Eyelid
A congenital ptosis in which the eyelid lifts when the jaw moves — an abnormal connection between the chewing and eyelid-lifting nerves.
Medically reviewed by M. Polly McKinstry, MDOculoplastic SurgeonLast updated June 2026
Part of our complete guide to Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) — this page covers Marcus Gunn jaw-wink ptosis in depth.
Marcus Gunn jaw-wink ptosis is an example of synkinesis — an abnormal neural connection between two muscle groups that are normally unrelated. A branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V, which supplies the pterygoid jaw muscles) misdirects into the branch of the oculomotor nerve (CN III) that lifts the upper eyelid. The result: the ptotic lid rises whenever the jaw opens or moves laterally.
Slide the control to move the mouth.
Use the slider in the animation above to simulate the jaw-wink synkinesis — the eyelid rising as the jaw opens.
The surgical approach is guided by the severity of both the ptosis and the jaw-wink:
Marcus Gunn jaw-wink is one of several congenital eyelid and orbital conditions present from birth.
Your Surgeon
M. Polly McKinstry, MD
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
🏅 ASOPRS Fellowship Trained
Schedule a consultation with M. Polly McKinstry, MD to learn if this procedure is right for you.
