Ptosis Correction: Mullerectomy, Alternatives and Risks

Ptosis means drooping of the upper eyelid. It can affect one or both eyes and may be present from birth or develop later. New or sudden drooping—especially with double vision, unequal pupils, weakness, severe headache or other neurological symptoms—needs urgent medical assessment.

Diagnosis before treatment

An eye specialist may assess vision, pupils, eye movements, eyelid height, levator muscle function, eye-surface health, fatigue, photographs, medicines and neurological signs. The cause matters: age-related tendon change, nerve or muscle conditions, injury, surgery and other problems require different management.

Mullerectomy and other approaches

A Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection is a posterior-eyelid operation used for selected patients whose examination suggests it may raise the lid appropriately. Other options can include levator advancement or resection, frontalis suspension, treatment of an underlying condition, observation or temporary measures. The technique and amount of correction must be individualised.

Risks and follow-up

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, dry eye, corneal exposure, asymmetry, undercorrection, overcorrection, altered lid contour, recurrence, scarring and further surgery. Recovery and final eyelid position vary, so a fixed timeline or result cannot be promised.

The NHS drooping-eyelid overview explains common causes and when to seek medical advice.

Revitalize care checks

Confirm the named contracted ophthalmic or oculoplastic clinician and facility, diagnosis, proposed technique, anaesthesia, tests, written quotation, follow-up and emergency plan. See Revitalize’s eyelid information and assessment route.