Ptosis surgery performed by Prof. Hartstein involves tightening the eyelid lifting muscle in 2 different approaches:
- From the inside of the eyelid without any external sutures.
- Through an incision in the skin of the eyelid crease.
Prof. Hartstein was among the first to publish an article on small incision ptosis repair. In cases with significant excess eyelid skin, an upper blepharoplasty can be performed.
The precise surgical procedure is determined based on preoperative evaluation and testing. Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
Ptosis occurs when the eyelid margin droops so that is covers or almost covers the pupil, resulting in obstruction of the visual field. Ptosis may be congenital or may occur as an adult. There are neurological causes of ptosis but most commonly it occurs with age.
Ptosis can also be caused by a significant amount of excess skin and fat on the upper eyelid, weighing it down.
If it is determined that the ptosis significantly interferes with the visual field, then insurance companies may cover the procedure. Otherwise, the surgery is considered to be cosmetic.