Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery

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Reconstructive Surgery

The eye area is one of the most sensitive areas of the face, both aesthetically and functionally. For this reason, congenital anomalies, tumors or deformations due to aging can cause serious damage to the eyelid and its surroundings. At this point, eye reconstruction surgery provides a series of surgical interventions that provide both visual and functional improvement by repairing the eye socket and surrounding tissues. If you want to learn more about this perfect procedure, you can take a look at our content. We wish you all healthy days and good reading.

What is Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery?

Problems can occur in the eyelid due to trauma, skin cancer, infection and tumor. These problems can grow massively on the eyelid or in the structure of the eye and swell the eyelid. At this point, when the mass is removed, collapse or structural disorder may occur in the eyelid. In such cases, the eyelid is repaired again.

The most important difference from aesthetic interventions is that the eyelid is sometimes constructed. During reconstruction, function is restored to the eyelid. Thus, the person will have a healthier appearance. Therefore, it is important to get support from the best surgeons in this regard.

Why is Eyelid Repair Operation Needed?

Why the patient needs eyelid reconstruction surgery should be evaluated individually. In this context, in some patients, more than one problem seen in the eyelid makes eyelid reconstruction surgery mandatory. But in general, the reasons for the need for eyelid repair surgery are as follows;

Inward rotation of the eyelid
Outward rotation of the eyelids
Experiencing vision problems
Loose eye muscles
Weakening of the eye muscles
Congenital eyelid anomalies disrupt the function of the eyelid and also affect its symmetry
Structural defect in the eyelid significantly affects the general appearance

Causes of Eyelid Reconstruction

Eyelid reconstruction can be performed for different reasons depending on the person. However, when the people undergoing the procedure are compared, the reasons for eyelid reconstruction are generally clear.

Presence of trauma such as burns, lacerations or cuts
Problems experienced as a result of removal of tumors in the eyelid
Anomalies or problems that develop in the womb

Different causes do not affect the restoration of the lost function and symmetry of the eyelid. Only the methods used differ from each other.

Eyelid Repair Surgery Methods

The rate of defect in the eyelids also determines the size of the procedure. Therefore, eyelid repair surgery methods are performed according to different problems. For example; As the defect rate increases, the process will gain depth, and sometimes more than one method can be used together. In this context, if we take a look at eyelid repair surgery methods;

Anterior Lamellar Defects

Primary closure is performed with or without undermining. When performing the procedure on the lower eyelid, a vertical scar is left to prevent vertical traction.

Full Thickness Defects

Skin grafts can be full thickness or partial thickness. Although full-thickness grafts look good in their entirety, the larger the area, the better a split skin graft looks. Upper eyelid skin may be ideal for full-thickness skin grafts. Tissue matching will be much better in grafts taken from the opposite eyelid.

Primary repair

It is realized by performing the procedure in the skin fold where the upper eyelid is located and in the temporal region. In order to reduce the tension in the eyelid, the tissue in the defect needs to be carved. For this, the skin fold is used because there is not much skin on the lower eyelid.

Tenzel valve

Starting from the lateral canthus, the procedure ends in a semicircle. The upper and temporal are used and the eyelid is covered. At the same time, the area of the procedure is clear and eyelid defects do not cross the eyebrow. Therefore, the area between the eyebrow and the outer tip of the eye is treated as a semicircle.

Cutler-Beard flap

The cutler-beard flap procedure, which proceeds in two stages starting from the lower eyelid, is performed by making an incision in the lower part of the tarsal plate. In line with this process, it is advanced from the lower edge of the eyelid towards the end of the procedure.

Orbicularis miyokutanöz ilerleme flebi

It is applied as a progression flap that offers functional results in both lids. In this context, Orbicularis myocutaneous advancement flap, which offers very good results for large defects, is shaped starting from the brow curve to the medial tip. Thus, the lateral-based skin flap over the eyebrow is lifted.

Foot sole plate

A bipedal flap from the upper eyelid is used for lower eyelid problems. Although these flaps are functional for small defects, they show very good results with skin attachment in large defects.

Regional wings

The healing rate is quite high in this method. The procedure on regional flaps can be performed in 4 ways. Sliding flap, rotation flap, advancement flap, transposition flap. The general condition of the patient and the extent of trauma are effective in making the choice.

Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Reconstruction

Kişiler göz kapağında estetik müdahaleden ziyade onarım gerektiren durumların varlığında bu yönteme başvurabilirler. Göz kapağı rekonstrüksiyonu için ideal adayların kimler olduğunu merak ediyorsanız kısaca şu kişiler olduğunu söyleyebiliriz;

Those who have had an eyelid tumor surgically removed
Those with anomalies in the eyelid for various reasons
People who have suffered severe trauma such as burns, cuts or lacerations
People with loss of eyelid function
Individuals with defect problems after skin cancer surgery

How Eyelid Reconstruction Works?

Eyelid reconstruction is a type of procedure that can vary from person to person. In this procedure, the plastic surgeon first starts with measuring the size of the problem. Thus, during the preliminary consultation, which methods can be used and the appropriate donor status are evaluated. Afterwards, the procedures to be applied according to the type of problem are determined. However, it should not be forgotten that recovery after eyelid reconstruction surgery does not exceed 2 weeks. After the sutures are removed, recovery is usually seen up to 10 days.

In large-scale problems, the tissues adjacent to the eyelid, the eye area and even the facial area may be treated. While skin is added from appropriate parts of the body, it may be necessary to undergo more than one repair surgery. Your doctor will give you the most accurate information about eyelid reconstruction after the examination. Depending on the extent of damage to the surrounding tissues after trauma, the variety of procedures may increase. If you work with the best eyelid reconstruction surgeons, you do not need to think about this part. They will use the latest techniques and technologies for you. While doing this, he works in a way that will not damage the anatomy of your eyelid and prevent it from losing its function.

Benefits of Eyelid Repair Procedure

The fact that it is one of the procedures that concerns the general health of the person also increases the benefits of eyelid reconstruction. At the beginning of these benefits, this procedure, which will provide many mental and physical benefits to the person, achieves success thanks to the best doctors. At this point, the benefits of eyelid surgery;

The effects of trauma are eliminated.
The person feels better physically and mentally.
Vision problems caused by existing problems in the eyelid are eliminated.
Eyelid ptosis is treated.
Holes and pits in the eyelid are repaired.
The person adapts more easily to social life.
Eye damage is prevented.
Tissue loss and muscle laxity are repaired.
Eye and face symmetry is ensured.
Eyelids are equalized.

The better your doctor is in his/her field, the more your gains will increase. Therefore, it is recommended that you pay special attention to the choice of doctor.

Eyelid Trauma and Injury

The eyelids, which have a direct connection with the eye, are effective in protecting eyesight. For this reason, trauma can occur because the eyelid skin is thin and sensitive. The conditions that can cause this eyelid trauma and injury are as follows;

Defect after skin cancer surgery
Defect seen after removal of a tumor on the eyelid
Problems with previous eyelid surgery
Injuries, cuts and burns
Physical trauma

Each cause also varies the size of the eyelid problem. These problems may cause a large pit or hole in the eyelid. Large-scale problems can be seen on the skin surface. Thanks to the expertise of the doctor, the most appropriate solution is found by performing eyelid reconstruction and reconstruction is performed with partial or complete repair techniques.

How can the Eyelids be Reconstructed?

The degree of the defect in the eyelid causes the repair process to vary. For this reason, the problem can be solved with a few stitches and minor procedures in small defects. In medium defects, skin graft, progression flap and direct closure can be performed. For large defects, several of these methods will need to be used at the same time. The size and severity of the trauma varies according to the reconstruction procedure.

The factors that cause eyelid reconstruction will also diversify the way the procedure is performed. In this context, eyelid functions are restored and asymmetry problems are solved.

Things to Consider Before and After Eyelid Repair Procedure

When we look at the procedures, they are applications where surgical intervention is necessary. Therefore, you should pay special attention to before eyelid repair and after eyelid repair. In this context, the things to be considered before and after are as follows;

Things to Consider Before Eyelid Repair Operation

In order to increase the success of the surgery to be applied to the patient and to reduce the risk of complications, some issues should be considered in the previous period. For this reason, the following are the things to be considered to prevent increased bleeding and damage to the eyelid due to chemicals;

Before the operation, you should fast until the time specified by the doctor.
Blood thinners and herbal teas should not be consumed until 1 week before surgery.
The eye area should not come into contact with chemicals.
It would be good to stop wearing makeup a few days in advance.
Since it will not be possible to take a bath for a while after the operation, you can do your personal hygiene.
To speed up recovery after surgery, it is recommended that you watch what you eat and take supplements beforehand.
Smoking and alcohol use should be stopped a few weeks before surgery.

Things to Consider After Eyelid Repair Operation

No matter how successful the surgery is, some points should be taken into consideration afterwards to eliminate the risk of complications. In this way, you can recover in a shorter time and you will not have problems with your stitches. For this

In order not to increase the pressure on the eyelids, you should sleep with your head up and a few pillows for a while.
Showering is prohibited for up to 72 hours.
The use of antibiotics should be timely.
Medicines prescribed by the doctor should be taken regularly.
Cold compresses are recommended for the first 48 hours.
Hot showers are not recommended.
It is important not to stand upside down.
Do not lie on the surgical incisions and stitches.
Makeup and chemicals should not be applied to the eyelids and eye area for a while.
Avoid sunlight for a while.
It is important not to wear glasses for the first 1 month.
Contact lenses should not be used for a while.
Continuous contact with the eyes and eyelids should not cause infection.
Dirty and filthy environments should be avoided.
It is important to rest for a while.
You should pay attention to what you eat and drink.
It is recommended to drink plenty of water.
Smoking and alcohol use is prohibited for a while after surgery.

What Does Eyelid Reconstruction Cost?

The fact that it is a surgical intervention consisting of various procedures also affects the pricing. For this reason, the price of eyelid repair is lower for small defects. In large defects, the cost of eyelid repair increases considerably. The shape and size of the procedure will directly affect the cost and the use of skin attachment, flap advancement and other methods will increase the cost.

In applications such as skin grafting, donor skin is taken from another part of the body. It is placed on the eyelid and around the eyelid during surgery. Even the position of the lower eyelid and the upper eyelid will change the cost. This is because the doctor uses different equipment, materials and applications. As the duration of the surgery increases, the prices will increase in the same direction. In addition, the factors affecting the eyelid repair price are as follows;

The success rate and expertise of the doctor
Duration of surgery
Techniques to be used
Location of the surgery site
Number of personnel to work during surgery
Extent of trauma
Size of the application area
Whether the defect is minor, major or moderate
Whether or not to add skin
Patient's health history
Degree of difficulty of the surgery
The extent of the patient's ailments

FAQ

Will there be visible scars after the surgery?

Since the success of your doctor's surgery also affects the scarring, the latest techniques and aesthetic sutures are applied to avoid visible scars after surgery. In order for the stitches to fuse without stretching and fade in a short time, a natural result with minimal scarring is achieved when some

How long is the recovery period after the surgery?

You should talk to your doctor to get precise information about the recovery time. Each patient's condition and the methods to be applied to them are different. While the healing time is shorter in small defects, healing will be late in large defects that spread to the face. You can do your normal activities after about 2 weeks. However, it will be in your best interest to avoid strenuous activities for a while.

Is there any change in vision after surgery?

There is no decrease in visual functions. In fact, vision problems seen in problems such as droopy eyelids will disappear. For this reason, if you do not want a negative change in vision, get support from the best eyelid surgery doctors.

Is eyelid reconstruction surgery a cosmetic operation or a medical necessity?

The most important issue that makes eyelid reconstruction different from other eyelid surgeries is necessity. Although eyelid reconstruction provides symmetry in the eyelid and repairs drooping, this is actually necessary for health. It is not an aesthetic procedure such as removing excess skin on the eyelid. Partial or complete repair of the eyelid is performed due to trauma, cancer, birth anomaly and tumor. It is one of the mandatory procedures to protect your eye health, where you will not lose visual functions.

Will there be a feeling of dryness in the eyes after eyelid reconstruction treatment?

Since the eye area has been treated, it is natural to experience dry eyes for a while. To minimize this, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication and dry eyes will disappear as healing is achieved.

Can I wear contact lenses after eyelid reconstruction surgery?

Contact lenses increase friction and contact with the eye. Although the eyelid is treated, not the intraocular area, the contact lens will contact the eyelids as the eyes open and close. For this reason, it is not recommended to wear contact lenses immediately after surgery. Instead, doctors believe that it is better to wear them after healing has taken place. Depending on the size of the procedure and the type of surgery, your doctor will make the best decision regarding the duration.

Can I wear make-up after eyelid reconstruction surgery?

Since the eyelid is thin and sensitive, it is recommended not to be exposed to chemicals before and after surgery. Applying make-up and using chemical products can jeopardize your health even after surgery. It would be good not to wear makeup for eyelid reconstruction until the time specified by your doctor.

Will eyelid reconstruction surgery negatively affect my eye health?

Symptoms such as burning in the eyelids, feeling of dryness, discomfort from light may be seen after the surgery. However, this is a natural process. As the healing continues, these negativities will also disappear. The vision problems you experienced before the surgery will also end in a short time. Thanks to eyelid repair, the angle of vision is widened and vision problems due to droopy eyelids are solved.