There are a number of conditions that affect the eyelids, some of which can be corrected with reconstructive surgery. If you’re looking for facial plastic surgery in Miami, we can help.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Plastic Surgery?
If you’re suffering from an eye condition, you may want a consultation for facial plastic surgery. If anything hinders your vision or quality of life, feel free to visit our plastic surgery experts in Miami so we can create a plan to help you.
Plastic Surgery for Eyes
Whether you’re experiencing a natural change to your eyes and eyelids, or you’ve had an injury, cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery could be right for you. Here’s a look at some of the conditions that may make you a good candidate for facial plastic surgery.
Ptosis
Droopy eyelids in and of themselves aren’t cause enough for facial plastic surgery, but when they droop over the pupil they can be. Ptosis can be caused by damage to the nerves that control the eyelids, or lack of muscle strength. It could be a naturally occurring condition or brought on by injury. When ptosis is severe, it can partially or completely impede one’s vision and can be corrected with reconstructive surgery. In this procedure, the upper eyelid will be shortened, and the remaining eyelid stitched back together.
The Difference Between Entropion and Ectropion
Ectropion is a condition common in older adults in which the lower eyelid turns outward. Exposing the inner eyelid out leaves it vulnerable to irritation. The reverse problem is entropion, in which the eyelid is inverted, causing irritable rubbing against the eye. Either can lead to infection and the potential for blindness if left untreated. Our Miami plastic surgery experts can correct either issue by removing a small part of the lower eyelid. The remaining lid is then sewn back together, allowing for tightening of the skin, muscles and tendons.
What Causes Blepharospasm?
Blepharospasms are involuntary, abnormal contractions of the eyelid muscles. While it’s not known exactly what triggers blepharospasms, doctors know it can be brought on by stress or fatigue. It is also linked to neurological conditions such as Tourette syndrome and Parkinson’s. There isn’t yet a cure for these eyelid spasms, but professional injection of Botox can lessen its symptom
Tear Duct Disorders
Some people suffer from clogged tear ducts at birth, and some may experience a clog due to infection, inflammation or disease. It can be a natural health issue due to one’s age, or a lingering symptom of an injury. If antibiotics don’t treat the cause of a blocked tear duct, punctoplasty can open the tear duct manually. Hollow tubes can once again allow for proper drainage between the eyes and the nasal canal.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease, or Graves’ eye disease, is a condition of swelling in the eyes. Other symptoms include double vision, dry, or watery eyes. Reconstructive surgery can make more space in the eye socket for the eyes, muscles and fat, which reduces pressure.
Surgery for Eyelid Cancer and Tumors
Having a plastic surgeon perform the removal of eyelid cancer or tumors can decrease the risk of visible scarring. With the help of a team, including a dermatologist, radiation oncologist, ophthalmologist and medical oncologist, you can decide if surgery is the best course of action for you.
Xanthelasma
Not known to be harmful, xanthelasma is an accumulation of cholesterol under the skin. These yellow spots are typically located around the eyelids, and they can be surgically removed if they’re bothersome.
Chalazion
Another painless lump that can form on the eyelid is known as a chalazion. A chalazion is a clogged oil gland in the eyelid, and it can resolve itself if left untreated. However, it can take a while to go away; a chalazion cyst can be removed via facial plastic surgery.
Anophthalmia
Facial plastic surgery can include the use of prosthetics for anophthalmia, which is a birth defect. Anophthalmia is a condition that results in a lack of one or both eyes. Reconstructive surgery will expand the opening between the two eyelids and allow for placement of a prosthetic eye.
Lagophthalmos
When the upper and lower eyelids don’t close completely, it’s known as lagophthalmos. It is usually not a cause for concern but can lead to eye irritability over time. Whether you suffer from it only while sleeping or during the day as well, a plastic surgeon can alter the positioning of the eyelids so they meet when closed. Or, gold weights can be placed in the eyelids to encourage them to close fully.
Regardless of what your concerns are, facial plastic surgeons of Miami are ready to discuss your desired outcome and come up with a plan.