Upper Eyelid Ptosis Correction

Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops abnormally, partially or completely covering the iris (colored part of the eye) or pupil. The degree can range from subtle (barely noticeable) to severe (covering the eye and obstructing vision).

Not always. While ptosis often affects appearance, it can also:

• Obstruct vision if severe
• Cause compensatory eye strain from forehead muscles
• Create discomfort
• Affect driving safety if severe
• Impact confidence and quality of life

Some cases are purely functional (vision obstruction), some are purely aesthetic, and many combine both concerns.

Age-related ptosis may gradually worsen over years due to continued stretching of the levator muscle. Other causes may remain stable or progress depending on underlying condition.

Mild to moderate ptosis is not dangerous but can affect vision and cause discomfort. Severe ptosis can obstruct visual field and potentially affect driving safety. If ptosis is caused by a systemic condition, that underlying condition should be evaluated and managed.

Currently, there is no non-surgical treatment that permanently corrects ptosis. Temporary options include:

• Eyelid strips/tape– Helps lift eyelid but requires daily application
• Eye drops– Limited effectiveness, no permanent correction
• Special eyeglasses– Can help with vision obstruction

Surgery is the only permanent solution.

Per eyelid: 30-45 minutes (for external approach)
Both eyelids: 45-60 minutes total
Including anesthesia and setup: 1-2 hours total facility time

Actual surgical time varies by complexity of case.

Most common:

• Local anesthesia (numbs the eyelid area)
• Optional sedation for relaxation
• Patient awake but comfortable
• Can communicate and be tested during surgery

Alternative:

• General anesthesia available upon request
• For anxious patients
• For bilateral procedures
• For specific medical indications

External approach:

• Approximately 25-30mm long (about 1 inch)
• Made in natural eyelid crease
• Very small compared to eyelid
• Hidden in natural fold

Internal approach:

• Inside the eyelid
• No external incision or scar

External approach:

• Incision is in natural eyelid crease
• Scar is hidden by eyelid fold
• Even visible scar is minimal
• Most scars nearly invisible by 3-6 months

Internal approach:

• No external incision
• No external scar
• Incision is inside eyelid only

Yes, absolutely. Most surgeons, including Dr. Askeroğlu, recommend:

• Bilateral surgery if both affected
• Creates better symmetry
• Single recovery period
• More cost-effective
• Better overall results

A diagnostic test performed during consultation using phenylephrine eyedrops (standard diagnostic drops used in eye care). The drops temporarily contract the Müller’s muscle, allowing the surgeon to assess how much the eyelid can be lifted and predict surgical outcomes.

The test:

• Assesses levator muscle function
• Predicts how much improvement is possible
• Helps choose surgical approach
• Sets realistic outcome expectations
• Shows you potential improvement
• Requires in-person consultation

Strong positive response (4-5mm lift):

• Excellent levator function
• Very good surgical candidate
• External approach recommended
• Excellent results expected

Moderate response (2-4mm lift):

• Good levator function
• Good surgical candidate
• Standard approach appropriate
• Good results expected

Weak response (1-2mm lift):

• Fair levator function
• Still surgical candidate
• May use different approach
• Moderate results expected

Very weak or no response (<1mm):

• Poor levator function
• May need different approach (frontalis suspension)
• Still treatable but different technique
• Discussed thoroughly at consultation

No. The test requires:

• In-person evaluation
• Physical application of drops
• Direct measurement of response
• In-person assessment and photography

This is why consultation must be in-person.

No. Age alone is not a limiting factor. What matters is:

• Overall health status
• Ability to tolerate anesthesia
• Realistic expectations
• Commitment to recovery

Patients in their 20s through 80s+ have had successful ptosis corrections.

Most medical conditions don’t prevent surgery:

• Diabetes (controlled)
• High blood pressure (controlled)
• Heart disease (stable, cleared by cardiologist)
• Thyroid disease (stable)
• Previous surgeries

Certain conditions need special consideration (myasthenia gravis, Horner’s syndrome, connective tissue disorders). Discuss at consultation.

Usually yes, but requires coordination:

1. Discuss with surgeon
2. Discuss with prescribing doctor
3. Usually stop 7 days before surgery
4. Usually restart 1 week after surgery
5. Exact timeline depends on medication and indication

Ptosis correction doesn’t worsen dry eye. Post-operative eye drops help manage dryness. Dry eye is not a contraindication to surgery.

Usually not a problem:

• Scar tissue may be present
• Surgical approach may be adjusted
• Still good surgical candidate
• Success rates remain high
• Discuss previous surgery at consultation

Return to normal light activity: 1-2 weeks
Return to most activities: 3-4 weeks
Return to strenuous activity: 4-6+ weeks
Full healing: 3-6 months (especially for scar maturation)

Most people can return to work within 1-2 weeks.

Stitches are typically removed at 7-10 days post-operative. This is a quick office visit. Removal is not painful.

Swelling:

• Peaks around day 2-3
• Resolves significantly by week 2
• Completely resolved by week 4
• Temporary and normal

Bruising:

• Appears blue/purple initially
• Fades to yellow/green by days 5-7
• Mostly faded by week 2
• Completely faded by week 3-4

Both are normal and temporary.

Yes, with precautions:

• After day 1: Gentle face washing is fine
• Use upward strokes only (until sutures removed)
• Keep eyelid area clean but gentle
• Don’t rub or scrub eyelid
• After stitches removed: Normal washing

Light walking: Immediately (beneficial)
Light exercise: After sutures removed (week 2+)
Strenuous exercise: Week 4-6
Sports/contact sports: Week 4+ (cleared by surgeon)

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.

• Around incision:Wait 2+ weeks (until healed)
• Eye makeup elsewhere:Week 2+
• Full makeup:Once incision healed

Mineral makeup safest for healing incision. Avoid waterproof makeup near incision initially.

• Typically 1-2 weeks post-operative after:
  • Sutures removed
  • Incision well-healed
  • Eyelid comfortable
  • Contact advised during consultationGlasses preferred for first 1-2 weeks.

   

• Avoid submersion:Until incision fully healed (typically 2-3 weeks)
• Showering:Fine after day 1, just don’t submerge eyelid
• Swimming:OK once incision fully closed and healed

Immediately visible: Most improvement apparent after swelling decreases (week 2-3)
Good results: By week 4-6
Final results: 2-3 months post-operative
Scar maturation: 3-6 months

Don’t judge results until at least week 4 due to swelling.

Results are permanent or near-permanent:

• Advancement of levator muscle is permanent
• Results typically last 10+ years or lifetime
• Natural aging continues from improved baseline
• Very rarely needs revision (decades later if at all)

Over-correction (eyelid too high):

• Can improve with time as eyelid settles
• Can be revised if significant (rare)
• Usually discussed at post-op visit

Under-correction (not enough lift):

• Can be revised with additional advancement
• Revision scheduled after initial healing
• Occurs in small percentage of cases

Most cases achieve desired results with initial surgery.

Yes, when performed well. Results:

• Restore natural eyelid position
• Look like natural eyelid opening
• Don’t appear “overdone” or surgical
• Enhance facial appearance naturally
• Create alert, youthful but natural look

Common, temporary (usually resolve):

• Swelling (normal, temporary)
• Bruising (normal, temporary)
• Mild discomfort (controlled with medication)
• Slight over/under-correction (rare, can revise)

Uncommon complications:

• Infection (rare, prevented by antibiotics)
• Hematoma/bleeding (rare)
• Eyelid lag (usually improves with time)
• Asymmetry (minor differences common)
• Allergic reaction to sutures (very rare)

Very rare complications:

• Severe over/under-correction (rare, can revise)
• Eyelid won’t close completely (very rare)
• Severe scarring (very rare with proper technique)

Complications are uncommon. The procedure has:

• Low complication rate
• Excellent safety profile
• Proven long-term results
• High patient satisfaction rate

Serious complications are very rare when performed by experienced surgeon.

• Contact surgeon immediately
• Most issues are manageable
• Some resolve with time
• Some can be revised surgically
• Support and follow-up provided

Yes. Upper eyelid ptosis correction is:

• A well-established procedure
• Performed by experienced surgeons worldwide
• Safe when performed correctly
• Excellent safety profile
• Complications are uncommon and usually minor

2026 Pricing:

• €3,500 (Euro) or
• $4,000 (US Dollar)

Prices subject to change. Contact office for current pricing.

✓ Consultation with phenylephrine test
✓ Pre-operative evaluation
✓ Surgical procedure
✓ Anesthesia
✓ All materials and supplies
✓ Post-operative medications and eye drops
✓ Follow-up visits (typically 2-3)
✓ Suture removal

Yes:

• US average: 8,000+
• European average: €4,000-€6,000+
• Askeroğlu’s pricing: €3,500 / $4,000
• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
• Competitive with other regions

Functional ptosis (vision obstruction):

• May be covered by insurance
• Requires medical documentation
• Requires pre-authorization
• Check with your insurance

Aesthetic ptosis:

• Not typically covered
• Considered elective cosmetic procedure
• Out-of-pocket expense

Contact office to discuss:

• Payment plan options
• Installment arrangements
• Specific financing availability

✓ Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
✓ Bank transfer/wire transfer
✓ Cash (TRY, EUR, USD)
✓ Payment plans (if available)

Minimum stay: 4-5 days

• Day 1: Arrival and consultation
• Day 1 (if scheduled): Consultation day
• Day 2: Surgery
• Days 3-4: Post-operative rest at home
• Day 5: May begin travel home (sutures removed day 7 can be done remotely or locally)

Recommended stay: 5-7 days

• Extra time for comfort
• Can have sutures removed in office (day 7)
• Better transition to travel

Istanbul has accommodations for all budgets:

• Budget: €30-€80/night
• Mid-range: €80-€200/night
• Luxury: €200-€500+/night

Many areas near medical facilities in Beşiktaş, Taksim, or Levent.

Short local flights: OK by day 3-4 (short flight OK)
Long flights: OK by day 7-10 (pressure changes OK after initial healing)
Drive: OK to travel by car after surgery
Precautions: Keep eyelid clean, use eye drops, avoid eye contact

Most patients can travel within 5-7 days if needed.

Eye drops and antibiotics:

• Provided at surgery or prescribed
• Can be filled at local pharmacy in home country
• Continue as directed

Suture removal:

• Ideally done in office at day 7-10
• Can be done by local provider if needed
• Askeroğlu provides detailed instructions

Follow-up visit at 4-6 weeks:

• Can do telehealth follow-up if traveling
• Or see local ophthalmologist for assessment
• Check-in with Dr. Askeroğlu via photos

Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune disease affecting muscles) requires:

• Special surgical consideration
• Coordination with neurologist
• Possible adjustment of approach
• Still treatable but requires planning

Discuss thoroughly at consultation

Horner’s syndrome (neurological condition) requires:

• Assessment by surgeon and neurologist
• May affect surgical approach
• Treatment of underlying condition important
• Usually still treatable
• Discuss at consultation

Previous surgery usually not a problem:

• Scar tissue may be present
• Approach may need adjustment
• Still good candidate typically
• Success rates remain high
• Discuss previous surgery details

Thyroid eye disease requires:

• Coordination with endocrinologist
• Assessment before ptosis surgery
• Special consideration of approach
• Usually manageable but needs planning
• Discuss at consultation

• While on pain medication:NO (unsafe)
• After stopping pain meds (typically day 3-4):Maybe with caution
• After sutures removed (day 7-10):Usually yes
• Week 2-3 onward:Yes, fully

Safety depends on:

• Vision obstruction from eyelid position
• Comfort level
• Pain medication use
• Personal confidence
• Follow surgeon guidance

Desk job: Usually week 2
Physical job: Usually week 3-4
Depends on:

• Job type
• How you feel
• Healing progress
• Swelling reduction

Take at least 1-2 weeks off for rest and healing.

• Light cardio (walking):Immediately
• Stationary bike/elliptical:Week 2-3
• Weights:Week 4-6 (start light)
• Strenuous workouts:Week 6+

Avoid heavy lifting and straining for 4-6 weeks post-op.

• During recovery:Better to avoid
• If on pain medication:Definitely avoid
• After week 2:Light alcohol OK in moderation
• After week 4:Normal alcohol use OK

Best to minimize alcohol during first 2 weeks of recovery.

• Yes, when healing is complete:
  • Eyelid should look natural
  • Crease should look normal
  • Scar should be nearly invisible
  • Position should look natural
  • Overall appearance should be youthful and alert

External approach:

• Scar in natural eyelid crease
• Hidden by eyelid fold
• Nearly invisible after 3-6 months
• Minor scar even if visible (very thin)

Internal approach:

• No external scar
• Incision only inside eyelid

Most scars become nearly invisible.

• No, when performed well. Results should:
  • Look natural
  • Enhance without obvious surgery appearance
  • Create youthful but not “done” look
  • Appear like natural eyelid opening
  • Improve confidence without raising questions

Consider:

• Is ptosis bothering you functionally (vision)?
• Is ptosis bothering you aesthetically (appearance)?
• Do you want permanent improvement?
• Are you willing to take 1-2 weeks off for recovery?
• Do you have realistic expectations?
• Are you in good enough health for surgery?
• Can you attend follow-up appointments?

If yes to most of these, likely a good candidate.

If both affected:

• Surgeons typically recommend bilateral (both)
• Better symmetry results
• Single recovery period
• More cost-effective
• Better overall appearance

If only one affected:

• Unilateral (single) surgery appropriate
• Still excellent results
• Can do second eye later if desired