Skip to main menu Skip to main content Skip to footer

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

As the skin loses elasticity, upper eyelids can droop or sag while lower eyelids can become puffy. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can lift drooping lids, smooth away wrinkles, and refresh the eyes for a youthful and bright-eyed look. Our oculoplastic surgeon offers upper and lower blepharoplasty, which may be performed on their own or together, depending on your needs.

What Is An Oculoplastic Surgeon?

This specialty combines the knowledge and precision of an eye surgeon with the finesse and artistry of plastic surgery. The extensive training and highly specialized skill of our oculoplastic surgeons allows them to perform complex eyelid and facial plastic surgery, as well as injectable treatments, with exceptional attention to detail and function while also delivering beautiful and natural-looking results.

You and your primary eye care provider may assess your eyelid position and determine if surgical consultation is needed. Commonwealth Eye Care Associates works with our primary eye doctor in a coordinated effort to ensure that you receive the highest quality care.

Ptosis

One of the most common eyelid conditions is ptosis. Ptosis is the drooping of the eyelid over one or both of the eyes. It could be barely noticeable, or the eyelid could come down over the entire pupil. Ptosis can make it difficult to see and one may have to raise their eyebrow or tilt their head to see.

The normal course of treatment for ptosis is eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty. During the course of surgery, levator muscles are tightened.

What Are the Causes of Ptosis?

Typically, ptosis results from a weakening in the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid or from damage to the nerves that control the muscle. In some cases, ptosis may simply be caused by loose skin on the upper eyelid, but other times the reason for ptosis is more troubling. In addition to the possibility of the disorder occurring as a congenital condition, or as a consequence of an injury or surgery, ptosis may be caused by:

  • Migraine headache
  • Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Horner syndrome
  • Benign or malignant tumor

In rare instances, ptosis can occur due to a brain tumor or other malignancy that affects the reactions of muscles or nerves.

What Are the Symptoms of Ptosis?

Ptosis presents as the drooping of one or both eyelids and perhaps one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Increased tear production
  • Difficulty blinking or closing the eye
  • Reduced vision (with severe drooping)
  • Since ptosis caused by aging is usually gradual, a sudden onset of symptoms is a greater cause for concern.

Meet Your Oculoplastic Surgeon

Drew D. Munro, M.D. is available to see patients in personalized consultation and on referral for medical and surgical eye care. Dr. Munro is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive consultative services, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), oculoplastic consultation and surgery, and orbital and reconstructive consultation and surgery.

View All Doctors

Convenient Locations In Henrico and Colonial Heights, VA.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!