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Scarless Ptosis Surgery: Correcting Drooping Eyelids Without Visible Incisions

At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, patients trust Dr. Srinivas Iyengar for expert-level care in treating drooping eyelids with advanced, minimally invasive methods. His approach to ptosis surgery in San Diego uses an internal, scarless technique that restores vision, balance, and appearance without leaving an external incision.

With a reputation for natural outcomes and unmatched eyelid expertise, Dr. Iyengar is the surgeon physicians and patients alike turn to for this highly specialized procedure. If you are considering scarless ptosis repair, schedule your consultation today.

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What Is Ptosis?

Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. It can affect one or both eyes and may be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). In adults, ptosis is often caused by aging changes that weaken the levator muscle, prior eye surgery, or long-term contact lens use. In children, ptosis usually results from a poorly developed eyelid muscle at birth.

Symptoms can range from a tired or uneven appearance to functional vision issues if the eyelid obstructs the pupil. In some cases, patients unconsciously lift their brows to compensate, which can create forehead fatigue and strain.

How Does Scarless Ptosis Surgery Work?

Scarless ptosis surgery, also called the internal approach, is performed from the inside of the eyelid. Instead of creating an incision on the outer skin, Dr. Iyengar tightens or advances the levator muscle from within the eyelid. This technique avoids visible scarring and maintains the natural crease.

By tailoring the repair to the strength of the eyelid muscle, Dr. Iyengar can restore proper lid height and contour. For patients with mild to moderate ptosis, this scarless method offers a quicker recovery, less discomfort, and more natural results compared to traditional external approaches.

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Benefits of Scarless Ptosis Surgery

Scarless ptosis repair provides cosmetic and functional improvements. Benefits of the procedure include the following:

  • No external scar
  • Natural eyelid contour
  • Improved visual field
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Less postoperative discomfort
  • Preservation of eyelid crease and function

Who Is a Good Candidate for Scarless Ptosis Surgery in San Diego?

You may be a good candidate for ptosis surgery in San Diego if you have drooping upper eyelids that obstruct vision or make you look tired, and your eyelid muscle function is strong enough for an internal repair.

Candidates are generally in good health, understand the goals of the procedure, and want a natural correction without an external incision. Patients who have had prior eyelid surgery that did not address ptosis are often ideal candidates for this scarless approach.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Iyengar performs a detailed evaluation of your eyelids, muscle function, brow position, and eye health. He takes into account whether your ptosis is congenital or acquired, the severity of droop, and whether other procedures (such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty) may complement your results.

Patients value his honest recommendations—if scarless ptosis repair is not appropriate, he will explain why and outline alternative treatments. This ensures your surgical plan is safe, realistic, and tailored to you.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Scarless ptosis surgery is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. Through a small incision on the inner surface of the eyelid, Dr. Iyengar adjusts the levator muscle to raise the eyelid to a more natural position.

Because no external incision is made, there is no visible scar, and the eyelid crease remains intact. The procedure usually takes under an hour, and patients return home the same day.

Recovering After Scarless Ptosis Surgery

Recovery after scarless ptosis surgery is generally smooth. Mild swelling and redness are common in the first few days but improve quickly. Most patients resume normal activities within a week, though bruising may last slightly longer.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and adjust if needed. Dr. Iyengar is known for his close, personal follow-up care, ensuring your recovery is comfortable and your results are balanced.

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How Much Does Scarless Ptosis Surgery Cost?

The cost of ptosis surgery in San Diego depends on the severity of drooping, whether one or both eyelids are treated, and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Iyengar will provide a personalized cost estimate and discuss insurance considerations if vision is obstructed.

I would give Dr. Iyengar 10 stars if I could!

J.V.B.

I just recently had a skin lesion removed from my lower eye lid. The procedure was cosmetic and something I wanted to do for years, but was terrified to go through with. I had made it out to be much scary than it actually was. I came into the office incredibly nervous and the staff was so kind and patient with me. Dr. Iyengar did the most incredible job making sure I stayed comfortable through the very quick procedure and was so precise with his work. He kept every single lash in place and the area has heeled beautifully and way quicker than I could have imagined! I am SO HAPPY I went to him for this and would recommend him highly to anyone looking for an eyelid specialist! He definitely knows what he’s doing!!!

I went from feeling like I looked tired and angry all the time…to vibrant and awake!

K.M.

I went from feeling like I looked tired and angry all the time…to vibrant and awake! The whole experience was worth it! The surgery was fast and painless, recovery was smooth, and the results are terrific! I have three words for those who hate their eyes like I did…make an appointment! Thank you Dr. Iyengar!

I highly recommend Dr. Iyengar for any eyelid procedure you want or need to have done.

B.B.

I highly recommend Dr. Iyengar for any eyelid procedure you want or need to have done. I had bags and circles under my eyes for many, many years that always bothered me. Initially, I went to a dermatologist to see if a laser procedure would help, but he said it was a surgical issue and referred me to Dr. Iyengar. Upper eyelid and scarless lower eyelid procedures were recommended, and I went ahead with both. The results are incredible!! No more bags or circles under my eyes, and the extra skin on my upper eyelids is gone. I am thrilled with the results!! The entire experience was great from beginning to end, including the office visits, his staff is awesome, too! To the procedures, done right there at the surgery center in the same building, to the aftercare. Everything has been smooth, organized, and very professional. No pain from beginning to end either! I shouldn’t have waited until my 60’s to have it done, but I am glad I finally did!

I saw Dr. Iyengar for ptosis correction, and I am so happy with the results!

A.A.

I saw Dr. Iyengar for ptosis correction, and I am so happy with the results! He’s an excellent surgeon, and just as importantly, he’s understanding and patient and really takes time to listen and answer questions. Highly recommend!

The procedure was done very quickly and efficiently. Dr. Iyengar has a magic touch.

A.C.

Dr. Iyengar did my upper eyelid surgery one week ago. I was a little nervous to have the surgery since it was on my eyes, but after meeting with Dr. Iyengar and his staff, I was confident enough to schedule the surgery. I am beyond thrilled with the results already, and they are still a little swollen and bruised. Such a difference. The procedure was done very quickly and efficiently. Dr. Iyengar has a magic touch. I’m so happy I went with San Diego Eyelid Specialists. The office staff is great, too. I highly recommend them.

I have been a faithful fan of BOTOX for at least ten years, and when he does my BOTOX, it’s perfect.

A.B.

I work at a surgery center in Encinitas that Dr. Iyengar does surgery at. First off, every nurse I work with raves about his technique in the OR. He is not just a good eye surgeon, he is gifted. I’m talking blow-your-mind skills when it comes to eyelid surgery. I actually go to him for my BOTOX injections now. I have been a faithful fan of BOTOX for at least ten years, and when he does my BOTOX, it’s perfect. Never too much, just right! I am definitely planning on going to him in the next year for eyelid surgery/blepharoplasty. I referred a friend to him, and she couldn’t be happier. I’m not big on referring surgeons because it’s a very personal choice, but I do recommend him to everyone who has any eye issue, not just surgery.

I am so glad I did this, and most of all, I am happy that I chose Dr. Iyengar.

L.M.

As a medical doctor myself, I understand that not all doctors are alike. For years, I wanted to get my “heavy” upper eyelids done, as with age they only get worse. The main concern I had was not looking like I had my eyes done. I only wanted to have them look normal. It wasn’t until I saw a friend who looked different (better), but I didn’t know why. She told me that she had her upper eyelids done. I knew then that this was the doctor. I checked out Dr. Iyengar’s other work and his credentials. Everything I saw was top-tier. I had my eyes done in his Encinitas office in July 2020, and it went better than I thought. The doctor was great and reassuring, and his staff were all friendly and helpful. It was overall a very easy experience. After a few weeks, my eyes were looking near “normal,” just as I wanted. It’s almost 2 months now, and I couldn’t be happier. I have now had a few people ask me what’s different, and said, “why do you look younger”. I smiled (and told them). I am SO glad I did this, and most of all, I am happy that I chose Dr. Iyengar.

We could not be more pleased with the experience and results.

S.D.

As a fellow eye surgeon, I am particular about who I send my family to. Having researched many surgeons in California, I had my parents come down from Los Angeles to have eyelid surgery with Dr. Iyengar. We could not be more pleased with the experience and results. He strives for a natural appearance when doing cosmetic eyelid surgery. Something we greatly appreciate. We would highly recommend Dr. Iyengar!

Great staff made everything work seamlessly.

J.F.

His entire staff were very professional and caring. Surgery went well, and the outcome was perfect.

S.S.

Dr. Iyengar was able to see her very quickly and assured us that he was familiar with this and not to worry. Everything was explained in advance, and he and his entire staff were very professional and caring. Surgery went well, and the outcome was perfect.

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Meet Your Provider Dr. Srinivas Iyengar

Dr. Srinivas Iyengar is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon and board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes exclusively in eyelid procedures. A San Diego native, he has performed eyelid surgeries in over 20 countries as part of the Flying Eye Hospital. With more than a decade of experience performing scarless ptosis repairs, Dr. Iyengar is trusted by physicians, public figures, and patients alike for his precision, honesty, and natural results.

Why Choose San Diego Eyelid Specialists?

San Diego Eyelid Specialists is the only practice in the region focused solely on eyelid surgery, offering unmatched expertise and a boutique patient experience. Dr. Iyengar’s specialized training and dedication to natural, safe outcomes make him the clear choice for ptosis surgery in San Diego. If you are ready to restore eyelid function and appearance, contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions Scarless Ptosis Surgery

How do I know if I need ptosis surgery or blepharoplasty?

Ptosis surgery corrects drooping caused by weak eyelid muscles, while blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin. A consultation with Dr. Iyengar determines which is best for you.

Is scarless ptosis surgery permanent?

Yes. The repair is designed to provide long-lasting results, though natural aging may cause changes over time.

Can ptosis return after surgery?

Recurrence is uncommon when performed by a specialist, but long-term aging can sometimes cause mild drooping years later.

Will both eyes look symmetrical?

Dr. Iyengar’s goal is to achieve balance and natural contour. Small asymmetries can occur but are often correctable during follow-up adjustments.

Can children undergo scarless ptosis surgery?

Some children may benefit from this technique, though congenital ptosis often requires a different approach. Dr. Iyengar will recommend the safest option based on age and anatomy.

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