Eyelid reconstruction procedures are performed due to the loss of part or all of the eyelid. Such situations are the result of congenital defects, accidents or the removal of tumors. This is a procedure in the field of plastic surgery .

The course of the procedure

The procedures are most often performed under local anesthesia and are aimed at reconstructing the protective apparatus of the eye in the most functional and aesthetic form possible. The eyelid defect is reconstructed depending on the depth, extent and location: with a free skin graft of similar color (e.g. from the upper eyelid, from behind the auricle), a skin flap, a skin-fat or a skin-muscle flap. Most often, these are flaps from the nearest vicinity, moved using a specialist technique

In larger tissue defects, it is necessary to use flaps from further areas, on vascular pedicles or, in the case of large tissue defects, free flaps combined using microsurgical techniques. Sometimes flaps are used from the upper eyelid to the lower one with their temporary suturing

Postoperative course

After the procedure, a pressure dressing is applied. After eyelid reconstructive surgery, hematoma, wound suppuration, and wound edge necrosis are possible

Such situations occur due to infected cancerous ulcers, coagulation disorders caused by the use of anticoagulant drugs by older patients, and non-compliance with medical recommendations

In the case of reconstruction after trauma and congenital defects, the rate of complications is much lower. After the procedure, it is recommended to apply moist, cold compresses with boric acid

The stitches are removed after 7 to 10 days. Normal appearance is achieved after about 14 days, and complete healing takes about a month. The final effect of the procedure should be assessed after this time.