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RECONSTRUCTIVE
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis (Droopy eyelid) can be acquired or congenital. In acquired adult cases, this is caused by dehiscence or stretching of the levator aponeurosis muscle that lifts the eyelid. Occasionally it can be due to other underlying disorders that affect the nervous or musculoskeletal system. This can be determined at your in-person consultation. This can cause a cosmetic appearance of looking "sleepy." This can also block the pupil, causing a reduction in the visual field and affecting the vision, or it can be cosmetic. I will evaluate the cause of your ptosis and discuss options of correction. Ptosis surgery is an outpatient procedure and can be addressed several ways. One way is from the
underside of the eyelid (posterior approach ptosis repair) and the other is from the outside of the eyelid through the eyelid crease (external levator advancement). For other and more severe cases, there are additional options. Oculofacial plastic surgeons are truly the expert when it comes to ptosis and balancing the eyelids. Many times, ptosis goes unrecognized when upper blepharoplasty is performe. Dr. Bratton has the unique ability to address both droopy eyelid from the involvement of the muscle as well as excess skin in a combined upper blepharoplasty and ptosis repair procedure to give optimal results.
What to Expect
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How are decisions made on which type of ptosis repair is done?
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Each patient is evaluated at the consultation and certain diagnostic tests are performed to evaluate and determine the correct ptosis repair procedure for each individual patient. Dr. Bratton will either address the ptosis from the inside of the eyelid or the outside of the eyelid through the natural eyelid crease (in most cases).
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The healing time is approximately one week. The height of bruising and swelling is 48-72 hours.
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Patients will resume normal activity at 7-10 days after the procedure.
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Please see frequently asked questions for further information on the recovery process.
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Restoring the eyelid height can have a profound impact on the way a patient feels.
Before & After
Ptosis Repair
Mohs Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Bratton finds satisfaction in helping her patients restore and improve eyelid function, as well as appearance after removal of skin cancer by Mohs micrographic surgery. She finds this allows for puzzle solving and creativity, along with restoration of the patients’ anatomy and function. She worked with many Mohs surgeons in Austin for 8 years, focusing on developing her techniques for restoring the eyelid after skin cancer removal.
Before & After
Mohs Reconstructive Surgery
Ectropion/Entropion/Canthoplasty
Dr. Bratton is an expert in understanding the effects of prior trauma, surgery, or aging on the eyelid position. Eyelid malposition is often the result of aging; however, other factors may contribute to eyelid malposition, such as prior trauma, thyroid eye disease, inflammatory disease and prior surgery. Dr. Bratton can assess the need to reposition the eyelid to restore form and function of the eyelid. In addition, the position of the outer corner of the eye can be adjusted for cosmetic reasons based on the desire of each individual patient.
Eyelid Retraction Repair
Retraction of the eyelids can occur with either upper or lower eyelids. This can cause the ocular surface to become too dry and can affect the overall health of the eye and vision. This can be caused by many different issues. Dr. Bratton is an expert in her field when it comes to correcting eyelid retraction. There are many different methods that can be used to perform eyelid retraction and consultation allows a better understanding of the patient’s issue to achieve the best outcome.