Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can be performed for cosmetic or medical reasons. There are several medical reasons that reconstructive (ophthalmic) eyelid surgery may be considered. If the position of the eyelids interferes with your field of vision, it may be necessary to remove some tissue to regain a full visual field. Certain medical eye conditions or injuries may also necessitate a reconstructive procedure.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery removes the excess fat and wrinkled, drooping skin of the upper eyelids that can result in a tired or sad-looking face. A lower lid blepharoplasty tightens the lower eyelid skin and can also eliminate bags under the eyes. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can correct problems resulting from aging, as well as inherited traits that can effect some patients as early as their 20s or 30s. This procedure can be performed under local anesthetic for many patients.

Reasons to consider cosmetic eyelid surgery:

• Dark circles or large bags below the eyes.
• Excessive skin or wrinkles around the eyelids leading to a puffy appearance.

Reasons for reconstructive (ophthalmic) eyelid surgery:

• The position of the eyelids or excess skin around the eyes interferes with a full range of peripheral vision.
• To treat eyelid lesions, alterations due to inflammatory processes such as Grave’s disease, blepharochalasis, and floppy eyelid syndrome.
• To address damage from trauma to the eyelids.
• To repair damage from ptosis (drooping eyelids). In children, ptosis can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye).

Most reconstructive (ophthalmic) procedures are covered by insurance. However, cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally considered an elective procedure and not covered. For more information, call 800.472.0033.

The orbit is the part of your skull that contains and houses the eye and all the associated structures that support the function of the eye, including muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The eye and these other structures are surrounded by fat, which acts as cushion to protect the eye.

The Eye and Orbit
A variety of problems can occur in the eye socket that affects the function of the eye. These processes range from inflammatory disease, like thyroid-associated orbitopathy (as seen in patients with Graves’ disease), to tumors, infections, and injuries from trauma to the orbit or eye. When these problems occur, patients often experience double vision, loss of vision, pain, and/or swelling.

Under the care of our skilled physicians, the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin offers comprehensive eye care, including even the most rare or complicated orbital or facial reconstructive treatments. For more information on our Orbital and Reconstructive Surgery options and to schedule a consultation, call us at 800-472-0033 or request an appointment online here.