Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) Repair
Ptosis Repair
"Ptosis" of the upper eyelid is the medical term that describes a droopy eyelid. The eyelid usually droops because of thinning or tearing of the eyelid levator muscle. If this occurs, the patient is unable to fully elevate their eyelids, which may reduce their vision, in particular the superior portions of the visual field. Many people choose eyelid surgery in San Francisco to address this aesthetic and functional concern.
Dr. David Mabrie works with men and women from throughout the Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Pinole. Request a consultation online or call us at 415-445-9513 today.
Anatomy of Ptosis

A tear in eyelid muscle causes the eyelid to droop.
As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Mabrie has extensive knowledge and experience with eyelid anatomy and performs repair of eyelid ptosis in San Francisco. This eyelid surgery is usually performed with the patient awake with local anesthesia. It is important for the patient to be able to move their eyelids on request during the surgery.
The following pictures were taken during a ptosis repair performed by Dr. Mabrie in San Francisco and illustrate the goals of ptosis repair surgery.
A Ptosis Repair by Dr. Mabrie
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Left eyelid of a patient with ptosis. The margin of the eyelid is lowered, blocking the pupil and decreasing the field of vision. |
An incision is made in the eyelid crease to gain exposure to the levator muscle which has developed a tear, causing the ptosis or droopy eyelid. |
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The edge of the levator muscle is identified. There is a space between the edge of the muscle and the eyelid. This tear is repaired with medical string (suture). |
The patient after repair of the eyelid ptosis by Dr. Mabrie. The lid has been elevated, improving the visual fields of the patient. |
You can see the marked difference in the Before and After Images of the San Francisco patient with ptosis repair performed by facial cosmetic surgeon, Dr. David Mabrie.










