Oculoplastics

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance and function of your eyelids. As we age, the skin around our eyes gradually loses elasticity, and gravity can cause excess skin to accumulate on the upper and lower eyelids. 

This procedure can reduce bagginess from your lower eyelids and remove excess skin from your upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty may be right for you if you experience drooping upper eyelids that interfere with your vision, or if you have bags under your eyes that make you look tired or older than you feel. The procedure can be performed on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your needs.

What to Expect During Blepharoplasty

During upper blepharoplasty, your eye surgeon makes small incisions in the natural crease of your upper eyelid, where they will be hidden when your eyes are open. Excess skin and protruding fat are carefully removed or repositioned. 

For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made just below your lower eyelash line, or sometimes on the inside of your lower eyelid. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on whether both upper and lower eyelids are treated.

Most patients experience some swelling and bruising after surgery, but these effects are temporary. Many people feel comfortable returning to normal activities within 10 to 14 days. The results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with upper eyelid surgery often lasting anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime.

Ptosis Repair

Ptosis is a condition where your upper eyelid droops or sags over your eye. This drooping can limit your vision or block it completely, depending on its severity. Ptosis can be present from birth or develop later in life due to weakening of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid.

Common symptoms of ptosis include excessive tearing, tiredness around your eyes, decreased vision, and the feeling that you need to tilt your head back to see clearly. Children with ptosis may develop the habit of tipping their heads back to see beyond their drooping eyelids.

How Does Ptosis Repair Work?

Ptosis is typically treated with surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon works to tighten the levator muscle that raises your eyelid. 

The surgery can be performed through an incision in the upper eyelid or beneath the eyelid, depending on your specific needs. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, allowing you to be comfortable while your surgeon restores proper eyelid position.

If left untreated, ptosis can lead to complications such as astigmatism or lazy eye, especially in children. Early treatment is essential to prevent these issues and ensure healthy vision development.

Entropion and Ectropion Repair

Entropion and ectropion are conditions that affect the position of your eyelid, causing discomfort and potential damage to your eye. 

Entropion occurs when your eyelid turns inward toward your eye. This causes your eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of your eye, leading to irritation, redness, tearing, and a feeling that something is constantly in your eye. Entropion most commonly affects the lower eyelid and is more common in adults over 60, as the muscles and tendons supporting the eyelid weaken with age.

Ectropion is the opposite condition, where your eyelid turns outward away from your eye. This exposes your eye to air, leading to dryness, irritation, excessive tearing, and redness. Like entropion, ectropion most often affects the lower eyelid and becomes more common with age.

Treatment Approaches for Entropion and Ectropion

For both conditions, treatment typically begins with lubricating eye drops or ointments to protect and moisturize the eye. However, surgery is usually necessary to permanently correct the problem and restore your eyelid to its proper position.

During entropion or ectropion repair, your surgeon may tighten your eyelid, reposition supporting structures, or remove a small section of your eyelid to achieve the correct alignment. These procedures are typically performed with local anesthesia and sedation, and most patients go home the same day. 

Recovery usually takes about two weeks, with temporary swelling and bruising that can be managed with cold compresses and prescribed medications.

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to eyelid drooping, eyelid malposition, or you have aesthetic concerns about your eyelids, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced oculoplastics team. We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your treatment options, helping you make an informed decision about your eye health and appearance.

Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule your consultation at Somerset Ophthalmology in Troy, MI, today to learn more about our oculoplastic services and how we can help restore your vision, comfort, and confidence!