Ptosis surgery corrects a drooping upper eyelid by tightening or repositioning the muscle that lifts the lid. At our partner clinics, ptosis repair starts from £2,350 per upper eyelid (both eyelids from £3,100), usually under local anaesthetic as a 30–60 minute day case. Where a droop is caused by excess skin rather than the lid muscle, it may be treated with blepharoplasty instead — your consultant confirms which applies at assessment.
What is ptosis (a drooping eyelid)?
Ptosis (pronounced TOE-sis) is when the upper eyelid sits lower than normal. It can affect one eye or both. Some people notice it mainly in photos or when tired; others find the lid sits low enough to block the upper part of their vision. In the UK it is most often age-related, caused by stretching of the levator tendon that lifts the lid, but it can also be present from birth or linked to muscle, nerve or mechanical causes. You can read more on our ptosis condition overview.
Sudden drooping with double vision, unequal pupils, severe headache or facial weakness? This can signal a neurological cause needing same-day care — contact NHS 111 or 999. This page is for non-emergency private appointments.
Book a ptosis assessmentSymptoms & causes
- Reduced upper vision — the lid covers part of the pupil when reading or driving
- Brow ache & headaches — from constantly raising the eyebrows to compensate
- Tired, asymmetrical appearance — one eye looks smaller or sleepy
- Worse when tired, or a head-back posture to see under the lid
Ptosis is a sign rather than a single diagnosis. The main types are aponeurotic (age-related tendon stretching), congenital (present from birth), neurogenic (nerve-related), myogenic (muscle conditions such as myasthenia), and mechanical (a lump or excess skin weighing the lid down). Identifying the cause decides whether surgery is suitable and which technique is safest.
Surgical options
Ptosis correction is an oculoplastics procedure that improves eyelid height and function. The right technique depends on the cause, how strong the lifting (levator) muscle is, and whether there is associated excess skin or brow descent.
Where there is significant excess upper-lid skin (dermatochalasis), ptosis repair may be combined with blepharoplasty for the best functional and aesthetic balance. If the droop is caused by an eyelid lump such as a chalazion, that is treated separately. Ptosis is one of several oculoplastic eyelid procedures we offer.
Your assessment & the procedure
Your consultation confirms whether the droop is true ptosis or a related issue (such as excess skin or brow descent), and sets a safe, realistic plan. Bring a list of medicines (including blood thinners) and any old photographs showing when the droop started.
- History & symptoms — onset, variability, dryness, contact lens use and previous eye surgery.
- Measurements — eyelid height, levator function, brow contribution, and whether the lid blocks your pupil.
- Eye-health checks — tear film and corneal surface, because lifting the lid changes how the eye is exposed.
- The procedure — a 30–60 minute day case under local anaesthetic; you feel pressure rather than pain, and go home the same day.
- Your plan — technique, expected symmetry, scarring and recovery explained in plain English before you decide.
Recovery week-by-week
Recovery varies by technique and individual healing. Your surgeon gives personalised guidance, but this outline helps you plan time off work and social events.
Days 1–3
Swelling, bruising and tightness; temporary asymmetry is normal. Cold compresses if advised, head elevated, no heavy lifting.
Week 1
Bruising starts to improve; lid height may look higher than expected at first. Wound-care instructions followed; no eye makeup yet.
Weeks 2–6
Shape and crease settle; fine swelling reduces. Most people feel comfortable in public and return to exercise as advised.
3–6 months
Final contour and symmetry become clear as tissues fully settle. Attend follow-ups; report any persistent dryness.
Cost & insurance
Costs depend on whether one or both eyelids are treated, the technique used, and whether a combined procedure such as blepharoplasty is appropriate.
- Self-pay: ptosis repair from £2,350 per upper eyelid; both eyelids from £3,100.
- Consultation: from £240, with a clear written plan and quote.
- Insurance: functional ptosis (where the lid affects vision) may be covered — we can provide a summary letter for your insurer.
For a full breakdown, see our ptosis price guide or the detailed 2026 ptosis surgery cost page.