Aging, sun exposure, smoking, stretching, and obesity can lead to droopy and sagging eyelids. These factors weaken the supporting tissues around the eyes, causing the delicate skin of the eyelids to deteriorate more quickly than other facial areas. Drooping or bulging eyelids may even affect peripheral vision, making daily activities like driving more challenging.
A functional blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) might be necessary when sagging eyelids interfere with vision. If it significantly impacts vision, medical insurance will cover this procedure. The Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer determines how much vision is affected.
An upper blepharoplasty tightens muscles and tissues while removing excess fat and skin from the upper eyelids. This surgery can significantly improve peripheral vision by eliminating sagging skin from the visual field.
Cosmetic blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelid or both. If no skin needs to be removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be done, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scars. While this procedure does not impact vision, it provides a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty is the second most popular facial plastic surgery procedure after rhinoplasty, highlighting the importance of the eyes in overall facial aesthetics. With two-thirds of adults considering the eyes as the defining facial feature, blepharoplasty can enhance appearance and boost confidence through a safe procedure with minimal downtime.
Are you interested in learning more about blepharoplasty? Contact us today for a consultation!
Several conditions can cause the eyelid to be improperly positioned, affecting aesthetics and vision. Correcting these malpositions is critical to preventing decreased vision and eye irritation. The primary causes of eyelid malpositioning include:
Ptosis is characterized by a drooping eyelid that does not involve excess skin or tissue. While it often results from aging, ptosis can also develop after eye surgery, injury, or be present from birth. A brief surgical procedure can correct ptosis by lifting the eyelid and reattaching it to a higher position. Patients with excess skin around the eye may choose to undergo blepharoplasty concurrently with ptosis repair.
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, typically affecting the lower eyelid where the skin and lashes rub against the cornea. This condition may cause the lid to turn in constantly or only when the eyes are closed tightly. Aging is a common cause, but entropion can also result from injury, congenital disabilities, and various inflammatory conditions. Surgical correction under local anesthesia involves either tightening the muscles or repositioning the eyelid through a skin graft, depending on the underlying cause.
Ectropion is when the eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner lid. This usually affects the lower eyelid and can occur in specific sections or across the entire lid, preventing tears from draining properly and causing irritation. Common causes include aging, sun damage, tumors, burns, and excessive skin removal during blepharoplasty. If left untreated, ectropion can lead to corneal damage and vision loss. Temporary relief can be provided with artificial tears and ointments. Still, a surgical procedure under local anesthesia is often necessary to tighten the lid and potentially graft a small skin segment for complete repair.
An eyelid papilloma is a rounded growth on the upper or lower eyelid. These lesions are common, particularly among middle-aged and older individuals. While most papillomas are benign, there are rare cases where they can be precancerous or malignant. Many people choose to have these lesions removed for cosmetic reasons or due to discomfort, even if they pose no medical risk.
The primary treatment for eyelid papillomas is surgical excision. Surgical removal is often safer than alternative procedures because of the lesion’s proximity to the eye, especially near the eyelid margin. After administering a local anesthetic, your doctor will use surgical tools to obliterate the papilloma. This procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Some patients may experience mild bleeding or bruising, which resolves within a few days. The papilloma may return even after complete removal.
A chalazion, commonly known as a meibomian cyst, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It presents as a painless, slow-growing bump on the eyelid and can be managed initially with lid margin scrubs and warm compresses to aid drainage. If these conservative measures fail to resolve the chalazion after several weeks, surgical intervention may be required to remove the cyst-like lesion. This procedure involves a minor incision and drainage to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Surgical treatment involves applying topical eye drops and a local injection to anesthetize the eyelid area. A chalazion clamp is used to stabilize the affected area during the procedure. The surgeon makes a posterior incision (inside the eyelid) to excise the cyst-like wall and perform curettage. An anterior incision (through the skin) is made less frequently if the lesion points outward. Suture wound repair may be necessary if the overlying skin has been damaged by chronic inflammation. Generally, eye patches are not required. A combined daily eye drops and evening ointment regimen may be prescribed for one week. Ice packs should be applied for the first few days, followed by resuming warm compresses.
Recovery varies depending on the chalazia’s size, number, and location. Swelling and redness peak within the first 3-4 days and gradually resolve over a few weeks. Some drainage may occur for 2-3 weeks as the wound heals inside the eyelid. Occasionally, eyelids may stick together, especially in the mornings. Recovery from chalazion surgery generally takes longer compared to other minor eyelid procedures.
Eye Associates of South Texas’ ophthalmologists perform these procedures with local anesthesia at numerous facilities across San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Luling, Gonzales, Lockhart, Hondo, La Vernia, and Castroville.
Contact Eye Associates of South Texas to book your appointment at our convenient locations.
From routine exams to advanced treatments, we’re committed to safeguarding your vision.
From routine exams to advanced treatments, we’re committed to safeguarding your vision.
Eye Associates of South Texas delivers premier eye care, LASIK Eye Surgery, and Ophthalmology services in the South Texas region, backed by over 30 years of collective experience in comprehensive treatment and prevention of eye diseases.
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