Eyelid Surgeries

Ectropion

An ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid usually related to aging. This condition may cause irritation, tearing, dry eye symptoms, and redness of the eyes. This condition can be treated with an outpatient surgery to reposition the eyelids.

Entropion

Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid that can cause severe irritation and redness secondary to the eye lashes rubbing against the cornea.  It can also lead to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss if it is left untreated for a long time. This malposition of the lid can be treated with outpatient surgery.

Blepharoplasty (upper- eyelid lift and lower- eyelid bags)

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery to remove excess skin (and sometimes fat and/or muscle) of the upper or lower eyelid. Surgery can be performed for cosmetic reasons to achieve a more youthful appearance. In patients with a single lid fold configuration, which is seen more commonly in patients of Asian descent, blepharoplasty can be performed to create a more open, double crease appearance.  Lower lid blepharoplasty can be performed to remove the “bags” under the eye and give the patient a more rested appearance.

Blepharoplasty can also be performed to help improve the field of vision in patients where the upper lid is weighed down by extra tissue in the upper eyelid. This latter reason for blepharoplasty is generally covered by medical insurance since there is a functional deficit.  Regardless of indication, state of the art techniques are used to optimize surgical outcomes and generally dissolvable stitches are used. The skin of the eyelid is the thinnest of the body, which means that incision is unlikely to leave any scarring. Furthermore, the incision is hidden in the natural eyelid crease to further hide any scarring.

Lower lid blepharoplasty, which is always a cosmetic procedure, can be performed with an incision made in the palpebral conjunctiva so no scarring on the skin occurs. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a lid tightening procedure to give a more rested, youthful appearance.

It is recommended that patients take two to three days at home after surgery to recovery and put ice over the incision to minimize swelling.  It generally takes about 2 weeks for the bruising and swelling to largely resolve although final results take 4 to 6 weeks. Makeup can be used after one week to hide any bruising early on. Restrictions are minimal after the procedure. We ask you not to do any intense exercise or heavy lifting in the first postoperative week.

Ptosis surgery (droopy eyelids surgery)

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelids where the eyelid margin may impede the patients superior field of view. Most of the time, it is related to aging and is considered a functional surgery. Because eyelid skin is so thin, minimal to no scarring is noted.  The patient will note some swelling the first week or two after surgery. Restrictions are minimal and include no heavy lifting or intense exercise in the first postoperative week. Oftentimes, dissolvable suture are used.