The term eyelid surgery encompasses a wide range of cosmetic and functional procedures performed around the eyes. Whether restoring a more youthful appearance to the face or repairing trauma to the eyes, our skilled oculoplastic surgeon offers a wide variety of surgeries to reconstruct the natural appearance of the eye area.
Eyelid Surgery at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
At your initial consultation with Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our oculoplastic surgeon will collect a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to determine which type of eyelid surgery you could benefit from.
They will discuss the goals and expectations you have related to your eye surgery and address any questions or concerns you may have to ensure you feel confident before moving forward.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Our oculoplastic surgeon specializes in a broad range of eyelid surgeries to address the near-complete spectrum of eye conditions our patients may experience. We will always work with you to understand your goals and decide upon the best approach together as a team.
Upper Lid Surgery
An upper lid surgery, also known as an upper blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and tissue from the upper eyelids. Candidates for this procedure may have overhanging skin that obstructs their vision, or they may want the procedure for cosmetic purposes to reduce the signs of aging.
Before Upper Lid Surgery
After Upper Lid Surgery
Lower Lid Surgery
A lower lid surgery, also known as a lower blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to address excess skin and dark bags under the eyes. Patients seeking lower lid surgery often have droopy eyelids, puffy bags, or excess skin and wrinkles in this region. During this procedure, one of our specialists can sculpt the prolapsed fat and excess skin under the eyes to achieve a more rested appearance, dramatically reducing signs of aging.
Before Lower Lid Surgery
After Lower Lid Surgery
Eyebrow Surgery
Eyebrow surgeries raise the eyebrows to achieve a variety of aesthetic benefits, including lifting sagging skin, smoothing lines, and making the brows appear more symmetrical. Candidates for an eyebrow lift may have prominent sagging brows or significant forehead lines. There are various types of eyebrow surgeries, and which type of brow lift you receive will depend on your initial consultation.
Before Eyebrow Surgery
After Eyebrow Surgery
Eyelid Malposition Surgery
An eyelid malposition surgery is a technique used to correct an abnormal or uneven positioning of the eyelids. Your eyelids may be in an irregular location due to aging, trauma, scarring, a previous surgery, or paralysis of a facial nerve. Any of these conditions may result in discomfort, vision problems, a burning sensation, or eye irritation.
You may be a candidate for an eyelid malposition surgery if you’re experiencing:
Eyelid retraction: when your upper eyelid is unnaturally high or your lower eyelid is abnormally low
Ptosis: when your upper eyelid is drooping
Before Eyelid Malposition Surgery
After Eyelid Malposition Surgery
Entropion: when your eyelid has turned inwards
Before Eyelid Malposition Surgery
After Eyelid Malposition Surgery
Ectropion: when your eyelid has turned outwards
Before Eyelid Malposition Surgery
After Eyelid Malposition Surgery
Mohs Reconstruction Surgery
Mohs reconstruction surgery is performed to restore your eyelid appearance and rebuild facial features that may have been affected during the excision of your skin cancer. You may be a candidate for Mohs reconstruction surgery if you have recently undergone Mohs surgery and are seeking to reconstruct your eyelids.
Before Mohs Reconstruction Surgery
After Mohs Reconstruction Surgery
Orbital Surgeries
Evisceration, Enucleation, and Prosthetic Eye Surgery
Evisceration is an orbital procedure where certain structures in the eye are removed, preserving the white part of the eye’s sclera and the eye muscles. Enucleation is a surgery where the entire eyeball is removed. You may be a candidate for evisceration or an enucleation if you:
- Recently experienced severe trauma to an eye
- Have an intraocular tumor
- Are experiencing pain in a blind eye
- Have a severe infection
- Want to improve the cosmetic appearance of a disfigured eye
Evisceration and enucleation procedures are performed to prepare your eyes for prosthetic eye surgery, which involves the placement of an orbital implant into your socket. The purpose of the implant and prosthetic is to replace the lost volume from the eye to regain a more natural-looking appearance.
Lacrimal Surgery
Lacrimal surgery encompasses procedures that treat problems with the tear ducts system, such as blockages, tears, and excessive tearing. Many lacrimal surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning the patient will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Among the most frequently performed lacrimal surgeries include dacryocystorhinostomy, balloon dacryoplasty, or lacrimal stenting. You may be a candidate for this procedure if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Eye irritation
- Excessive eye watering
- Significant crusting around the eye
- Swelling and tenderness around your eye
- Mucus discharge
Eyelid Surgery Preoperative Instructions
A detailed instruction sheet will be provided prior to and after your surgery, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Obtain Supplies
It may be helpful to obtain some supplies before your surgery to facilitate the healing process, including:
- Saline
- Warm compresses
- 4 x 4 sterile gauze
- Preservative-free artificial tears and gel/ointment (i.e., Systane, Genteal, Refresh)
- Over-the-counter Tylenol/Acetaminophen
- Ice packs
Abstain from Food or Drinks
Since you will be placed under local or general anesthesia during your eyelid surgery, remember to eat and drink nothing at least eight hours before your procedure.
Avoid Blood Thinners
For at least seven days before your scheduled procedure, avoid any over the counter blood thinners, including:
- Aspirin
- NSAIDS: Aleve, Motrin, Advil
- Large doses of Vitamin E
- Ginkgo
- Garlic
If you are prescribed blood thinners, please follow the advice of your prescribing physician.
Find a Driver
Before your eyelid procedure, find someone who can take you home from surgery because your vision will be blurred, and you will likely feel drowsy and sleepy.
Eyelid Surgery Postoperative Instructions
Following your eyelid surgery at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, you will likely be prescribed antibiotic ophthalmic drops or ointment to apply to the incision site. Depending on your procedure, you may also be prescribed pain medication, anti-nausea medication, oral antibiotics, or oral steroids. If you require your sutures to be removed, this will be done 7-12 days after your surgery.
Immediately after your surgery, you should eat a light meal and apply ice and warm compresses. In the weeks following your procedure, you should expect:
- Bruising and swelling: will likely occur in your upper and lower eyelid area and extend down to the cheek for about two to four weeks.
- Blurred vision: your vision will be blurry for the first few days after surgery, and ointment may exacerbate this blurriness. You will not be able to drive for at least a week unless stated otherwise.
- Lifestyle and activity limitations: you will need to avoid sun exposure, wearing makeup, and using contact lenses for at least three to four weeks. You will also need to avoid swimming or immersing your head in water for the first two weeks following surgery, as well as bending, lifting, or engaging in strenuous activity. You can shower and wash your hair one day after surgery, but avoid water directly touching the surgical site for the first week.
- Sleeping modifications: you will need to wear a protective eye shield at bedtime to avoid rubbing your eyes for at least two weeks. It may also be beneficial to sleep on your back with your head elevated on several pillows for the first week.
Tearing, redness, mild bleeding, and moderate pain may also be expected after surgery. However, if there is a significant increase in these symptoms or persistent bleeding, there may be a postoperative problem. In this case, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
Most patients find that their incision site heals well after three to four weeks. However, some patients may develop scar tissues along with their incision site, which may take several months to entirely resolve.
Meet Our Oculoplastic Surgeon
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, you will have the benefit of working with Aimee Lam, MD, our highly esteemed oculoplastic surgeon. A specialist in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Lam is currently a member of both the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
