Ptosis Repair
in Boca Raton, FL

Droopy Eyelid Repair by Oculoplastic Specialist Dr. Maria D. Garcia

Though seemingly minor, droopy eyelids can dramatically influence your overall facial appearance. We instinctively perceive droopy eyelids as a sign of fatigue, disinterest, or aging. In truth, the cause could be ptosis. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Maria D. Garcia is the premier surgeon for ptosis repair in Boca Raton, FL.

Ptosis Repair: At a Glance

  • Procedure Duration: 45–90 minutes
  • Setting: Outpatient procedure
  • Anesthesia: Local with oral sedation (most cases)
  • Return to desk work: 5–7 days
  • Average Cost: $4,500–$7,500
  • Insurance: Often covered if vision is impaired

What Is Ptosis?

Ptosis is a condition characterized by drooping of the upper eyelid due to dysfunction of the levator or Müller muscle. When these muscles can no longer function fully, the upper eyelid droops. Depending on the severity, it can even interfere with your vision.
Notably, it is different from excess upper eyelid skin. While this may appear similar, the structural cause is different. For ptosis, correction involves restoring eyelid function. Excess eyelid skin, in contrast, is improved via a cosmetic procedure.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

What Causes Ptosis?

  • Age-Related: Most common, occurs due to levator stretching.
  • Congenital: Present at birth.
  • Mechanical: Physical issues impeding eyelid function like heavy eyelid, tumor, or scarring.
  • Neurologic: Caused by conditions like myasthenia gravis, Horner syndrome, and nerve palsy.
  • Postsurgical: E.g., after cataract surgery (very rare)

The Consultation Process at The Oculofacial Studio

Dr. Garcia provides full functional assessment of your eyelids to evaluate your case. The evaluation will involve elements such as:
  • MRD1 measurement
  • Levator function measurement (normal: 12–15 mm)
  • Visual field testing
  • Photography & Symmetry Analysis
Based on these findings, she builds each patient a customized surgical plan.

The Procedure

Surgical Techniques Used by Dr. Maria D. Garcia

Levator Advancement (Most Common)

  • Tightens stretched tendon
  • Internal or external approach
  • Best for age-related ptosis

Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection (MMCR)

  • Internal, no visible scar
  • For mild to moderate ptosis
  • Good response to phenylephrine test

Frontalis Sling

  • For poor levator function (<4 mm)
  • Uses silicone or fascia lata

Surgery Day

We recommend that patients arrive 60 minutes prior to their surgery. This provides ample time for the check-in process and confirming procedure details. You will receive a local anesthetic injection, which prevents pain at the surgical sites. The length of time in surgery will vary based on complexity and the techniques used, but < 90 minutes is typical.

Ptosis Repair Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3

The first few days involve the peak for bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Fortunately, you can readily manage these symptoms using compresses and medication as directed. Some mild tightness and blurry vision are also normal.

Week 1

All side effects should show notable improvements by the end of the week. Patients with desk work may return to their workplace. However, you will need to wait at least another week for any work that involves physical activity.

Week 2

By the end of week 2, the majority of bruising and swelling should be resolved. Continue to avoid heavy lifting and contact lenses.

4 Weeks to 3 Months

Your eyelid height tends to stabilize after about 1 month. Complete tissue settling will gradually occur as residual swelling fades, usually finishing around 3 months.
CALL: 561.902.1233
REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Why Choose The Oculofacial Studio for Ptosis Repair?

Patients choose Dr. Garcia for reconstructive procedures like ptosis repair because:
  • She specializes in eyelid surgery, not general plastic surgery
  • Her expertise focuses exclusively on periocular anatomy
  • She balances functional results with a natural aesthetic outcome
  • Every element of your procedure is adjusted for your case
  • Attentive care and patient follow-up reduce the risk of complications
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Ptosis Repair Before & Afters

Ptosis Repair FAQs

Am I a candidate for ptosis repair?

Most patients who have ptosis will qualify for a repair procedure. The evaluation explores three main factors for candidates:

  • If ptosis is in fact the diagnosis (e.g., instead of dermatochalasis)
  • Whether their symptoms qualify as needing a medical procedure
  • If they are in good enough health for surgery

Any surgical procedure will carry some degree of risk. With ptosis repair, general complication rates are very low, and working with a board-certified surgeon further improves your safety. Some of the risks of ptosis repair include:

  • Undercorrection (5–10%)
  • Overcorrection (<5%)
  • Asymmetry
  • Dry eye symptoms
  • Temporary lagophthalmos

Ptosis often causes functional impairment, which can qualify the repair procedure for insurance coverage. Generally, insurance plans require documentation of:

  • MRD1 ≤ 2 mm
  • Superior visual field loss ≥ 12 degrees or 30%
  • Symptoms such as brow strain or visual obstruction (photographic).

Typical self-pay ranges from $4,500–$7,500 for one eyelid and $6,500–$9,500 for both. The complexity of the procedure is the main driving factor for the final price. Light ptosis can often be corrected with simpler techniques. Alternatively, severe ptosis or a revision procedure can involve highly complex methods.
When we provide a quote after your consultation, it will have transparent pricing for all cost elements. These include:

  • Procedure costs
  • Facility fees (when applicable)
  • Anesthesia

Ptosis repair surgery tends to be a well-tolerated experience for patients. Local anesthetic minimizes any discomfort during the actual procedure. While pain is present after the procedure, patients report it:

  • Typically being a 2–4 on a 10-point scale
  • Lasting only 3 to 5 days
  • Being readily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Initial swelling improves significantly by 10–14 days.
  • Minor swelling can persist up to 6 weeks.
  • Residual (nonvisible) swelling can settle after a few months.

Ptosis recurrence largely depends on the patient’s health and the cause of their original ptosis. Recurrence rates are lowest when:

  • Patients work with a skilled surgeon
  • Patients carefully follow postprocedure instructions
Untreated ptosis will not resolve on its own. Rather, it can worsen over time, leading to increasingly prevalent symptoms.
Yes. We can combine procedures when both muscle weakness and excess skin are present.
External approaches place the incision in the natural eyelid crease. Internal approaches leave no visible skin incision.
Most age-related ptosis repairs last 10–15+ years. Congenital cases may require revision later in life, depending on factors like the child’s growth and health.

Schedule Your Consultation

Maria D. Garcia, M.D.

If you are considering eyelid surgery, a personalized consultation with Dr. Garcia is the first step in determining the best approach for your desired results.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION