Ptosis is a medical term that refers to when the skin surrounding the eyeballs starts to droop and sag, giving someone a more tired and aged look. Below we examine how ptosis affects perceived age.
How Ptosis Affects Perceived Age
In more extreme cases, ptosis can actually actively become a medical problem when the sagging skin becomes too extreme, carrying with it the potential for accidents and mishaps. This is why many come to us seeking ptosis surgery in Chicago.
Beyond this, ptosis has the unpleasant effect of making one appear much older than they are, which can impact the life of the patient in a number of unpleasant ways.
Ptosis: An Unnecessary Burden
Ptosis is the scientific name given to a number of variable conditions that affect the eyelid region and impact one’s ability to function in day-to-day life.
Generally speaking, it refers to when the skin surrounding the eyes and eyelid region begins to droop and sag to the point that it becomes aesthetically or medically uncomfortable or dangerous.
The good news is that eliminating this obnoxious problem is relatively simple and hazard free in the big picture of medical issues. A skilled plastic surgeon can manipulate the skin of the eyes and remove portions that might be obstructing or inhibiting.
Every patient’s situation will be different depending on how their individual situation is playing out. Discussing the finer points of this with your physician will yield good results.
A Tell-Tale Sign of Aging
The eyelids are one of the first areas of the body to exhibit the signs of aging. Gravity begins its work inevitably as the years pass on, which lends itself to gradual drooping of the eyelids.
Because of this, the eyelids are oftentimes seen as indicators of stress or age, two qualities that in our society are unfortunately seen as liabilities.
Avoiding the professional, personal, and emotional consequences of this phenomenon can save one a lot of grief in the long run. It also prepares you for positioning yourself into your highest level of performance as you navigate life.
Possibly Medical Complications
Asides from being aesthetically unpleasing, ptosis has the additional quality of being medically hazardous, should it reach a certain point of progression.
If the skin droops over the eyes so much that it inhibits one’s ability to navigate day-to-day activities such as driving and operating heavy machinery.
Generally speaking, this likely will only occur to the elderly, or those with special conditions of some sort will experience ptosis of this level of severity.
Upper vs. Lower Blepharoplasty
The distinction between upper and lower blepharoplasty is slightly obvious, as each type of eyelid surgery targets the aforementioned sections of the face.
Lower blepharoplasty aims to address concerns with the lower eyelids, whilst upper blepharoplasty deals with disorders affecting the upper eyelids.
In general, which one you get will rely on the particulars of your situation and the issues you’re trying to solve. Depending on what they believe to be the best course of action, your doctor will have a list of suggestions for you to take into consideration.
Taking Into Account Your Unique Situation
Everyone’s experience with ptosis is different, and your doctor will likely prescribe a course of action and set of guidelines for you depending on how they read your specific needs regarding your situation.
On top of the condition of your personal case of ptosis, your physician will lobby a number of questions your way to determine your general level of physical fitness and medical history.
Ultimately, this is all in the interest of providing you with the highest level of service that fits your exact needs as a patient. With that in mind, it will also serve you to articulate your own expectations and anxieties surrounding the surgical process.
How Long Do Results Last?
Upper and lower blepharoplasty both have separate durations in terms of how long their results can remain expected to last.
Lower blepharoplasty results carry a long shelf life and, with proper management, can last for a lifetime.
On the other hand, since they are constantly fighting the forces of gravity, the results of an upper eyelid surgery generally are expected to last about 5-7 years before revision surgery is needed.
Chicago’s Eye Surgery Experts
Chicago Eye and Face and its team of expert physicians have the expertise to deal with ptosis in the most professional manner available. If you’re curious about whether eyelid surgery is the right choice for you and would like to schedule a consultation, then give us a visit to find out why we’re the best eyelid surgeon near you in Chicago.
