The goal of functional or reconstructive eyelid surgery is to improve function, correct deformities and defects, remove tumors, and generally restore normalcy to the eyelid. Reconstructive eyelid surgery is considered medically necessary, though eyelid surgery can also be preformed for cosmetic purposes. Because reconstructive eyelid surgery serves a health purpose, most insurance companies will cover the cost of reconstructive eyelid surgery in full.

There are several different conditions that can be treated thorough reconstructive eyelid surgery. Physical trauma to the eye area may require reconstructive eyelid surgery to restore normal functioning to the eyelids. Other conditions which might benefit from reconstructive eyelid surgery are congenital or genetic traits or those that develop during the course of aging. There are four major health conditions that reconstructive eyelid surgery is used to treat.

The first health condition that reconstructive eyelid surgery can repair is entropion. Entropion is a condition whereby the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate and scrape the eyeball. Entropion is caused by the natural aging process, trauma, and some inflammatory conditions. Reconstructive eyelid surgery can repair entropion through a brief procedure using a local anesthetic. Some surgeons will perform this reconstructive eyelid surgery with laser technologies thus facilitating an even faster recovery.

Reconstructive eyelid surgery can also repair a similar condition called ectropion. Ectropion actually causes the eyelid to pull away from the eyeball, exposing the inner pink lining of the eyelid. This condition can also cause health problems such as irritation, redness, tearing and infections. The main causes of ectropion include: aging, sun damage, burns, tumors, and excessive skin removal during cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Reconstructive eyelid surgery may also be appropriate for patients who suffer from ptosis. Ptosis is a condition whereby the natural position of the eyelid is droopy and limits a person's field of vision. This condition commonly afflicts patients as they age, but people of any age may develop ptosis. With age the muscles in the forehead/brow area can weaken causing the upper eyelid to droop and cause health problems. Reconstructive eyelid surgery can be performed to remedy this condition.

Basal cell carcinoma, or skin cancer, tumors are another condition that can be remedied through reconstructive eyelid surgery. Surgical removal of the cancer is generally done on an outpatient basis leaving the reconstructive eyelid surgery patient with excellent results and minimal scarring.

If you have a medical condition that may be remedied through reconstructive eyelid surgery, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in your area.