Eyelids
Dive into the world of eyelid surgery with us, where we understand that every individual has unique goals and needs. Eyelid surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all; that’s why we offer a variety of solutions tailored to meet your specific desires. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your appearance by reducing sagging skin, seeking to correct functional issues that affect your vision, or aiming for a more refreshed and youthful look, our expert Team is here to guide you through the options. On this page you’ll find the most common eyelid procedures, however, this is not a comprehensive list. As always, a personal consultation is needed before your surgery to discuss all your needs, goals and options.
Possible Solution: Blepharoplasty
Excess skin on the upper eyelids can not only affect your appearance but also impede vision, causing a daily struggle. The surgical removal of this excess skin—known as a Blepharoplasty—is designed to revitalize your eyes, bringing back the youthful allure and clarity to your vision.
Blepharoplasty involves carefully reshaping the eyelid by removing excess skin and tissue that causes a droopy or puffy appearance. It is a relatively brief procedure that holds the potential to dramatically enhance one’s facial appearance and improve the field of vision.
Blepharoplasty on the upper eyelids is often covered by insurance if certain criteria are met. However, upper blepharoplasty surgery can also be performed for purely cosmetic reasons, which would disqualify the procedure from insurance coverage.
Lower eyelids can also be addressed with a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Excess skin or bags underneath the eyes commonly occurs in patients of all ages. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in combination with upper blepharoplasty surgery or as a stand-alone procedure to minimize the fullness of the lower eyelids and tighten the skin. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is always considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies and is, therefore, disqualified from insurance coverage.
Possible Solution: Ptosis
Dealing with drooping upper eyelids, known medically as ptosis, extends beyond cosmetic concerns, touching on aspects of aging, muscle weakness, nerve damage, or previous trauma. It’s a condition that impacts more than just the aesthetic appeal, significantly affecting one’s quality of life. The obstruction of vision and resultant discomfort can hinder daily activities, making even the simplest tasks challenging. This issue goes beyond mere appearances, contributing to a sense of fatigue and affecting overall functionality. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, rest assured, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are solutions available aimed at not only enhancing your appearance but also improving your day-to-day experiences.
Ptosis repair surgery is a specialized procedure designed to correct the drooping of the upper eyelids by tightening the muscle that lifts the eyelid and repositioning the eyelid to a more natural, functional position. This operation not only aims to restore the eyelids to their natural state, enhancing facial symmetry and appearance, but also seeks to improve peripheral vision and alleviate any discomfort caused by the eyelids obscuring the line of sight. Ptosis surgery can be covered by insurance if certain criteria are met. However, ptosis surgery can also be performed for purely cosmetic reasons, which would disqualify the procedure from insurance coverage.
Possible Solution for inward-turning lids: Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid, typically the lower one, turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye. This can lead to significant discomfort, irritation and redness. In severe cases, damage to the cornea can occur, which can impair vision if left untreated. Entropion is often caused by muscle weakness, previous infections, inflammation, or the natural aging process, and it poses not just a nuisance but a genuine threat to eye health.
Understanding the discomfort and risks associated with entropion, we offer comprehensive solutions to correct this condition. Our approach begins with a thorough examination to determine the severity and underlying cause of entropion. Based on these findings, surgical interventions may be recommended to permanently correct the eyelid’s inward turn.
Surgical correction of entropion is performed with local anesthesia and sedation in our surgery center. The goal of surgery is to reposition the eyelid, ensuring it rests normally against the eye, thus stopping the irritation caused by the lashes and skin rubbing against the cornea. Our experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Byron Wilkes, uses precise, minimally invasive methods to achieve effective, lasting results, focusing on restoring both the function and appearance of the eyelids.
Choosing to address entropion is not only a step towards alleviating discomfort but also a preventive measure to protect your vision. Our team provides compassionate, expert care, guiding you through the process from consultation to recovery, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome. If you’re experiencing symptoms of entropion, we’re here to help you find relief and regain your quality of life, with treatments grounded in the latest advancements in oculofacial plastic surgery.
Possible Solution for outward-turning lids: Ectropion
Ectropion is a condition characterized by the outward turning or sagging of the eyelid, typically affecting the lower eyelid. This condition exposes the inner surface of the eyelid, leading to dryness, irritation, and tearing. It is commonly associated with aging, but can also result from facial palsy, scar tissue, or previous surgeries. It’s more than an inconvenience; it can compromise eye health, leading to chronic eye irritation, keratitis, and even corneal damage if not addressed properly.
Dr. Byron Wilkes specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ectropion, offering personalized care to restore eyelid function and comfort. Dr. Wilkes will start with a detailed assessment to identify the underlying cause of the ectropion in each patient, which then guides his recommendation for the most appropriate treatment plan.
For many patients, surgical correction is the most effective way to treat ectropion. Performed under local anesthesia and sedation, ectropion surgery aims to tighten the affected eyelid and restore its natural position against the eye, providing immediate relief from symptoms. Dr. Wilkes uses surgical techniques that are designed to be minimally invasive, focusing on achieving lasting results with minimal downtime and scarring. Each procedure is customized to the patient’s specific condition, ensuring that both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the eyelid are addressed. We prioritize not only the restoration of eyelid function but also the overall appearance, ensuring that you receive a treatment outcome that enhances your quality of life and well-being. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of ectropion, let us help you take the first step towards recovery with state-of-the-art treatments and compassionate, expert care.
