Ptosis Surgery Singapore: What are the Drawbacks?

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid. If you or a loved one has this condition, you may notice one or both lids sit lower than normal.

This can block your vision or make you look tired. If you’re considering ptosis surgery in Singapore, you will want to visit a ptosis surgery clinic in Singapore.

If done correctly, a ptosis surgery can lift the eyelid by tightening the muscle that raises it. For this procedure, the surgeon will begin by making a small cut in your eyelid crease.

They then shorten or reattach the levator muscle to restore a natural lid position and clear your sightline. You usually have this done under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Most people go home the same day. While the results of your eyelid surgery in Singapore can be dramatic, it’s important to acknowledge the possible drawbacks before you book.

Is Ptosis Surgery Safe?

We offer ptosis surgery in Singapore and one of the questions many patients frequently ask is; is ptosis surgery safe? To begin with, surgeons perform ptosis repair routinely in Singapore and it has a strong safety record when done by an experienced eye or plastic surgeon.

Using local anaesthesia minimises system-wide risks from general anaesthetic. Most clinics follow strict hygiene and surgical protocols but still, any surgery carries some risk.

For example, after the procedure, you may bruise, bleed or develop an infection at the incision site. To reduce these chances, a good doctor will begin by reviewing your health history.

They will also give you a clear plan for care and follow-up. That said, the safety profile is good and most patients are able to recover without major issues.

What are the Disadvantages of Ptosis Surgery?

Even with an expert team, ptosis surgery can come with downsides which you need to be informed before you can consent to the procedure. A good surgeon will not only explain these disadvantages but also help you set realistic expectations. Real quick, here are the most notable disadvantages of ptosis surgery;

Swelling and Bruising: After surgery, your eyelids will swell and bruise. This is your body’s natural response to tissue repair. Swelling can last one to two weeks, while bruising may take 10 to 14 days to fade. You can use cold compresses and prescribed ointments to speed up the process.
Dry or Watery Eyes: Adjusting the eyelid position can temporarily affect your tear film. Your eye may feel dry, gritty or overly teary. Your doctor may prescribe lubricant drops to ease discomfort and prevent damage to the cornea. These symptoms usually settle as your eyelid movement returns to normal over several weeks.
Asymmetry or Overcorrection: Achieving perfect symmetry is not always easy. One eyelid may sit slightly higher or lower than the other and, in some cases, a surgeon may lift the lid too much. This may cause discomfort or an unnatural look. A minor revision can correct this, but it means another procedure and more downtime.
Visible Scarring: Incisions are hidden in the eyelid crease, but some scarring may be visible. The scar usually fades over months, becoming a thin, pale line. Your surgeon will use fine sutures and meticulous technique to minimise scarring. Still, skin type and healing ability can affect the final appearance.
Temporary Blurred Vision: Immediately after your eyelid surgery in Singapore, your vision may blur due to swelling or ointment use. You may also feel sensitivity to light. Most people see clear improvement within a few days, but full visual recovery can take up to a month. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision stabilises.

How Long Is the Recovery Period After Eyelid Surgery?

Recovery from ptosis surgery varies by individual but often follows a similar timeline. In the first 48 hours, you can expect pronounced swelling and some bruising.

Please, rest with your head elevated to reduce fluid build-up. Apply cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour while awake.

By days three to five, bruising starts to fade and you may feel more comfortable moving around at home. Your surgeon will remove any non-dissolving stitches at around day five to seven. At this point, you can start gentle eyelid exercises if instructed.

Between weeks two and four, most of the swelling resolves and your eyelid position settles. You can return to desk work and light social activities.

Please, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise or swimming for at least three weeks to prevent strain and reduce infection risk. At around six weeks, your eyelid should look close to the final result.

Any remaining swelling is minor and full healing, including scar maturation, may take three to six months. During this time, follow all aftercare instructions and attend scheduled check-ups.

How to Minimise Ptosis Surgery Drawbacks?

The main goal of ptosis surgery is to restore clear vision. In most cases, vision improves once your eyelid no longer blocks your pupil.

However, some temporary changes can occur during healing. Here are some tips to minimize drawbacks and improve outcomes;

Choose an experienced surgeon: Look for a specialist in oculoplastic or eyelid surgery. Check their credentials, years of experience and patient reviews. A skilled surgeon knows how to balance lid height, shape and function.
Follow pre-surgery instructions: Your clinic will ask you to stop certain medications like blood thinners before your appointment. You may need to avoid smoking and alcohol for a week before surgery to help your body clot normally and heal faster.
Stick to your aftercare plan: Use prescribed ointments, eye drops and cold compresses exactly as directed. Attend all follow-up visits to track your healing progress. Please report any unusual pain, redness or vision changes right away.
Protect your eyes during healing: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and UV light. Avoid dusty or smoky environments for at least two weeks. Skip makeup, contact lenses and swimming until your surgeon clears you.

In Summation

Ptosis surgery has a strong safety profile and high patient satisfaction rates. Still, it carries potential drawbacks you should be informed about before consenting to the treatment. The good thing is that most of these side effects resolve with proper care and time.

Our leading eye clinic in Singapore specialises in ptosis surgery with expert care and personalised aftercare plans. Schedule a consultation with us if you’re looking to lift your eyelids and improve your vision safely. Details below;

Artisan Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery

290 Orchard Rd, #07-11 Paragon Medical Suites, Singapore 238859

https://www.artisanplasticsurgery.sg

Phone: +65 8129 7887