What are eyelid problems?
The skin of the eyelids contains loose connective tissue, which can sag over the years. Eyelid problems, therefore, include age-related dermatochalasis in the upper eyelid but also eyelid malpositions (outwardly or inwardly turned lower lids) or neoplasms.
The most common conditions include blepharitis, ptosis (drooping eyelid), chalazion (a blocked meibomian gland), and entropion or ectropion, where the eyelid turns inwards or outwards. These conditions can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and, in some cases, impaired vision. Eyelid problems include age-related eyelid skin sagging (dermatochalasis) in the upper eyelid area, but also eyelid malpositions (lower eyelids turned outwards or inwards) or tissue neoplasms.
Eyelid problems are not only aesthetic; they can also lead to an increased or reduced flow of tears or even restrict one’s field of vision. Eyelid surgery can help here.
Learn more about eyelid problems (chalazion, etc.) in this 3-minute video:
How do you notice these diseases?
Your symptoms could be the following:
- You have a “tired” look.
- You have droopy eyelids.
- You have an increase in lubricating disorder of the ocular surface, such as increased lacrimation (epiphora) or an increased sensation of dryness.
- You notice a limitation of your visual field.
- You notice a malposition of your eyelids (outwardly or inwardly turned lower eyelids).
- You have an inflammation of the eyelid margins.
- You have inwardly rotating eyelashes and, therefore, a foreign body sensation or pain.
- You have tissue growths on the lids.
- You have a stye (hordeolum) or a chalazion
If you have these or similar symptoms, a thorough examination is necessary to clarify the exact cause.
The examination of eyelid problems
Depending on the symptoms, further eye examinations besides a visual examination may be necessary. Depending on the outcome of the examination surgery may or may not be required.
In a comprehensive conversation, I will advise you about the necessity of surgery, the details of the procedure, the expected outcome, and possible side effects. It is a major concern of mine to address all of your questions and explain in detail how the surgery will be performed.
The plastic eyelid and aesthetic surgery
I perform eyelid surgery – depending on the indication – mostly as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sometimes as an inpatient procedure. With more than 1,000 eyelid surgeries, I have a very broad range of experience and can recommend the best method for you.
The procedures include blepharoplasty. This will reduce the mostly age-related sagging of the eyelids (dermatochalasis) in the upper eyelid. If the sagging of your eyelids is severe, your health insurance also covers a part of the operation costs.
Blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons to restore the youthful appearance of the eye area or for medical reasons to improve the field of vision, which can be limited by drooping eyelids. This procedure can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to remove excess skin, reposition or remove fat deposits and improve the overall appearance of the eyes.
This eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation. For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid to remove or redistribute excess skin, muscle and possibly fat. In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision can be made just below the lash line or in the inner eyelid (transconjunctival), depending on whether skin is to be removed or only fat is to be redistributed or removed.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but in general, patients should expect swelling that can last a few weeks. Most people can return to their normal activities within one to two weeks, although rigorous physical exertion should be avoided for a longer period of time.
The results of blepharoplasty can be a significantly rejuvenated and refreshed eye area, with less drooping of the eyelids and reduced lower eyelid bags. The results are usually permanent, but of course aging and lifestyle can continue to affect the appearance of the eyes.
Dermatochalasis (age-related sagging of the eyelids)
These include the ectropion surgery, a correction of an eyelid turned outward. An ectropion causes symptoms such as lacrimation (epiphora), inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis) and pain caused by lubricating disorders.
The entropion surgery, on the other hand, is the correction of an inwardly rotated eyelid. An entropion causes painful defects of the corneal epithelium (erosions) and inwardly rotated eyelashes (trichiasis).
Stye (hordeolum) and chalice (chalazion)
I also perform operations on tissue neoplasms on the eyelids, conjunctiva, and/or cornea, as well as chalazion or hordeolum operations.
A hordeolum (known as a stye) or a hailstone (known as a chalazion) is an encapsulated chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin that originates from the meibomian gland or the Zeis gland. In addition to redness and swelling, a chalazion can lead to pain in the acute phase and to a foreign body sensation and visual disturbances due to pressure exerted on the cornea. A chalazion is caused by a non-infectious obstruction of a meibomian gland, whereas a hordeolum is usually caused by an infection.
Some people are prone to recurrent styes, which may indicate certain underlying conditions such as chronic blepharitis, general skin problems, or a weakened immune system. An untreated or chronically inflamed stye (hordeolum) can turn into a chalazion, a painless but persistent swelling caused by a blockage of the gland openings.
Chalazion
A chalazion or stye can be quickly removed with a tiny incision under local anesthesia so that you can get back to your regular schedule the next day.
Aesthetic surgery
In addition to correcting eyelid malpositions and sagging, I perform wrinkle treatments in the facial area. These aesthetic treatments, which use botulinum and fillers (such as hyaluronic acid), help improve your appearance.
If you have questions about eyelid or aesthetic surgery, please contact me.