Is an Eyelid Malposition Surgery Painful?

Eyelid malposition surgery is usually not very painful. The procedure is done under local anesthesia or sedation to keep you as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Afterward, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the eyes. These symptoms typically subside and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and cold compresses.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You can expect to have at least two appointments for eyelid malposition surgery. The first is your consultation, where Dr. Heringer will evaluate your eyelid issue and discuss the best surgical approach tailored to your needs. After the procedure, you’ll have a follow-up appointment ten to fourteen days later to monitor the healing process. Additional appointments may be scheduled to follow your recovery from surgery.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll start to notice improvements in your eyelid position almost immediately after the procedure, although full results may take a little time. Swelling and bruising will subside over the first couple of weeks, with final results becoming clearer around 2-3 months after surgery. Keep in mind that healing varies from person to person, so while some changes are visible right away, it may take a few months for your eyelids to settle into their new, more natural position.

Can I Combine an Eyelid Malposition Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes! Many people choose to enhance their overall facial appearance by combining eyelid malposition correction with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) , brow lifts , or skin rejuvenation treatments.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Eyelid Malposition Surgery?

Eyelid malposition surgery is a safe procedure, but like any surgery, there are some risks to be aware of. These include infection, bleeding, or scarring. In some cases, your surgery may not fully correct the issue, requiring touch-ups. You might also experience temporary dryness, irritation, or difficulty closing your eyes completely while healing. Although rare, nerve damage can occur, potentially affecting eyelid movement.

Scottsdale, AZ

Eyelid Malposition

Introduction

Introduction to Eyelid Malposition Surgery

Eyelid malposition is a common condition that causes the eyelids to appear uneven. It is not necessarily merely a cosmetic issue; if left untreated, it can lead to ocular or visual problems. Skilled practitioner Dr. Dustin Heringer can repair eyelid malposition at his Scottsdale, AZ practice, restoring ocular health and enhancing facial aesthetics by achieving symmetry of the eyelids.

What is an Eyelid Malposition Surgery?

Eyelid malposition surgery corrects abnormalities in the positioning of the eyelids, such as ectropion (outward turning) or entropion (inward turning). These conditions can cause discomfort, impaired vision, or irritation because the eyelid fails to align properly with the eye’s surface.

Types of Eyelid Malposition

Eyelid malposition may refer to one of several conditions. The most common types of eyelid malposition include:

Ectropion

Ectropion causes the lower eyelid and eyelashes to turn outwards due to sagging. This prevents the eyelid from properly sweeping tears into the tear duct and results in excessive tearing and dryness. The affected eye may become irritated and sensitive to light. As ectropion leaves the cornea irritated and exposed, corneal ulcers can result, which may threaten a patient’s vision. Ectropion typically occurs due to eyelid tissue relaxing with age, but it can also result from previous eye surgery, facial cancer, or trauma.

Entropion

Entropion causes the lower eyelid and lashes to turn inwards. The lashes rub against the eye, causing excess tearing, corneal irritation, and scratching or scarring. This condition may result from the eyelid muscles relaxing with age.

Eyelid Retraction

Eyelid retraction causes the eyelids, either upper or lower, to sit too high or low on the eye, causing increased exposure to the eye that leads to irritation, redness, and tearing. This condition typically results from surgical scarring, low cheek profile, or thyroid eye disease. Eyelid retraction can cause irritation, as the lids cannot properly lubricate and protect the surface of the eye.

What are the
benefits of an Eyelid Malposition Surgery

Eyelid malposition surgery corrects issues like ectropion or entropion, which can significantly enhance your comfort and eye health. It can help prevent irritation, excessive tearing, or dryness caused by misaligned lids.

The surgery also protects the eye from potential damage or infection, improving vision and overall functionality. Beyond the medical benefits, patients often notice a refreshed and natural look to their eyes, boosting confidence and quality of life. Under the care of professionals like Dr. Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, you can expect tailored results that prioritize your health and aesthetic goals.

Who are the
best candidates

The best candidates for eyelid malposition surgery are individuals experiencing discomfort, vision issues, or eye health problems due to misaligned eyelids, such as ectropion or entropion. Common symptoms include excessive tearing, irritation, dryness, or redness.

This procedure is ideal for those seeking to restore eyelid functionality, protect their eyes, and improve their appearance. If you need clarification on whether you’re a candidate, a consultation with Dr. Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery can help determine if this is the best approach for your needs.

Your Eyelid Malposition Surgery Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

The first step toward addressing eyelid malposition is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Heringer at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. During this initial visit, Dr. Heringer will carefully evaluate your eyelid concerns, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms.

He’ll take the time to understand your goals and explain the procedure, ensuring all your questions are answered.

What to Expect on the Day of Eyelid Malposition Surgery

During eyelid malposition surgery, Dr. Heringer carefully corrects the alignment and function of your eyelids. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, so you will be completely relaxed and pain-free throughout.

If you’re having surgery for entropion (where the eyelid turns inward), Dr. Heringer will tighten and reposition the muscles and tendons around the eyelid. This helps stop the eyelashes from rubbing against your eye, which can cause irritation or damage.
For ectropion (when the eyelid turns outward), the surgery focuses on tightening the eyelid and bringing it back into its natural position. This not only protects the eye from dryness and irritation but also helps improve its appearance.

During the surgery, Dr. Heringer may remove or adjust small amounts of skin, muscle, or tissue to make sure your eyelid functions properly and looks natural. The goal is to restore comfort, protect your eye, and enhance the overall appearance of your eyelid.

With Dr. Heringer’s precise techniques, you can expect a well-balanced, natural-looking result that both improves the function of your eyelids and enhances your facial appearance with minimal scarring.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-Eyelid Malposition Surgery Care

Eyelid Malposition Surgery Recovery

You should be able to return to your daily activities within one to two weeks. However, right after the procedure, you might experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort, which can be eased with over-the-counter or prescribed medications and cold compresses.

Keep your head elevated and avoid any strenuous activities to help speed up your healing process.

How Much Does an Eyelid Malposition Surgery Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

At Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Heringer offers personal consultations to assess your needs and provide a detailed cost breakdown. If you’re considering eyelid malposition surgery, scheduling a consultation is the best way to understand the expenses involved and explore financing options.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Heringer?

Dr. Dustin Heringer is a highly skilled, board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery, which has offices in Scottsdale and Peoria, AZ. Renowned for his attention to detail and natural results, he customizes each procedure to enhance his patients’ appearance and confidence.

A proud member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Board of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), and the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), Dr. Heringer is dedicated to staying at the forefront of his field.

Originally from North Dakota, Dr. Heringer graduated summa cum laude from Concordia College before earning his medical degree from the University of North Dakota. He further honed his expertise through two prestigious oculofacial plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery fellowships, performing over 1,300 procedures during his training. His specialties include oculofacial plastic surgery, skin rejuvenation, and injectable fillers, helping patients look and feel their best.

Why us?

Eyelid Malposition FAQ’S

Eyelid malposition surgery is usually not very painful. The procedure is done under local anesthesia or sedation to keep you as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Afterward, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the eyes. These symptoms typically subside and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and cold compresses.
You can expect to have at least two appointments for eyelid malposition surgery. The first is your consultation, where Dr. Heringer will evaluate your eyelid issue and discuss the best surgical approach tailored to your needs. After the procedure, you’ll have a follow-up appointment ten to fourteen days later to monitor the healing process. Additional appointments may be scheduled to follow your recovery from surgery.
You’ll start to notice improvements in your eyelid position almost immediately after the procedure, although full results may take a little time. Swelling and bruising will subside over the first couple of weeks, with final results becoming clearer around 2-3 months after surgery. Keep in mind that healing varies from person to person, so while some changes are visible right away, it may take a few months for your eyelids to settle into their new, more natural position.
Eyelid malposition surgery is a safe procedure, but like any surgery, there are some risks to be aware of. These include infection, bleeding, or scarring. In some cases, your surgery may not fully correct the issue, requiring touch-ups. You might also experience temporary dryness, irritation, or difficulty closing your eyes completely while healing. Although rare, nerve damage can occur, potentially affecting eyelid movement.

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Schedule a Consultation

For more information about eyelid malposition and associated treatments, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Our doctors have extensive experience in correcting this disorder, and patients often find that treatment is surprisingly quick and easy and offers valuable functional and cosmetic benefits.