Home Services Oculoplastic Surgery Eyelid Procedures Ptosis Repair

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis refers to the abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid. It can occur in one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral) and may develop gradually over time or be present from birth.

The condition is most commonly caused by dysfunction of the levator muscle, the primary muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. When this muscle weakens, stretches, or detaches, the eyelid can fall lower than normal. Sometimes it covers part of the pupil, blocking vision.

Ptosis is not just cosmetic. In many cases, it is a functional issue that requires medical evaluation and treatment.

Ptosis Repair Explained by Dr. Coby Ray.

Symptoms of Ptosis

When the eyelid begins to interfere with your line of sight, it can significantly impact the quality of life. Ptosis can present differently depending on severity, but common symptoms include:

Drooping of one or both upper eyelids
Obstructed or reduced field of vision
Difficulty keeping the eyes open
Eye fatigue, especially later in the day
Frequent eyebrow lifting to compensate
Head tilting (chin-up posture) to see clearly
A tired or aged facial appearance

A women's before and after shots of ptosis repair.

Are You a Ptosis Candidate?

A comprehensive eye evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause of ptosis, as treatment depends on factors such as levator muscle strength and the severity of eyelid drooping. Your provider will assess visual obstruction, eyelid position, and muscle function to develop a personalized ptosis repair plan that restores vision, reduces strain, and achieves natural-looking, balanced results.

Request Oculofacial Consultation

What Causes Ptosis?

Age-Related Ptosis

As we age, the levator muscle tendon can stretch or detach, leading to eyelid droop. This is the most common type of ptosis in adults.

Congenital Ptosis

Some individuals are born with ptosis due to improper development of the eyelid muscle.

Neurological Causes

Conditions affecting nerve function can interfere with signals that control eyelid movement.

Trauma or Injury

Damage to the eyelid or surrounding structures can weaken the muscle that lifts the lid.

Previous Eye Surgery

Procedures such as cataract surgery or LASIK can sometimes lead to ptosis due to changes in the eyelid structure or muscle attachment.

Medical Conditions

Certain systemic or neuromuscular conditions can contribute to the development of ptosis.

Some individuals are born with ptosis due to improper development of the eyelid muscle.

Conditions affecting nerve function can interfere with signals that control eyelid movement.

Damage to the eyelid or surrounding structures can weaken the muscle that lifts the lid.

Procedures such as cataract surgery or LASIK can sometimes lead to ptosis due to changes in the eyelid structure or muscle attachment.

Certain systemic or neuromuscular conditions can contribute to the development of ptosis.

Before and after ptosis repair with blepharoplasty showing improved eyelid position and symmetry performed by Dr. Coby Ray in Lubbock TX.

Ptosis Repair Results: Vision Improvement and Natural-Looking Outcomes

Ptosis repair surgery delivers both functional and cosmetic results, often with immediate improvement in eyelid position and vision as swelling subsides. Most patients notice a clearer field of vision, reduced eye strain, and a more open, alert appearance within the first few weeks. Final results continue to refine over time, typically stabilizing within 1–3 months as swelling resolves and the eyelid settles into its natural position.

From a clinical standpoint, ptosis surgery has a high success rate—generally 78% to over 95% —with the majority of patients achieving long-lasting improvement in both eyelid height and visual function. Most patients report high satisfaction, especially when surgery is performed by an experienced specialist, and many results last for years or longer. While a small percentage of patients may require minor adjustments or revision, the vast majority experience a meaningful, stable improvement in both how they see and how they look.

Schedule Ptosis Consultation

What to Expect At Your Ptosis Consultation

Our oculofacial surgeon, Dr. Coby Ray, MD, FACS, will begin your ptosis consultation by reviewing your medical history, eye health, and the specific concerns you’re experiencing, such as drooping eyelids, reduced vision, eye fatigue, or asymmetry. Because ptosis is often a functional condition, he also evaluates how much the eyelid is impacting your field of vision. Your medications, past surgeries, and any underlying medical conditions are carefully reviewed to ensure ptosis repair is safe and appropriate for you. Clinical photographs may be taken, and a detailed exam is performed to assess eyelid height, levator muscle function, and overall eyelid structure.

Together, you’ll review your treatment options based on the cause and severity of your ptosis. Dr. Ray explains the surgical approach best suited to your anatomy. That may involve tightening or repositioning the eyelid muscle and can also help you understand what kind of results you can expect. He will also walk you through potential risks and the recovery process, including temporary swelling, bruising, and adjustment in eyelid position as healing occurs. By the end of your visit, you’ll have a personalized ptosis repair plan designed to improve both your vision and eyelid function, along with clear pre- and post-operative instructions. Hence, you know exactly what to expect moving forward.

Dr. Ray discussing lower eyelid blepharoplasty with a patient during an in-office consultation, explaining treatment options and expected results.

How Much Does Ptosis Surgery Cost in Lubbock, TX?

Ptosis repair at West Texas Eye Associates in Lubbock, TX, typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on whether one or both eyes are treated, the severity of the condition, and the surgical technique used. National data shows ptosis surgery can range from about $3,000 to $8,000 per eye without insurance, with bundled or average procedures often landing in the mid-range, depending on complexity and surgeon expertise.

However, many patients don’t end up paying the full amount. If ptosis is affecting your vision and is confirmed by testing, it’s often considered medically necessary, which means insurance will cover a large portion of the procedure. In those cases, out-of-pocket costs can drop to roughly $500–$2,000, depending on your plan. The only way to know your exact cost is through a consultation, where Dr. Ray can determine your insurance eligibility and provide your personalized quote.

Ptosis Repair with Blepharoplasty

When both drooping eyelids and excess skin are present, Dr. Ray may recommend combining ptosis repair with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This approach allows him to correct the underlying muscle weakness while also removing excess skin and repositioning fat for a smoother, more natural contour. In many cases, both procedures can be performed through the same eyelid crease incision, meaning no additional visible scarring.

During surgery, Dr. Ray first addresses the functional issue by tightening or reattaching the levator muscle to lift the eyelid into a more natural position. He then performs the blepharoplasty portion by carefully removing or reshaping excess skin and fat. This combined technique improves both vision and appearance, creating a result that looks balanced, refreshed, and not overdone.

How the Ptosis Procedure Works

Ptosis repair restores the function of the muscles that lift the eyelid. Through a small incision, the surgeon locates the levator muscle and adjusts it using precise sutures to elevate the eyelid to the correct height. This repositioning allows the eyelid to open properly and improves the field of vision.

Depending on the severity of the ptosis, the procedure may involve tightening the levator muscle or adjusting Müller’s muscle from within the eyelid. In more advanced cases, alternative techniques may be used to support eyelid elevation. Regardless of the method, the goal is to restore natural eyelid movement, improve symmetry, ensure the eye opens and closes comfortably, and protect the eye’s surface.

Ptosis Repair: Common Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Ptosis repair is a surgical procedure that lifts a drooping upper eyelid by tightening or repositioning the muscle responsible for elevating the lid. The goal is to restore a natural eyelid position and improve the field of vision.

You may need ptosis repair if your upper eyelid is blocking your vision, causing eye strain, or making you constantly raise your eyebrows to see clearly. Many patients also notice fatigue, headaches, or a “heavy” feeling in their eyes.

Ptosis repair is often considered a medical procedure when it interferes with vision. In these cases, insurance may cover part or all of the surgery after proper testing, such as visual field exams.

Yes. Many patients benefit from combining ptosis repair with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Ptosis repair corrects the muscle issue, while blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat. Together, they improve both vision and appearance.

Many patients notice an improvement in eyelid position immediately after surgery, with continued refinement as swelling resolves over the following weeks.

Incisions are usually placed in the natural eyelid crease, minimizing scars and making them difficult to see once healed.

During your consultation, Dr. Ray will evaluate your eyelid position, muscle function, and visual obstruction. He will then recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your anatomy and goals.