Eyelid Retraction Repair

The inflammation that occurs with Thyroid disease results in swelling, fatty infiltration/degeneration, and scarring of the eyelid muscles resulting in eyelid retraction.  Retraction involves the eyelids being pulled away from the eye.  This can range from mild to severe and is different with each individual. In mild cases dry, gritty eyes that feel “sandy” or irritated are the norm - while people with severe cases experience dry spots on the cornea, impaired eyelid closure which can lead to severe eye infections and scarring with vision loss.  Dr. Cole performs eyelid surgery to correct these problems and restore more normal function to allow the eyelids to protect the front of the eye.  Often, significant swelling of the fat in the upper or lower eyelids occurs making the eyelids appear puffy and unsightly requiring surgical correction also.

BENEFITS OF EYELID RETRACTION REPAIR:

• Retraction repair is a safe, effective, commonly performed eyelid surgery
• Retraction repair reduces eye exposure & allows the eyelids to protect the eye
• Retraction repair is done on both the upper & lower eyelids
• Retraction repair is performed with local injections & IV sedation
• Retraction repair employs the patient’s participation during surgery

UPPER EYELID RETRACTION SURGERY:
This surgery is typically performed with the patient sitting in an upright position in order to permit patient cooperation during surgery.  Local injections and minimal IV sedation is generally used.  Upper eyelid retraction repair involves loosening the upper eyelid retractor muscles (Levator muscle & Mueller’s muscle) and the release of scar tissue in the muscles to allow the upper eyelids to come down to a more normal level.  Dr. Cole uses advanced techniques to minimize asymmetry following surgery and to achieve a Ho

LOWER EYELID RETRACTION SURGERY:
Lower eyelid retraction may result in exposure of the white portion of the eye along with the same puffiness, eye exposure, dryness and irritation that occurs in the upper eyelids.  With lower eyelid surgery, the scarred muscle can be loosened and spacer material is inserted to boost the eyelid upward.  Spacer grafts could be ear cartilage or hard palate (upper mouth) mucosa.  Dr. Cole performs eye surgery meticulously with great skill to minimize eyelid asymmetry, but despite all efforts, the eyelids may heal differently resulting in asymmetry.  If this occurs, touch-up procedures may be needed.    Patients often choose to combine eyelid retraction repair with Blepharoplasty to remove excess fatty tissue and redundant skin in both upper and lower eyelids.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How Qualified Is Dr. Cole To Perform Eye Surgeries?
Dr. Cole is a specialist in all surgeries of the eyes.  He has performed thousands of these surgeries – and he performs them regularly with excellent outcomes.

What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Retraction Surgery?
Swelling, bruising, some discomfort and eyelid stiffness is normal and to be expected. These issues resolve over several days with the help of corticosteroids, ice packs, rest and head elevation to minimize swelling and bruising.

Are The Risks Greater For Thyroid Disease Patients?
There is more swelling and bruising with procedures involving Thyroid Disease since the arterial and venous vasculature to the eyelids and orbit is increased.  This makes the surgery more challenging and should be performed only by a highly qualified surgeon such as Dr. Cole.

How Long Will I Be Out Of Work After Retraction Repair Surgery?
Typically Dr. Cole’s patients are presentable and able to return to work within 10 days.

How Long Does Full Recovery Take After Eyelid Retraction Repair?
Full recovery can take up to 6 months.  This varies with each patient as healing is different for each individual.

Will Insurance Cover Eyelid Retraction Repair Surgery?
YES for most cases.  If your case is very mild – it may not be covered.  Check with your insurance company after talking with Dr. Cole.

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BOARD CERTIFICATION

Dr. Cole is a quadruple board certified surgeon which means he has met the rigorous high standards and training requirements of four medical boards.  This involved several years more of specialized training and experience in all four areas – in addition to medical school, internships, residencies, fellowship training and vast experience. Board certification does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it does ensure specialized training skill and expertise far beyond the norm.
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