Q & A
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery consists of procedures that preserve the function and appearance of your eyelids or remove cancerous tissue. You might need it if you have an eye disease, an ongoing medical problem that affects your eyes, eyelid cancer, or drooping eyelids that diminish your vision or self-confidence.
What are the benefits?
Benefits of eyelid surgery include:
- Improved line of vision
- Tighter eyelids
- Lifted eyelids
- Elimination of eyelid abnormalities
- Improved line of vision
- No more eyelid cancer
Blepharoplasty is often a simple procedure performed by Dr. Williams using local anesthesia. However, it can dramatically improve the way your eyelids look, prevent complications, and give you a better quality of life.
What are different types of eyelid abnormalities?
Surgery can correct many eyelid disorders, including:
Ectropion/Entropion
Ectropion causes eyelid tissue to become loose and turn outward – Entropion causes your eyelid to turn inward. It can rub against your eye and feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, it can improve these conditions and reduce unpleasant side effects.
Eyelid retraction
Eyelid retraction can occur in upper and lower eyelids, causing blurry vision, dry eyes, and tearing. Surgery repairs the eyelid abnormalities responsible for unpleasant symptoms.
Lacrimal duct issues
Your lacrimal gland in the eyelids drains tears from the surface of the eye. If you have a blocked duct or another lacrimal duct issue, blepharoplasty can correct the problem.
Ptosis
Ptosis is a common term for drooping eyelids. It may affect one or both eyes and can cause vision impairments or abnormal-looking eyelids.
Dermatochalasis
If you have a condition called dermatochalasis, you often experience loose, excess skin around your eyes. It’s often related to aging and loss of skin elasticity.
Eyelid cancer
Eyelid cancer might appear as a bump or discolored tissue. It can spread and be dangerous if left untreated.
Is blepharoplasty right for me?
Dr. Williams discusses your symptoms, medical history, and desired outcome to determine if blepharoplasty is the best option for you. She examines your eyelids and may recommend you complete vision testing, biopsies, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic procedures.
What should I expect during the procedure?
Right before surgery at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants, your provider gives you local anesthesia and a sedative if needed to help you relax. Dr. Williams removes, repairs, or replaces eyelid tissues, depending on the type of eyelid or vision problem you have.
What happens after surgery?
After undergoing surgery, your lids may be tender, sore, red, and swollen. Have a friend or family member drive you home and protect your eyelids from the sun. Take medications as directed and follow all of Dr. Williams’ post-surgery instructions.
Over time, as your eyelids heal, you can expect healthier, younger-looking eyelids.
To find out if eyelid surgery is right for you, call the nearest Chicago Oculofacial Consultants office or book an appointment online today.