Eyelid reconstruction is a specialized procedure aimed at restoring the appearance and functionality of the eyelids following trauma, injury, or surgical removal of tumors. Led by Dr. Kian Eftekhari, our team at Eyelid Center of Utah is dedicated to providing advanced reconstructive solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Causes of Eyelid Reconstruction
Eyelid reconstruction may be necessary due to various reasons, including:
- Trauma: Injuries such as lacerations, burns, or avulsion injuries can damage the eyelids, leading to functional and aesthetic concerns.
- Tumors: Surgical removal of eyelid tumors, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, may require reconstructive procedures to restore eyelid function and appearance.
- Congenital Abnormalities: Some individuals may be born with congenital eyelid malformations that require surgical correction to improve eyelid function and symmetry.
Eyelid Reconstruction Procedures
Dr. Kian Eftekhari specializes in a range of eyelid reconstruction techniques, including:
- Direct Closure: For smaller defects, direct closure involves suturing the wound edges together to restore eyelid integrity and function.
- Skin Grafts: In cases of larger defects where there is insufficient tissue to close the wound, skin grafts may be utilized to replace missing tissue and restore eyelid structure.
- Flap Surgery: Flap surgery involves transferring adjacent tissue with its blood supply to reconstruct the eyelid, providing optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Reconstruction
Ideal candidates for eyelid reconstruction are individuals who have experienced trauma, undergone tumor removal surgery, or have congenital eyelid abnormalities that affect function or appearance. Dr. Kian Eftekhari will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most suitable reconstructive approach based on each patient’s unique anatomy and goals.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from eyelid reconstruction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing factors. Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following surgery, which typically resolves within a few weeks. Dr. Kian Eftekhari will provide detailed post-operative instructions to promote optimal healing and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Reconstructive Surgery After Eyelid Skin Cancer (MOHS) Surgery
Skin cancer can affect all areas of the body, especially in Utah given our altitude. The face is particularly prone to skin cancers, and the eyelids are one of the most delicate areas to treat. When a skin cancer occurs around the eyelid area (periorbital area), it is especially important to have our Salt Lake City oculoplastic surgeon reconstruct this area after the cancer is removed. Dr. Eftekhari may work with a special type of dermatologist – a Mohs surgeon – to carefully remove the cancer without removing too much surrounding normal tissue. After a skin cancer is removed around the eyelids, it is essential that the eyelids maintain their function of opening and closing to protect the eye, and that is Dr. Eftekhari’s specific area of expertise.
The Procedure
If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer around your eyes, Dr. Eftekhari may refer you to a Mohs surgeon trained specifically to remove cancers around the eyes because these surgeons have the ability to remove the cancer while leaving behind as much non-cancerous tissue as possible. The Mohs surgeon will remove your cancer in the office, and then within 48 hours Dr. Eftekhari will perform an eyelid reconstructive surgery in our Salt Lake City office to restore as much normal anatomy as possible for you to retain eyelid function.
Recovery from Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
Our Salt Lake City eyelid reconstructive surgery is outpatient surgery, meaning you will go home the same day. Depending on the extent of surgery, Dr. Eftekhari may need to place a patch over the eye for 24-72 hours. This helps to adhere the tissues together and give the reconstruction the best chance to heal. Bruising is very common around the eyes after surgery, usually lasting 1-2 weeks. Swelling may last 3-6 weeks depending on patient factors. Although bruising is temporarily unsightly, it is a sign of the robust blood supply around the eyelid tissues, which is one of the factors that helps to reduce scarring in this area. To prevent complications post-operatively, Dr. Eftekhari recommends you refrain from heavy lifting – defined as any activity that causes you to strain – because that may affect your wound healing, and therefore may worsen any potential scar.
Results of Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
Skin cancer anywhere on the face destroys the normal architecture of the tissues where it occurs. After our Salt Lake City oculoplastic surgeon has removed the skin cancer, he has to replace those tissues using specialized reconstructive techniques, but there is always the chance of a permanent scar at the site of the cancer removal. Reconstruction has been shown to decrease the size and depth of the scar in most cases, and minimal scarring is always our goal.
Risks of Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
Beyond scarring, depending on how much tissue has been removed at the time of the cancer removal, there may be risks of:
- Difficulty closing the eye completely
- Tearing
- Eye dryness
It is important to trust your eyes with a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized training in oculofacial plastic surgery, as that will ensure the best possible results for eyelid skin cancer reconstruction. If you are interested in setting up a consultation with our Salt Lake City oculoplastic surgeon, give us a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
The duration of the reconstruction surgery varies depending on the extent of the skin cancer removal and the complexity of the reconstruction needed. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to several hours.
Discomfort and mild pain are common after eyelid skin cancer reconstructive surgery. However, Dr. Eftekhari will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
Recovery time varies for each patient and depends on the extent of the surgery. Typically, patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks to allow for proper healing.
Dr. Eftekhari uses specialized techniques to minimize scarring as much as possible. While some scarring may be inevitable, the goal is to achieve the most natural-looking results with minimal visible scarring.
Dr. Eftekhari will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and ensure that the surgical site is healing properly. It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments and follow any post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Eftekhari.
Contact Us for Your Personalized Consultation
For personalized consultation and eyelid reconstructive surgery with Dr. Kian Eftekhari at Eyelid Center of Utah, schedule an appointment today. Contact us to book your consultation and take the first step toward preserving your eye health.