Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery – Including Blepharoplasty, Ectropion, Entropion, and Eyelid Ptosis
Blepharoplasty, Ectropion or Entropion Repair, and Eyelid Ptosis Repair are all reconstructive eyelid surgeries commonly performed by oculoplastic surgeons such as Dr. Hoenig, physicians with advanced training and specialization in plastic surgery relating to the eyes and their surrounding structures. As a general rule, insurance companies will cover part of the costs of reconstructive eyelid surgery when the condition impairs your ability to see, results from tumor or trauma, or causes secondary conditions such as eye infection or chronic irritation.
Blepharoplasty – Excess upper eyelid skin hanging down over the eyelashes may interfere with vision. The droopiness of the eyelids leads to reflexive forehead wrinkling, headache from forehead muscle contraction, and eye fatigue. If vision is not significantly impaired, blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic eyelid surgery and insurance coverage is not applicable. A simple 30-minute operation by an oculoplastic surgeon like Dr Hoenig remedies the problem by removing the excess skin.
Ectropion – The lower eyelid turns outward causing redness, irritation, watery eyes, infection, crusting, vision impairment, and damage to the cornea (surface of the eye). This is usually a result of facial aging, although injury, tumor, or Bell’s Palsy can also cause ectropion. Repair of the supporting structures of the eyelid by an oculoplastic surgeon easily corrects this problem.
Entropion – The eyelid rolls in causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. Entropion is caused by laxity of the eyelid and/or spasm of the eyelid muscle and may produce tearing, infection, vision impairment, and damage to the cornea (surface of the eye). Repair of the supporting structures of the eyelid by an oculoplastic surgeon easily corrects this problem.
Eyelid Ptosis– Droopiness (ptosis) or sagging of the upper eyelid caused by injury to the muscle, congenital defect, muscle disorders, nerve disorders, or aging can obstruct vision when severe and create a tired or aged appearance. Eyelid ptosis may also cause excessive forehead wrinkling, headaches from forehead muscle contraction, tipping back of the head to improve vision, and eye fatigue. A simple 30-minute procedure by an oculoplastic surgeon can correct this problem by repairing the muscle and supporting the eyelid.
If you are interested in learning more about reconstructive eyelid surgery and facial reconstructive surgery, please feel free to contact us for more information.