Medical Conditions That May Require Eyelid Surgery
Ptosis
More commonly referred to as eyelid drooping, ptosis can exist from birth or develop as you age. Some eyelid drooping is expected to occur as you age and your skin no longer produces the same amount of elastin and collagen that it did when you were younger, but eyelids that wrinkle and droop in general are not considered serious medical conditions and eyelid surgery to improve the look of the eyes is considered cosmetic. Ptosis doesn’t refer to mild cases of eyelid wrinkles or drooping, but instead to cases where the dropping of your eyelid is severe enough to impair vision. If your eyelids are drooping enough that your vision is impaired, eyelid surgery can lift excess eyelid skin to restore your vision. Eyelid surgery will elevate and tighten the muscles that control your eyelids and will remove excess skin and fat. This will reduce eyelid droop and restore eyelid function.
Ectropion And Entropion
Ectropion is a condition where the rim of the eyelid turns up too much, making your eyelashes go too far up. Although this may sound insignificant, it reduces the functionality of eyelashes, which is to keep debris out of your eyes. A person with ectropion will likely experience difficulty closing their eyelids, eye discomfort, dry eyes, excessive tearing, and more. Entropion is also a condition where the lash line is not properly aligned, but in this case, the eyelashes curl inward. This can cause all of the same eye issues as ectropion, but it can also cause corneal damage (such as sores, ulcers, infections, or scratches) from the eyelashes rubbing on the eye. Eyelid surgery can correct the lid position so that your eyelashes function properly and protect your eyes.
Eyelid Cancer
Eyelid cancer is a form of skin cancer that is surprisingly common. When a person applies sunscreen, the eyelids are often not included nor are the eyelids often covered when you go outside. The excess UV exposure to the eyelids puts the thin skin of your eyelids at risk of developing cancer. Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with eyelid surgeries, but other forms of cancer may involve different forms of treatment.
Eyelid Surgery To Address Medical Eyelid Issues
Some problems with your eyelids can be solved using medications, but others require surgery. If you have an infection, it’s simple enough to take antibiotics, but issues such as eyelid cancer, ectropion and entropion, and ptosis typically all require surgical intervention. If you want to address issues caused by these conditions, schedule a consultation with Okanagan Health Surgical. Our team of skilled doctors and surgeons will assess your eye condition and recommend the appropriate eyelid surgery. To set up a consultation, contact Okanagan Health Surgical at 1-250-868-9799 or fill out the online contact form and we will discuss your surgery, recovery, and results.
FAQ
Q: Are there any risks to eyelid surgery that I should be aware of?
A: All forms of surgery come with some associated risks. As with all surgeries, there is a risk of scarring and infection, but if you follow your surgeon's instructions after eyelid surgery you will minimize your risk of healing complications. After eyelid surgery, you may experience some pain and puffiness while you heal. To learn more, read 7 Eyelid Surgery Risks You Should Be Aware Of.
Q: Can eyelid surgery be cosmetic?
A: Yes, many people chose cosmetic eyelid surgery as a form of anti-aging facial surgery for a more youthful and alert appearance. If you want to address cosmetic concerns as well as medical ones, speak with a surgeon at Okanagan Health Surgical.
Q: How long will it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
A: You can typically return to work and other daily activities between 5 to 10 days after eyelid surgery. Bruising should fade within 2 or 3 weeks and swelling should decrease by about week 8. Scarring may take close to a year to fade.
