Ptosis (droopy eyelid) surgery
This is a common surgery that Oculoplastic surgeons perform. Ptosis refers to drooping of the eyelid, and occurs in most people to different extent, with the incidence increasing as we age. Ptosis can vary from mild to severe. When mild, it can be subtle and not noticed by the patient or others, or it may affect the patient’s appearance especially if asymmetrical, with one eye worse than the other, causing “uneven” eyes. If the droopy eyelid is severe, it can cause obstruction of the field of vision and the patient will have difficulty keeping his/her eyes open. There are various causes of ptosis and it is important that the patient gets his/her eyes checked to rule out other causes (e.g. neurological) before going for surgery.
Ptosis surgery involves tightening of the eyelid (levator) muscle that is weak, thereby lifting the eyelid and giving the eye a brighter and more youthful appearance. Excess upper lid skin and fat can be removed at the same sitting if these tissues are adding weight to the eyelids.
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Entropion (eyelid turn in) and ectropion (eyelid turn out) surgery
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns in towards the eye. This is common in older adults as the eyelid becomes more lax. This condition causes the eyelid skin and eyelashes to rub against the eyeball, which may cause discomfort and irritation of the cornea (front of the eye). Topical eyedrops and ointment may help provide symptomatic relief but an entropion repair procedure is usually necessary to correct it definitively.
Ectropion is a condition in which your eyelid turns outward. This leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation. It may have several causes such as ageing or facial palsy. Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can help relieve symptoms of ectropion. However, surgery is usually needed to fully correct the condition.
Chalazion (stye) removal
Commonly known as a “stye”, a chalazion is a growth on the eyelid due to a blocked gland. Most spontaneously improve on their own with or without eye ointment. Some, however, may increase in size and do not seem to go away even with medication, and may require drainage.
In the clinic, chalazion drainage is done using a scarless technique from the inside of the eyelid. There is typically a quick recovery post-procedure.
Eyelid lump removal
There are many benign growths that can occur around the eyelid such as skin tags, cysts and moles. Removal of these lumps can be done in the clinic, usually in quickly and painlessly, and recovery is generally quick.
Eyelid cancer removal and reconstruction
Sometimes, the lumps around the eyelid may look suspicious for cancer (there are several types of cancer that can affect the eyelid). The Oculoplastic surgeon will take a biopsy and send for testing and perform excision with wide margins followed by reconstruction as necessary. If indicated, the patient will be co-managed with other specialists such as Oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer) to ensure the optimal management of the cancer.
Eyelid retraction repair
Eyelid retraction is the abnormal elevation of the upper eyelids or abnormal lowering of the lower eyelids. They may be caused by thyroid disorders or may occur as a complication post surgery (e.g. after lower blepharoplasty).
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild cases may be managed conservatively with eyedrops and ointment. Sometimes, filler injections can help with thyroid-related lid retraction. More severe cases may require surgery to relieve the lid retraction.
Facial palsy (paralysis) eyelid surgery
Facial palsy (paralysis) has various causes. The eye may be affected if one is unable to close the eyelids (lagophthalmos) and the lower eyelid turns out (ectropion), with loss of ability to pump the tears normally. This results in tearing, eye redness and significant dryness/irritation (exposure keratopathy).
Medical treatment comprises of sufficient lubrication for the eyes, taping and filler injections. If these are not sufficient, surgery may be required to rehabilitate the eyelid. There are many surgeries that can be done to improve the condition, such as gold weight implant to the upper lid, tightening of the lower lid, and tarsorrhaphy/canthoplasty (procedures to close the eye at its corners to reduce exposure).
Epiblepharon surgery for children/adults
Epiblepharon is a condition in which the eyelid muscle and skin ride above the eyelid margin to form a horizontal fold of tissue that causes the eyelashes to assume a vertical position. It can involve either the upper or lower eyelid, but is most commonly seen involving the lower eyelid. It is common in East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) children.
Mild cases can be observed as they may improve with age. Severe cases with significant number of lashes touching the cornea (front surface of the eye) causing scratches may require surgery. Epiblepharon surgery is commonly performed in children and aims to evert the lashes to prevent further lash-corneal touch.
Eyelid spasm treatment
Blepharospasm is abnormal contraction of the eyelid muscles. It is a medical condition and can cause severe discomfort and impairment of daily activities to the patient.
Our specialists will do a full examination to determine the right treatment plan tailored to your spasm severity and symptoms. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options can be effective in eliminating involuntary eyelid spasms for relaxed, comfortable eyes.
Eyelid trauma repair
Lacerations of the eyelid and its surrounding structures are not uncommon. The eyelids are delicate and injuries can cause pain, swelling and visual issues if not treated properly. Our oculoplastic surgeons are experts in eyelid trauma repair for injuries from accidents, burns, lacerations or other causes, to restore proper function and aesthetic appearance to the delicate eyelids.