Eyelid/Eye Lid Surgery-University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center-Ann Arbor MI

Eyelid Surgery

About Eyelid Surgery
Excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids or eyelids that curl inward or outward are common problems. They can cause eye discomfort, and even limit vision. Fortunately, such eyelid conditions are correctable by plastic surgery. Eyelid plastic surgery is usually performed by your ophthalmologist on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Over time, many people develop excess eyelid skin. Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the body, so it is more likely to stretch. In the upper eyelid, this stretched skin may limit the field of vision, and may produce a feeling of heaviness and a tired appearance. In the lower eyelid, "bags" form. The excess skin in the upper eyelids can be removed surgically to improve the field of vision and other symptoms. Removal of the excess skin in either the upper or lower eyelids may improve appearance. If any fatty tissue is present, it may be removed at the same time.

Conditions Which Can Be Treated Using Eyelid Surgery

Ptosis: Upper Eyelid Drooping
Ptosis is a drooping upper eye lid that is apparent at birth (congenital) or develops with age (involutional). A child with congenital ptosis will tilt his or her head backward in order to see, so it rarely leads to poor vision. However, children with ptosis should be examined by an ophthalmologist because they can have other associated eye problems. Surgery to correct ptosis is commonly recommended in the preschool years to make it easier for children to see and to improve appearance. The type of surgery varies, depending upon how much the eyelids droop. Involutional ptosis develops with aging. It may worsen after other types of eye surgery or eyelid swelling. Ptosis may limit the field of vision and produce an uneven appearance. Surgery corrects the problem by shortening the muscle that opens the eyelid.
Ectropion: Outward Turning Of The Lower Eyelid
Ectropion is the stretching of the lower eyelid with age, which causes the eyelid to droop downward and turn outward. Eyelid burns or skin disease may also cause ectropion. When the lid turns outward, this can cause dryness of the eyes, excessive tearing, redness of the eyes, and sensitivity to light and wind. Surgery may restore the normal position of the eyelid, improving these symptoms.

Entropion: Inward Turning Of The Lower Eyelid
Entropion occurs most commonly as a result of aging. Infection and scarring inside the eyelid are other causes of entropion. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind. If entropion is not treated, an eye ulcer may form. With surgery, the eyelid can be turned outward to its normal position, protecting the eye and improving these symptoms.

Preparing for Surgery
General information on preparing for surgery

Before Surgery
If you are planning to have surgery, be sure to tell your ophthalmologist if you are taking aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs, blood thinners, or have a bleeding problem.

After Surgery
You may go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should plan to have someone else drive you home.

A "black eye" is common after surgery, but will go away quickly. The eye may feel dry after surgery, because it may be more difficult to close your eyes completely. This irritation generally disappears as the surgery heals.

Potential Risks
This surgery is generally safe: however, as with any surgery, there are certain risks. Your ophthalmologist will attempt to make both eyes look similar, but differences in healing between the eyes may cause some unevenness following surgery. Serious complications are rare. Scarring and infections occur infrequently.

Contact Us
For more information: Contact the Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Clinic or Comprehensive Ophthalmology Clinic at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center (734) 763-1415.

Click here for a complete list of surgical procedures at the Kellogg Eye Center.