Eyelid drooping may occur due to various possible causes ranging from natural causes to medical conditions and trauma. A medical professional will be able to determine the cause of ptosis, and advise appropriate treatment.

Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) provides eyelid surgery to correct eyelid drooping to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.

Natural Causes

Eyelid drooping can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common among older people because of the natural aging process. Lifting of the eyelid is performed by a tendon that is attached to the levator muscle. As a person ages, this muscle can sag, and as a result the eyelid will tend to droop. However, ptosis is not just caused due to aging, and sometimes even babies and children can be affected by this condition.

Precise cause of ptosis may remain unknown in some cases, while in some cases it may occur due to trauma or neurological problems. In case of congenital eyelid drooping, the key cause is that the levator muscle fails to develop well, impact the patient’s ability to open the eye. Children suffering from ptosis are at a risk of developing amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.

Ptosis in One or Both Eyelids

If the eyelid drooping occurs in both eyelids, the chances of an underlying medical condition are higher. But if only one of the eyelids is drooping, it may be due to a nerve injury or temporary swelling or inflammation. In rare cases, routine cataract or LASIK surgery may be the cause of development of ptosis, if the tendon or muscle gets overstretched.

Experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and other cities across the horizon for corrective surgery for ptosis.

Serious Medical Causes

Serious medical conditions such as brain tumor, stroke, neurological disorders or cancer of the nerves may sometimes causes eyelid drooping.

Myasthenia Gravis

Droopy eyelids can be an early symptom of myasthenia gravis, a rare disorder that affects the ways muscles respond to nerves. This condition can cause progressive muscle weakness, extending not just to eyelids but also to other part of the face and body.

Muscle Diseases

A hereditary muscle disease known as oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy may affect eye motion. In younger people, ptosis may occur due to a group of muscle illnesses known as progressive external ophthalmoplegia. These illnesses can cause ptosis in both eyes and problems in eye movement.

Nerve Problems

Any condition that causes injury to the brain or its cranial nerves may sometimes cause ptosis. This can happen because the eye muscle movement is controlled by the nerves that come from the brain.

Stroke, brain tumor, brain aneurysm, or nerve damage related to long-term diabetes are some of the conditions that can contribute to ptosis. In a few cases, eyelid drooping may occur due to an infection of a tumor of the eyelid, or a tumor inside the eye socket.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Drooping of the upper eyelid is clinically known as ptosis. This condition can be corrected with eyelid surgery. Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing corrective procedures for ptosis condition to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.

Pathologic Eyelid Drooping

Ptosis, or pathologic eyelid drooping may occur due to age, genetics, trauma or a medical disorder. In some cases, the lid may droop only a little, while in other cases, it may cover the entire pupil. For some patients, ptosis can obstruct the vision, or even block the complete normal vision. Ptosis may occur in both children and adults.

Ptosis condition may affect only one eyelid, which is called unilateral ptosis, or both eyelids, which is known as bilateral ptosis. In some patients, the condition may be permanent, while in others may be recur intermittently. If the condition is present at birth, it is known as congenital ptosis.

Timely Intervention

In most cases, it is possible to resolve the condition of ptosis through medical intervention or surgery. In some cases, the condition may also resolve naturally over time. Sometimes the condition may develop gradually over the years. Therefore, timely treatment is important so that the problem does not worsen.

Sometimes ptosis is only an isolated problem that will alter a patient’s facial appearance, without impacting their health or vision. In such cases, treatment may help to restore an attractive facial appearance and remove the old or tired look from the eyes.

Patients should note that sometime ptosis can be a warning sign of a more serious health condition. Such health condition may be affecting the brain, muscles, nerves or eye socket. If the ptosis develops fairly quickly, it is more likely to indicate a serious medical problem. Timely medical attention must be sought in such cases to diagnose and treat the condition.

Ptosis in Children

Congenital ptosis in children is often caused due to poor development of the levator muscle that performs the function of lifting the eyelid. This condition generally does not improve on its own over time. Therefore, the child may require treatment to ensure that their vision develops normally.

The most serious problem associated with ptosis in children is amblyopia or lazy eye. This causes poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood. If the condition is not treated early, it may result in permanent loss of vision later in life. The condition may occur if the eyelid is severely droopy and blocking the child’s vision. Ptosis may also hide crossed or misaligned eyes, which can lead to amblyopia.

Prevention

While there is no specific way to prevent ptosis or eyelid drooping, it is important to know the symptoms and visit a medical professional when droopiness is noticed. Experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and other cities in the vicinity for the corrective surgery of droopy eyelids.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

A balanced facial profile constitutes the foundation of an attractive face. However, many people are unhappy with the minor imbalances between the nose, chin, cheeks, brows, or lips. While surgical options are available, patients who want to avoid surgery may consider non-surgical facial profile balancing with injectable dermal fillers.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing safe, proven and effective dermal filler injections for non-surgical facial profile balancing. Dr. V provides these injectable treatments to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding communities.

Chin Augmentation

In some cases, the chin may be smaller in proportion to the nose and other facial features. That will make the nose appear oversized or prominent and compromise the facial balance. Non-surgical chin augmentation can be achieved with FDA approved dermal filler injections such as Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse. When the filler gel is injected into the targeted areas of the chin, it will add volume and make the chin appear more substantive.

This will create an improved balance between the nose and chin on profile view because now the nose will not appear as large relative to the chin. A harmonious relationship between the chin and the nose is vital to facial balance. Filler injections must be administered by an expert in the right volume to achieve accurate facial balancing with chin augmentation.

Liquid Rhinoplasty

Nose is the central feature of the face and plays a crucial role in maintaining facial balance. If the nasal tip is small, the nostrils are too narrow, the nasal bridge has a conspicuous bump, or the overall size of the nose is undermined in comparison to the chin and other facial areas, it can create facial imbalance.

The treatment provider can use a combination of Botox and certain facial filler injections such as Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse to enhance the shape and size of the nose in proportion to the chin and other facial features. A fuller nasal tip, defined nostrils, or an augmented nose can match with a prominent chin to create a well-balanced face.

Cheek Enhancement

Due to aging and other factors, the cheeks may tend to lose volume and give a sunken look. This can affect the overall facial appearance and compromise the profile balance. The balance can be corrected in a non-surgical way with advanced dermal filler injections that can add significant volume to the cheeks.

Sculptra Aesthetic is one of the most successful FDA approved dermal filler injections to volumize the cheeks. When Sculptra is administered in the right quantity, it will provide a subtle lift to the cheeks, add volume, and make the cheeks appear fuller and rounder. The facial profile balance will be dramatically improved with this simple, non-surgical injectable procedure.

Dr. V offers a wide range of FDA approved cosmetic fillers, which can be performed individually or in combination with other surgical or non-surgical treatments. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for non-surgical facial profile balancing.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Facial profile balancing involves procedures such as nose and chin reshaping or other facial surgeries to create a well-balanced and attractive face. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about facial profile balancing, and may also share before and after photographs related to the procedure.

The first goal of a committed surgeon will be to help the patient make an informed decision with a clear understanding of the procedure. Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) provides facial profile balancing to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding communities.

What are Facial Profile Balancing Before and After Images?

Before and after images in case of facial profile balancing refer to a pair or group of pictures pertaining to a previous patient who has undergone the same procedure with a satisfactory outcome. The pictures include images taken prior to the procedure and after the procedure at a stage when the post-operative bruising and swelling has been resolved and full effects of the surgery are visible.

The plastic surgeon will take care to ensure that facial profile balancing before and after photographs are obtained only with the patient’s proper consent, and presented before new patients in a discreet manner. The patient’s identity may be kept undisclosed as required. The sole purpose behind this exercise is to use the photos as a visual aid to explain the potential effectiveness of facial profile balancing to new patients.

Advantages

Face is the most prominent and visible part of the body. A candidate for facial profile balancing would naturally have concerns about how their facial appearance may alter with this surgery. It can be difficult to visualize how the relationship between the nose, chin and other facial features may change with the procedure.

Some patients may need only a limited correction in one or two facial features, while others may require more extensive improvements, including facial fat transfer, liposuction, or upper face procedures. In each case, the patient will be in a better position to make the right choices when they have access to facial profile balancing before and after photos.

Being Realistic

Profound plastic surgeons know the importance of ensuring that the patient has a positive mindset, clear goals, and realistic expectations before they go ahead with a procedure such as facial profile balancing. Therefore, they will often like to present before and after photos related to the procedure at the very first appointment.

After reviewing the photos, the patient can clearly understand what the procedure can or cannot do for them. This will mitigate the risk of any disappointment occurring at a later stage. The patient will be able to appreciate the results better and feel more satisfied.

Online Photos

The plastic surgeon has an option to present facial profile balancing before and after photos on their practice website. Dedicated facial plastic surgeon Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for various surgical and non-surgical procedures.

What has altered the landscape in about every industry is digital technology. Now you can see with incredible detail images that you never could see with that much detail before. Dr. V’s website has before and after pictures that help any patient make a salient decision. The old days where people had to rely on Polaroids and vague brochures are long over with.

The plastic surgery community has embraced digital technology and now anyone who is considering signing up for facial profile balancing surgery can hop online and see outstanding pictures from the privacy of their own home. They can compare these pictures to their own body and face and make a critical decision, perhaps without even speaking to one person.

These online pictures are clear and amazing and they enable a patient to know what to expect when they sign on the dotted line. This mitigates the anxiety and makes it smoother for everyone involved, even the surgeon.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

In the weeks preceding eyelid surgery, the patient will have to do some amount of preparation. Sagacious preparation will help to ensure a safer and more effective procedure with a healthy and aesthetic outcome. At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will guide the patient about the steps involved in preparation.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and other innovative and advanced cosmetic procedures. Patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive eyelid surgery from Dr. V.  

Weeks before the Surgery

In the days and weeks leading up to the eyelid surgery, the patient will have to refrain from smoking and stay committed to it even after the surgery for a few weeks. Alcohol consumption should be reduced a few days prior to the eyelid surgery, if not completely stopped. Smoking, in particular, can interfere with the oxygen flow in the blood and delay the healing. The patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s advice about smoking and drinking.

Any usage of oral supplements of vitamin E must be stopped in the weeks prior to the eyelid procedure. Certain herbal supplements such as ginseng should also be avoided in the pre-surgical phase because it may increase the risk of bleeding. Any blood thinning drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen will also have to be stopped for at least two weeks before the surgery.

The schedule of prescription medications may also have to be altered in consultation with the doctor. Safe alternatives to some of the drugs and supplements may be allowed. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

Arrangements before the Surgery

Prior to the surgery, the patient can take a few simple steps to ensure a more comfortable recovery time. They may stock up the following items at home in advance:

• Ice cubes
• Clean washcloths
• Clean bowl for cold water
• Plastic bags to make ice packs
• Sterile gauze pads
• Bottle of artificial tears
• Extra pillows to keep the head elevated
• Groceries for the week

The patient should arrange for someone responsible to drive them back home after the eyelid surgery is over. They should also have some friend or relatively to stay with them for assistance for the first one or two days or arrange for professional aftercare. On the night before the surgery, the patient will be required to stop eating or drinking for at least eight hours prior to the surgery time.

The Day of Surgery

The following simple tips will help on the day of the surgery:

• Thoroughly wash hair and eyebrows
• Do not wear cosmetics or makeup
• Leave jewelry, false eyelashes, contact lenses at home
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes

Essential medications on the day of surgery may be taken in consultation with the surgeon.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/