Achieve a Rested Look While Improving Your Vision
Correct vision problems that are contributing to a tired appearance.
Eyelid surgeries are some of the most common procedures performed by an oculoplastic surgeon, and they yield excellent results—improving both your vision and your overall appearance. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced oculoplastic surgeons to discuss how eyelid surgery can improve your visual acuity and give you a rested, rejuvenated appearance.
What Causes Eyelids to Droop?
Several factors can cause your eyelids to droop such as maturity, heredity and sun exposure. However, aging is the most common thing that leads to tissue dysfunction in the eyelids. This tissue laxity, stretching or weakening of the eyelids can obstruct your field of vision and cause you to look older than you feel. Our oculoplastic surgeons are board-certified ophthalmic surgeons that are extensively trained in the art of plastic surgery. As a result, patients who undergo eyelid procedures not only experience an overall improvement in their vision, they benefit from an enhanced aesthetic appearance. Many patients are also surprised to find that most insurance policies will cover eyelid surgery if the condition is obstructing your vision or threatening the health of your eye.
Common Types of Eyelid Procedures
Regardless of the type of eyelid procedure performed, a consultation is required to detect and evaluate the severity of obstruction to your vision and develop a custom treatment plan for you. Many of these procedures have cosmetic benefits that contribute to a more youthful look for the person undergoing the procedure.
Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Eyelid Blepharoplasty is a common eyelid surgery that removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper & lower eyelids. When the upper eyelids hinder peripheral vision, eyelid surgery can also remove the impediment to restore the visual field. Following a blepharoplasty, many notice a more youthful appearance thanks to the cosmetic benefits of the procedure.
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper lid blepharoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the upper eyelid through a hidden incision at the natural eyelid crease and is then closed with tiny sutures.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower lid blepharoplasty removes or repositions fat to smooth out the transition between the lower lid and cheek. This can minimize the puffiness of the lower lids and add rejuvenation to the periocular area. These two procedures can be performed at the same time, if desired.
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis is characterized by a reduction in the field of vision due to the upper eyelid margin obstructing the pupil. Those who suffer from ptosis find it difficult to keep their eyelids open and will often arch their eyebrows to lift their eyelids. Eyelid surgery to address the eyelid position by addressing the levator muscle function will allow an improvement in eyelid position and vision.
Ectropion
When the edges of the eyelid do not meet correctly, the eye is left unprotected. Resulting from lax tissue, facial nerve paralysis, or previous surgeries, the lower eyelid sags away and exposes the eye to dryness. If left untreated, ectropion can cause irritation, pain, discharge, and/or chronic tearing. When repaired, symptoms resolve almost immediately.
Entropion
When the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye, it can result in painful irritation and lead to abrasions of the cornea. Surgery can repair the inward-turned lid and resolves the symptoms almost immediately.
Periocular Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Periocular skin cancer is primarily caused by overexposure to the sun but may also be hereditary. Types of periocular skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanomas, and sebaceous gland carcinoma.
Immediate and thorough removal of periocular skin cancer is the most effective way to reduce the spread of cancer. Surgical excision includes the removal of the cancerous cells and reconstruction of the eyelid. Removing the lesion in layers under microscopic control is a procedure called Mohs surgery. After Mohs surgery, your oculoplastic surgeon will repair the area with sutures, flaps, or skin grafts.
How Common Are Eyelid Concerns?
Dr. Chip Oester, Jr, a board-certified ophthalmic surgeon and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, is one of Wilmington Eye’s leading oculoplastic surgeons. In the video below, he discusses just how common eyelid concerns are among his patients and what can be done to treat droopy or sagging eyelids.
If you feel you are experiencing any of these issues, please give us a call at 910.763.3601 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.