Plastic Surgeons perform eyelid surgery for either cosmetic
The four most common types of eyelid surgery are blepharoplasty, entropion repair, ectropian repair, and ptosis repair.
- Blepharoplasty – Blepharoplasty is performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons and involves removing the excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids, or both. Over 100,000 people choose to have blepharoplasty each year.
- Entropion repair – When the eyelids and eyelashes on either the upper or lower eyelid turn in toward the eye, entropion repair can correct the problem. Entropion typically occurs from aging, scarring or infection which results in weaker eyelid muscles. During an entropion repair operation, your Oakland surgeon will tighten the muscles of the eyelid, and may need to remove a portion of the lid. This can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
- Ectropian repair – With ectropion, the eyelid cannot fully close, leaving the eye exposed. This can lead to a dry cornea, which can cause infection. A result of aging, infection, paralysis, scarring, or surgery, ectropion surgery tightens the muscles moving the eyelid back into its normal position.
- Ptosis repair – Drooping of the eyelid, called ptosis, occurs as a result of aging, disease, or trauma. Children may also have this condition because of underdeveloped muscles. Because the dropping eyelid can impact the visual field, patients seek ptosis repair to improve their vision. In ptosis surgery, the surgeon tightens the muscle, called the levator muscle, responsible for lifting the eyelid. Your physician may also add extra muscle in order to enable it to lift the eyelid.
If you are considering Eyelid Surgery for either cosmetic or medical purposes, talk with Dr. Moulton-Barrett about which of these procedures will be the most beneficial for your needs.