Ptosis is a complication that can arise after blepharoplasty resulting
in lid asymmetry. It should be recognized early and intervention dire
cted at its underlying anatomical cause. Ptosis can be secondary to li
d edema, hematoma, septal levator adhesions, septal suturing, supratar
sal fixation, and levator complex injury. Injury to the levator comple
x can be rarefaction, dehiscence, or disinsertion. Evaluation of this
condition involves assessment of the degree of ptosis and the amount o
f levator function. Severe ptosis with poor levator function requires
reexploration and repair of the levator mechanism. Mild or moderate pt
osis may resolve spontaneously and can be managed expectantly. Chronic
cases (longer than 3 months) may need exploration, and the procedure
used is guided by the amount of levator function present.