Eyelid Reconstruction

What is Eyelid Reconstruction?

In the event of eyelid trauma or eyelid cancer, eyelid reconstruction may be necessary to maintain eyelid function and preserve vision while achieving an aesthetically natural appearance. Although not as involved as for cancer or trauma, eyelid reconstruction can also come into play with conditions such as droopy eyelids or entropion/ectropion. The team at Consultants in Ophthalmic & Facial Plastic Surgery utilizes a variety of surgical techniques to obtain the best results.

Eyelid Reconstruction Methods

The most frequent need for eyelid reconstruction is after the removal of skin cancer. On the eyelids, surgical excision is the preferred method for management of most eyelid and facial skin cancers. The majority of skin cancers on the eyelids are either basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas.

One of the most effective methods for removal of these skin cancers is Mohs Surgery. This technique removes the cancer and immediately checks the outer margins of the removed tissue for cancer cells. If the outer ring is clear, the surgery ends. If more cancer cells are found, another ring is taken and checked. This process continues until the sample is free of cancer cells. Mohs’ Surgery offers the advantages of minimal tissue removal and high confidence of complete removal (with lower chances of recurrence).

Benefits of Eyelid Reconstruction

Reconstruction is typically performed within one to two days after the Mohs Surgery. The complexity of the reconstruction and technique used depends on the size and location of the cancer excision and if a tear duct is involved.

There are three goals for our eyelid reconstructions:

  • To return eyelid function
  • To provide protection to the eye
  • To achieve the best aesthetic results possible

In some cases, skin grafts are required for this procedure. Skin may be taken from behind the ear, from one or both eyelids, the forehead, and/or other areas of the patient’s body. Another method involves creating a skin flap with skin from a nearby area. This skin stays connected to its original blood supply.

Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Reconstruction

If you have been told you have skin cancer on your eyelid, you may need reconstructive eyelid surgery. The extent will be dictated by the size of the growth. Also, patients who have suffered an accident that has damaged the eyelid or the surrounding area may also need reconstruction surgery. Patients with droopy eyelids caused by laxity or weakness of the eyelid muscles may require reconstruction, although this procedure is less complex than reconstruction after cancer excision.

Patients who develop certain types of entropion (the eyelid turns inward) and ectropion (the eyelid turns outward) also need this surgery, with the more straightforward goal of releasing the muscle causing the problem.

Things to Consider

Preparing for Eyelid Reconstruction

Rest assured that the surgeon will do everything possible to make sure that your surgery is as comfortable and as easy for you as possible.

If you are having anesthesia, do not have anything to eat or drink starting at midnight the night before your surgery unless you are instructed otherwise by either your surgeon or your primary care physician. The exception to this role is that you can take her morning medicines with a sip of water. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your surgeon or treating physician will tell you if any modification to your usual morning dose as is necessary.

Potential Risks of Treatment

This surgery is generally low risk, but, as with all surgeries, there are some risks. Serious complications are rare. The risk of losing vision is estimated to be less than one in 5,000 surgeries. Infections are rare. One possible risk is that additional procedures may be necessary if the first procedure was unable to return full function to the eyelid. Also, when skin grafts are used, there is a risk that the graft will not “take” initially and the procedure may need to be repeated.

Operation Duration

30 Min - 2 Hours

Anesthesia Use

Local or General w/ Sedation

Recovery Duration

10-14 Days

Insurance Covered

Depends on Condition

Recovery From Eyelid Reconstruction

Unlike cosmetic eyelid surgery, which involves a relatively easy recovery, reconstructive eyelid surgery recovery is more involved.

  • Patients usually need to wear an eye patch for at least the first 24 hours.
  • Recovery may take up to two weeks for the bruising and inflammation to fully subside.

From there, the extent of the procedure will dictate the remainder of your recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are ready to schedule a consultation, contact one of our Michigan locations and a staff member will reply shortly.

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