The eyes are often considered the window to the soul. If your eyes look droopy, it may give the impression that you are tired, even though you feel great. We specialize in plastic surgery of the face and eyes. We can restore your eyelids to their more youthful and natural appearance.
Blepharoplasty
When there is significant redundancy of the upper eyelid skin, this can obstruct peripheral vision, creating a medical condition called dermatochalasis. Surgery to remove excess skin is called blepharoplasty and can often be covered by insurance. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes with IV sedation. People can typically return to regular activity within a week. Sutures are easily removed at the one week follow-up visit.
Ptosis Repair
Drooping of the eyelid margin (the edge of the eyelid where the lashes are) is called ptosis. It is often associated with reduced peripheral vision, and its correction is considered a functional or medically necessary procedure. The surgery takes less than 30 minutes using local anesthetic, with very mild IV sedation. Recovery is usually quick, with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Ectropion / Entropion
Ectropion is a medical condition where the lower eyelid droops, causing redness, irritation, and tearing. This condition is most often due to laxity of the lower eyelid support structure and tendon. Ectropion is repaired in less than 30 minutes with local anesthetic and IV sedation. Recovery is usually just a few days, with minimal discomfort after surgery.
Entropion is a medical condition associated with the lower eyelid rolling inward, causing the lashes to rub the eye and leading to irritation and tearing. This condition is most often due to laxity of the lower eyelid support structure and tendon. Entropion is repaired in less than 30 minutes with local anesthetic and IV sedation, using sutures that dissolve. Recovery is usually just a few days, with minimal discomfort after surgery.
Eyelid Reconstruction - Skin Cancer
Skin cancer commonly occurs on the face and eyelids, requiring an expert in facial and eyelid reconstruction. Once the skin cancer has been successfully removed, reconstructive surgery is performed to restore both function and appearance. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic under IV sedation.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Tearing can be due to several factors, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, and blepharitis. If the eyelid is not in the proper position, it can be difficult for the tears to drain correctly. A blocked tear drain can also cause excessive tearing. Surgery can often be performed to reduce tearing, including creating a new tear drain into the nose. This procedure is called a dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR), in which a small incision is made on the side of the nose, and bone is removed to make a new pathway for tears to flow into the nose. This procedure is performed under IV sedation.
Thyroid Eye Disease
In Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), the tissue around the eye is attacked by the immune system, and the result is inflammation and swelling, which is often experienced as redness and pain and/or puffiness around the eyes, bulging of the eyes, eyes that are too open (lid retraction) or dry eye and irritation. As the swelling worsens, it may cause increased pressure inside the eye socket, and double vision due to eye muscles that no longer work together. If it becomes severe, it can lead to decreased vision, when swollen tissues push on the optic nerve. Fortunately, there is an FDA approved medication, teprotumumab (Tepezza), which can be used to reduce the inflammation that leads to bulging eyes, double vision and vision loss. Surgery can also be performed to restore the natural position of the eyelid. This surgery is called lid retraction repair and is performed with local anesthetic and IV sedation. This surgery aims to restore the widened eyelid to normal, leading to more normal function and comfort for the eye.
Eyelid Lesions
Most eyelid lesions are benign, but any lesion that is growing or changing should be carefully evaluated by an eyelid expert. Many lesions can be successfully treated with a minor office procedure. Suspicious lesions should be biopsied to rule out malignancy (skin cancer).
Orbital Tumors & Fractures
The orbit consists of the bones around the eyes and all the tissue in the area, commonly referred to as the eye socket. As in any tissue, tumors can occur within the eye socket, and can be benign, like an enlarged lacrimal gland, a cyst or a hemangioma (an abnormal collection of blood vessels), malignant or inflammatory in nature. Tumors may require surgery, called an orbitotomy, to perform a biopsy. Orbital fractures result from trauma and may require surgical repair if accompanied by double vision or a deformity. Such surgery may involve exploration of the area to determine the full extent of the injury and implantation of various materials to rebuild and reinforce the wall of the orbit.
Recovering from Surgery
Bruising, swelling and soreness will occur 3-5 days after surgery. The incisions may ooze slightly for the first few hours following surgery. Icing the area is essential for the first 36-48 hours after surgery to reduce bruising and swelling, and will help reduce discomfort. Frozen peas layered over a cool, wet wash cloth or gauze is effective and recommended 20 minutes every hour while awake. Some blurring of vision and dryness of your eyes are common in the first few days following surgery.
In most cases, bruising will last about 7-10 days. With some individuals, residual bruising may last up to 3 weeks. Keeping the head elevated at night will help reduce swelling which is often worse in the morning. It is also common to heal differently on each side. Incisions are slightly pink and the eyelids may feel numb for two to three months.
Surgery at Aesthetic Surgical Arts in Eugene, Oregon
