Plastic surgery involving the eyelids can be either cosmetic or functional. Cosmetic procedures generally improve the appearance of the patient while functional procedures improve the function of the eyelids and can improve the vision or the health of the eye. Most of the surgical procedures for the eyelids can be either cosmetic or functional depending on the patient's needs or desires. These procedures can be performed by specialized eye surgeons, called oculoplastic surgeons; dermatologic surgeons; plastic surgeons; and facial and plastic reconstructive surgeons.
Blepharoplasty
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, over 100,000 people opt to undergo blepharoplasty surgery each year. Blepharoplasty is the surgery to remove the excess skin and fat from either the upper or lower eyelids. As a cosmetic procedure, this surgery is often combined with a brow lift to give the patient a more youthful appearance. But for some patients, the excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid sags and decreases the upper portion of the visual field. For these patients, the blepharoplasty procedure can be more necessary for the patient's function. Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure for either cosmetic or functional patients.
Ptosis Repair
According to the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ptosis means a drooping of the upper eyelid. In this condition, the eyelid can block part of the visual field. This can occur in one or both eyelids; it happens in children because of an underdeveloped muscle or in adults as a result of aging, trauma or disease. During ptosis surgery, the goal is to either tighten the muscle that lifts the eyelid, called the levator muscle, or add extra muscle support to the muscle to allow it to lift the eyelid. The surgeon will try to make sure that the eyelids are even and that the visual field is not affected.
Entropion Repair
Entropion occurs when the eyelashes and eyelids turn inward toward the eyeball; this can happen with either the upper or lower lids. This occurs because of weaker muscles from aging, scarring or infection. If allowed to continue, entropion can cause eye irritation, scratches and possibly infections. Entropion can be temporarily corrected in the office by using sutures to evert the eyelid until the surgical procedure can be performed. In the entropion repair surgery, the surgeon will tighten the muscles of the eyelid, often by removing a portion of the lid. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure as well.
Ectropion Repair
In ectropion, the eyelid turns outward; this leaves the eye exposed and the eyelid unable to fully close. The cornea can become dry, which can lead to infection. Ectropion occurs as a result of aging, paralysis, infection, and scarring or surgery. During ectropion surgery, the doctor will typically remove a small section of the eyelid to tighten the muscles and to bring the eyelid into a more normal position. If the ectropion is caused by scarring, the surgeon may need to use a skin graft to return the lid back to an appropriate position.
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