Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) Treatment in Oakville, Ontario

Droopy eyelids, known as ptosis, can range from subtle heaviness to pronounced eye drooping, affecting both appearance and vision. Understanding what ptosis is and how it differs from excess skin is the first step toward finding the right ptosis treatment.

Ptosis Meaning: Definition of Ptosis

What is ptosis? Eyelid ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid. The lid may sit lower than usual, partially covering the eye and causing eye drooping or a “heavy” look. 

With mild ptosis, the difference is subtle. More severe ptosis involves heavy drooping and partial impairment of vision. Some patients describe ptosis as a “lazy eyelid,” “droopy eye shape,” or a feeling that their eyelids droop more than they used to.

Ptosis vs. Dermatochalasis (Excess Skin)

Ptosis is often confused with dermatochalasis, which is characterized by excess skin on the upper eyelid. True ptosis means the eyelid itself sits too low. Dermatochalasis is simply extra skin that weighs it down. 

Both conditions can make the eyes look tired or smaller, but they require different solutions. An expert assessment is the best way to distinguish between them and determine an effective treatment method.

Cosmetic vs. Functional Concerns

For some, saggy eyelids are an aesthetic concern. Others experience functional issues, such as obstructed vision or eye strain. Both cosmetic and functional concerns are valid reasons to explore ptosis treatment.

Droopy eyelids can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. Below are some of the possible reasons people develop sagging eyelids.

Age-Related Changes

Over time, the eyelid may sit lower than before. As you age, you may experience a drooping eyelid, eyelid sagging, or the sense that one eyelid is bigger or more closed than the other. These age-related shifts are among the most common causes of ptosis.

Congenital Ptosis

Some people are born with congenital ptosis that becomes more obvious with age. It may appear as one eye smaller than the other or a consistently low eyelid position.

Muscle or Nerve Weakness (Levator Issues)

True ptosis stems from dysfunction of the levator muscle in the eye. When this muscle is stretched or weakened, the eyelid cannot rise properly. In such cases, one eyelid may appear larger or more closed than the other, or one eye may look smaller. If you’re wondering, “Why is one eyelid lower?” or “What is one eye smaller?” — a weak or stretched muscle could be to blame.

Trauma or Previous Eye Surgery

Injury or prior eyelid surgery can affect how the levator muscle attaches, resulting in a gradual or sudden droopy eyelid.

Brow Position Contributing to Eyelid Heaviness

A low or descending brow can create the appearance of droopy eyelids, even when the eyelid structure is otherwise normal. This “false ptosis” may call for brow enhancement or a brow lift rather than eyelid surgery.

Droopy eyelids affect everyone differently. Some notice visual symptoms, while others are concerned about symmetry, heaviness, or fatigue. Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether a consultation is appropriate.

Visual Field Changes

If droopy eyelids partially block your vision, especially when driving or reading, it may be time to seek out an evaluation.

Physical Tiredness or Eye Strain

Constantly lifting the brows to see better can cause forehead fatigue, headaches, or general discomfort.

Appearance-Related Concerns

Changes such as saggy eyelids, reduced eyelid definition, or a persistently tired expression often lead patients to explore treatment options.

When One Eyelid Is Lower Than the Other

Asymmetry is common and often has a clear anatomical explanation. One droopy eyelid, ptosis, or an eye smaller than the other can make the eyes look unbalanced.

Because there can be many explanations for droopy eyelids, it’s best to request a professional consultation. Here’s what to expect at your first visit with Dr. Khanna at ICLS. 

Visual Exam & Anatomical Assessment

Your surgeon will assess your eyelid height, the position of the eye crease, brow placement, and any excess skin.

Levator Function Evaluation

Ptosis is fundamentally a condition related to the levator muscle. Your surgeon will measure its strength and function to determine whether a weak or stretched levator is contributing to eye sagging.

Determining Functional vs. Cosmetic Ptosis

Your surgeon assesses how eyelid position affects vision and appearance. Many patients have both functional and aesthetic concerns, and the assessment accounts for both.

Why Individualized Assessment Matters

Eye ptosis, excess skin, and brow sagging can have similar effects, so it’s crucial to get a personalized assessment. This way, we can recommend the most appropriate course of treatment and ensure optimal outcomes for your specific condition.

Following your initial visit, your surgeon may recommend surgery. Below are the most common approaches to correcting drooping eyelids.

Surgical Correction for Ptosis (Performed Within Eyelid Surgery)

When ptosis stems from a muscle-related issue, the surgeon will tighten, shorten, or reattach the levator muscle. The goal is to lift the droopy eyelid, improve vision, and restore a natural, open appearance.

At ICLS, surgeons address ptosis during upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) when medically or anatomically appropriate. This technique addresses true eyelid ptosis and offers long-lasting results.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

When excess skin causes heaviness, blepharoplasty removes this extra tissue to restore eyelid definition. This treatment is standard for saggy eyelids and mild functional concerns. If needed, blepharoplasty can be combined with ptosis correction.

Brow Enhancement (When Brow Descent Creates “False Ptosis”)

A low brow can push the lid downward, mimicking ptosis. Brow enhancement restores balance between the brow and the upper eyelid, helping the eyes look more open.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

Non-surgical techniques, such as eyelid strips, prescription drops, or injectable treatments, are temporary solutions. They offer limited results and do not fix true ptosis.

For those researching how to fix ptosis or how to fix saggy eyelids, surgery may be the next best step. Surgical correction is the most reliable and lasting method for addressing muscle-related drooping or structural eyelid sagging. 

Understanding the process helps patients feel comfortable and prepared as they plan for treatment and healing.

Procedure Basics

Upper-eyelid surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes discreet incisions that follow the natural crease of the eyelid.

Recovery Timeline

You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort following surgery. By week four, you may resume light exercise. Most patients return to their daily routines within four to six weeks.

Risks

Any surgery carries some risk. Asymmetry, dryness, or temporary sensitivity are possible but uncommon. Your surgeon discusses all risk factors so you feel informed and supported.

Follow-Up Care at ICLS Oakville

Our team provides attentive care from your first visit through recovery — a reason many patients travel from Toronto, Hamilton, and beyond for droopy eyelid surgery.

Choosing the right surgeon is essential for natural, balanced eyelid results. At our accredited surgical centre in Oakville, Dr. Julie Khanna brings extensive experience, precision, and a reputation for natural-looking results. Many patients in Toronto, Burlington, and across the GTA choose ICLS for droopy eyelid treatment for our personalized approach and long-standing expertise.