How is Ptosis Diagnosed?

 While the symptoms of ptosis are usually apparent, a proper medical examination is still required to understand the causes and extent of the condition, so that a suitable treatment can be prescribed. The following are the types of examinations that may take place: 

Marginal Reflex Distance (MRD) Measurement

The diagnosis for ptosis can take place when your overall eye health is assessed by the ophthalmologist during a comprehensive eye exam. To determine the quality of your vision and to see if it is being affected by ptosis, a visual field test or a test measuring the Marginal Reflex Distance (MRD 1) may be performed. The Marginal Reflex Distance refers to the distance measured from the pupil's centre to the upper lid. In order for one's condition to be diagnosed as ptosis that poses a functional problem coverable by insurance or a Medisave claim, the MRD measurement needs to be 2 millimetres or less.

Levator Function

To determine the degree of severity of the patient's ptosis, we also perform a test that looks at the levator function. During the test, the doctor holds a thumb against the patient's eyebrow while they look downwards, so as to ensure that only the levator muscle in the eyelid is used. The patient is then to look upwards and how much the eyelid moved is measured.

• Good (>10 mm)
• Moderate (5- 10 mm)
• Poor (0-4 mm)

Severity of Drooping

Another important factor to determine the severity of ptosis is the measurement of droop.

• Minimal or mild ptosis (1-2 mm)
• Moderate ptosis (3-4 mm)
• Severe ptosis (>4 mm)

The above are some standard tests to be taken during ptosis diagnosis, but the exact technique or recommended treatment for ptosis correction still depends on the underlying cause of the condition as well as each individual's needs. 

How Can Ptosis be Corrected?

The correction approach would vary according to the cause and severity. Mild eyelid drooping due mainly to mainly lax skin may be addressed through non-surgical techniques. In these cases, non-surgical treatments such as radiofrequency or neurotoxin therapy may be recommended. For controlled, longer-term reversal of eyelid drooping, surgery to elevate the upper eyelid margin is the best option. This involves accurately correcting the deformity causing the ptosis through advancement or resection of the levator muscle, or utilising other muscles to help raise the upper eyelid. Simultaneously, aesthetic principles can be applied to achieve a pleasing upper eyelid appearance. Your plastic surgeon will perform a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your droopy upper eyelids and recommend the most appropriate course of management.

Who Performs Ptosis Surgery?

Dr Adrian Ooi and Dr Pek Chong Han both perform this surgery. They are MOH-accredited, board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience in modern reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Both doctors exercise a patient-first approach focusing on embracing individual uniqueness when designing customised treatment plans. On top of their extensive experience and knowledge to perform a wide spectrum of aesthetic procedures, our surgeons also harness advanced plastic surgery techniques and technology to achieve enhanced precision, more ideal outcomes, and smoother recovery for their patients. 

What Happens During Ptosis Surgery?

Ptosis surgery (also known as a form of upper blepharoplasty) is generally performed under local anaesthesia. In short, an incision is made in the eyelid to access the levator muscle. This is followed by levator muscle advancement or resection through different access points. The ideal result, after the incision is sutured up, is a corrected look with relatively invisible scarring.

How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost in Singapore?

The cost for ptosis correction surgery starts from $5,000, but the actual cost depends on factors such as the surgical technique used, the complexity of the patient's condition, as well as the surgeon's fees, anaesthetist's fees, operating facilities fee, and medication prescribed.

Can I Use Medisave/ Insurance for Ptosis Surgery?

In short, yes. Ptosis surgery in Singapore is Medisave/ insurance claimable. You will need to get an official visual assessment by an ophthalmologist to certify that your ptosis affects your vision significantly based on conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH).  

What Are the Risks of Ptosis Surgery?

Ptosis surgery is a relatively safe procedure in Singapore with high success rates. It is also a common treatment that most board-certified plastic surgeons are well-versed in. That being said, a few possible complications may arise from under- or overcorrection of the condition. In that case, further treatment would be required. Typically, patients also experience minor swelling or bruising around the eyes. To minimise the risks, we provide a thorough assessment and diagnosis pre-surgery, and offer a surgical procedure that is highly tailored to each patient's needs to ensure that the correct level of muscle correction is made.

What to Expect After Ptosis Surgery?

Aside from the minor swelling and bruising, which should diminish in 1-2 weeks, patients may also experience blurred vision for a short period of time. Though this is an outpatient procedure, be prepared to take the recommended days off to get sufficient rest. At Polaris, we are invested in your aftercare, and will schedule follow-up appointments that assess whether the healing process is going smoothly, with no complications.

Are the Results Permanent?

In most cases, the results after ptosis correction surgery are more or less permanent. Only a small percentage of patients require a revision in the future. During the early stages of recovery, you may notice some unevenness in your look due to swelling. Thus, it is best to wait for swelling to go down completely before you assess the final results.