Procedures

Blepharoplasty

Reconstructive blepharoplasty tightens the skin around the eyes giving the individual a more youthful appearance. As we age the skin loses elasticity and firmness and begins to sag and wrinkle. Sun exposure often worsens this ageing affect and since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body it is often most evident in this region.
During a blepharoplasty the sagging and redundant skin is removed along with any excess fatty deposits underneath the surface. This improves the sagging skin, wrinkles, and ‘bags’ that many people get as they age. The incision is placed in the natural fold of the eyelid so it is barely noticeable. Lower eyelid ‘bags’ are treated by going through the inside of the lower eyelid in a procedure called transconjunctival blepharoplasty so no external incision is needed and so there is no external mark.

Mole or Papilloma Removal

Moles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by a few different surgical methods such as excision with stitches, excision without stitiches, cauterization, shaved removal, etc. Although laser has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most deep moles because the laser light doesn’t penetrate deeply enough. The exact procedure depends on the depth of the mole and the cosmetic outcome desired. Some people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time. Sun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles. Papillomas are often raised, pedunculated skin lesions that are easily removed. These are generally benign ‘skin tags’ which may be painful if clothing rubs against them. When they occur in the face and/or eye region, they need to be distinguished from skin cancers which may require biopsy or total excision.

Skin Cancer and Skin Lesions

Common to the eye and face region of the body, skin lesions and skin cancers need to be diagnosed early and treated promptly. Usually they are painless elevations but may at times be ulcerated skin lesions. If left alone they can invade all parts of the face and head and some can metastasize throughout the body. Bleeding, crusting, or alteration of the normal skin and eyelid structures are often seen with skin cancers. Usually a biopsy with or without full excision of the lesion is required for optimal treatment. Exposure to the sun is the single most important factor in developing facial skin cancers.

Complete removal of the skin lesion or skin cancer is generally needed and the sample sent for diagnosis and to determine if the entire lesion has been removed. It is important to assess the area and perform reconstructive surgery if it is felt the wound will not heal on its own. Each such surgery is tailored to the individual circumstances of the defect with the goal being to minimize scarring and provide normal function.

Ectropion/Entropion

Ectropion is the medical term used to describe an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. As a result, the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that lines the eyelid may become red and exposed., Entropion is the medical term used to describe a condition where the lower eyelid and eyelashes turn or roll inward towards the eye. These conditions usually involve one or both lower eyelids but, rarely, may affect the upper eyelid(s). Both may cause irritation, discharge, infection and scarring of the cornea (front of the eye), foreign body sensation, and vision impairment.

These conditions are best treated surgically through eyelid tightening procedures and eyelid repositioning so the eyelid retakes its normal movement, position and function.