Can I Lift My Upper Eyelids Without Having True Ptosis?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have been experimenting with eye area aesthetics lately and have thought about what you said last time, that you do not need to have “true ptosis” to have ptosis correction surgery on the upper eyelids. I believe an optimal correction for my case would be to raise my upper eyelids to show 0.5-1 mm more of my iris. I would like to know the following:

1. Is the type of ptosis correction shown in the morphs below reasonable to expect for my case? This is slightly less than 1 mm.

2. What is the anatomic limit to how far the eyelids can be raised? If the Levator muscle is already tight, Can it still be tightened more?

3. Would I be a candidate for the Y-V lacrimal advancement you suggested to extend the lacrimal lake towards the nose?

A:In answer to your questions:

1) It is hard to appreciate in your morphs the upper eyelid change that a 1mm elevation would create. But suffice it to say that such modest upper eyelid lifting in a normal eyelid should be possible.

2) The anatomic limits of upper eyelid lifting in normal eyes is not known since it is rarely done. But modest amounts would certainly be within the anatomic limits.

3) Y-V inner eyelid lengthening can really be done in anyone.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon