eyelid height starts to settle |
| 6–12 weeks | Final eyelid height and contour |
Possible Risks
Dryness and incomplete eyelid closure in the first weeks are common and temporary. Under- or over-correction, asymmetry of height or contour, and the need for an adjustment are uncommon. Careful measurement and adjustment during surgery keep them to a minimum.
Preparing for Surgery and Caring for Your Eyes Afterwards
Before surgery: share all your medicines; blood thinners are paused only on your physician’s advice. Stop smoking, avoid eye makeup on the day, and arrange for someone to take you home.
After surgery: use cold compresses for the first 48 hours, apply the prescribed ointment, sleep with your head raised, avoid rubbing the eyes, and keep water away from the stitches until they are removed. Avoid swimming, heavy exercise and eye makeup for about two weeks.
Long-Term Results and Adjustments
Most patients achieve good eyelid height and symmetry, and the result is usually long-lasting. Because the eyelid continues to heal for several weeks, a small number of patients need a minor adjustment to fine-tune the height or contour. Over many years, natural ageing can cause some droop to return.
What Happens If Ptosis Is Left Untreated?
In adults, ptosis usually progresses slowly. Patients compensate by raising their eyebrows, which leads to forehead strain, headaches and a tired appearance, and a lid that covers the pupil limits the field of vision, making reading and driving harder. In children, untreated ptosis that blocks vision can cause permanent amblyopia (lazy eye).
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ptosis?
The most common cause in adults is age-related stretching of the tendon that lifts the eyelid (aponeurotic ptosis), which is also seen in long-term contact lens wearers and after eye surgery. Ptosis can also be present from birth (congenital ptosis), or result from nerve or muscle conditions, or from a lump or swelling weighing the eyelid down. The exact cause is diagnosed at your consultation, because it decides the right treatment. A sudden droop, especially with double vision, headache or a change in pupil size, needs urgent medical assessment.
Can ptosis be treated without surgery?
In most cases, surgery is the definitive treatment. However, ptosis caused by certain nerve conditions can improve over time, so surgery is postponed until the eyelid has stabilised; choosing the right time is key. Some medical conditions can also cause a droopy eyelid, and these must be diagnosed and evaluated thoroughly before surgery is considered.
Is ptosis surgery painful?
It is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards most people feel only tightness or mild discomfort, controlled with simple painkillers.
Will I have a scar?
In most ptosis surgeries, the incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease, so the scar is minimal, hidden in the fold and fades over time. Some techniques are performed from inside the eyelid, with no skin scar at all. When a frontalis sling is needed, usually for congenital or severe ptosis, small incisions are also made on the forehead just above the eyebrow; these also fade well over time.
What is the right age for congenital ptosis surgery?
It depends on the severity of the ptosis. If the drooping eyelid covers the pupil and blocks the visual axis, the development of vision is at risk: the child can develop amblyopia (lazy eye) and permanent loss of vision. In such cases, early surgery is advised. When vision is not at risk, surgery is usually planned around school-going age. The exact plan varies for each child and is discussed in detail at the consultation.
Can ptosis come back?
Results are usually long-lasting. Over many years, natural ageing can cause some droop to return.
Can ptosis and blepharoplasty be done together?
Yes, often in the same sitting.
Can ptosis in both eyes be corrected together?
Yes. When both eyelids droop, they can be corrected together in a single sitting, which also allows the height and contour of both eyelids to be matched during the same surgery.
Is my vision affected during ptosis surgery?
The surgery is on the eyelid, not the eye, and the eye is carefully protected throughout. For a few days, vision may be slightly blurred from ointment and swelling. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye surgeons first, and take meticulous care of your eyes throughout the surgery.
I am travelling from overseas or another city. How long should I stay?
About 10–14 days, so that your surgery, stitch removal and review are completed before you fly.
Further Reading
- Blepharoplasty Surgery in Mumbai
- How Does Ptosis Surgery Help Improve Your Vision?
- Ptosis eye surgery for clear vision and better appearance
- Drooping Eyelids / Ptosis: How to Treat?
- Ptosis or Droopy Eyelids
- What is Ptosis? Causes, Treatment, and Surgery Options Explained
- झुकी पलकों के क्या कारण हैं?
Book Your Ptosis Consultation in Ghatkopar
Deevine Eye Care and Multispeciality Centre
201, Sapphire Bussiness Annexe, M.G. Road, Behind Sejal Jewellers, Near Rajawadi Signal, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai
Phone / WhatsApp: 81040 35610
Patients come to us from across Mumbai, Maharashtra and other states.