EYELID RECONSTRUCTION

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Skin cancer or other tumors are common around the eyes. If there is a defect after an eyelid or eye socket tumor has been removed, the board-certified ophthalmologists of Oculoplastic Associates of Texas in Dallas and Plano will reconstruct the eyelid so that it both functions properly and looks normal. Reconstruction is tailored to each patient based on the size and location of the defect. Oculoplastic surgeons are ideal for eyelid tumor removal and reconstruction, since they are trained in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. The surgeons at Oculoplastic Associates of Texas also work with Mohs surgeons to completely address certain eyelid skin cancers. The upper and/or lower eyelids may be involved in the reconstruction surgery, depending on the patient’s needs. 

Superficial defects or minor growths that have been removed are usually repaired with basic wound care or a few stitches, which should heal in about 7 – 10 days. More extensive injuries or larger growths that have been removed may need more complex reconstruction involving transfer of nearby tissue (“flaps”) or skin grafts. Some patients may need more than one operation in staged fashion to allow healing before the next step of reconstruction.

The main goal of eyelid reconstruction is to provide protection for the eye. The surgeons at Oculoplastic Associates of Texas also strive to maintain the best and most natural appearance while aiming to minimize scars and lines.

Reconstructive surgery is performed to improve the function or appearance of a part of the body that is abnormal because of congenital deformities (birth defects) or developmental deformities (damaged from injury, infection, disease, surgery, and more). Reconstructive surgery differs from cosmetic surgery, which is performed to change the appearance of a normal feature. Patients of all ages can be helped, whether it’s a child born with droopy eyelids that may cause problems with visual development, or an older patient undergoing skin cancer removal and reconstruction. 

For small to moderate upper or lower eyelid reconstruction, direct closure with sutures or the recruitment of nearby tissue may be used. For more extensive reconstruction, we may borrow tissue with flaps or free skin grafts. We also offer specialized reconstruction of the tear drainage structures when needed.