Removal of Eyelid Lesion
Growths or lesions can occur on both the upper and lower eyelids. Sometimes these lesions may cause irritation or itching around your eye and can be removed. This can be done in the office under local anesthesia in under 5 minutes.
The Procedure
Eyelid lesions can occur on the skin of the upper or lower eyelids, or closer to the eyelashes (the eyelid margin). Careful attention is required to remove these as there are blood vessels that run parallel to the eyelid margin.
Dr. Eftekhari will first numb your eyelids using lidocaine or a similar anesthetic. There is discomfort for a few seconds and the eyelid will be numb. Using fine microsurgical instruments, he will remove your lesion and then use a fine hi-temperature device to cauterize the wound. The wound is then dressed with antibiotic ointment.
Recovery After The Removal
Removing an eyelid lesion usually results in minimal bruising or scarring. If you are on blood thinners, stopping these 3 days before the procedure will help to reduce bruising and swelling. If you take aspirin, consider stopping this 10 days before the procedure. You need to get permission from your primary care doctor regarding stopping these medications. After your procedure, Dr. Eftekhari will ask you to place a small dab of antibiotic ointment on the wound for about 5 days. The biopsy site will heal on its own over 1-2 weeks. If Dr. Eftekhari sends your eyelid lesion to a pathologist to check it, results are usually back within a week and someone from the office will call you with the result if it’s abnormal, or send a letter if it’s normal.