What is an eyelid implant?
An eyelid implant is an operation to make the upper eyelid heavier so that it will close with the help of gravity. The facial (or 7th cranial) nerve is responsible for closing the eye. The oculomotor (or 3rd cranial) nerve is responsible for opening the eye. When the facial nerve is injured, the eye will still open, but it usually have difficulty closing. When this is the case, one must take precautions to protect and lubricate the eye, either with a terrarium (a clear plastic shield that helps the eye retain moisture), saline eye drops or lubricant. It is also helpful to tape the eye shut before going to bed at night.
Who is a good candidate for surgery?
If your doctor feels that the facial nerve will not be functioning for several months, you may be a good candidate for eyelid implant surgery. If you have a history of glaucoma, your doctor may make other recommendations. |
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How is an eyelid implant performed?
The surgeon will make a small incision in the horizontal crease that is found in most people midway up the upper lid. A small pocket is created deep to the skin and muscle of the eyelid around the upper lashes. A weight made of 14 carat surgical gold is placed in the pocket, and the incision is closed with dissolving sutures. Eyelid implants can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Either way, it is typically a day surgery procedure. The operation lasts for less than an hour.
What is the recovery from surgery like?
Recovery from eyelid implant surgery involves several phases. If general anesthesia is used, you may experience some nausea for the first 24 hours, and you should avoid eating substantial amounts of food. Slight oozing may occur around the incisions. Most people get some bruising and swelling around the eye, which tends to reach a maximum about 48 hours after surgery. Occasionally, the eye may swell shut for a day or so. Limiting strenuous activity and keeping the head elevated will cut down on much of the swelling. The bruising resolves in about 7-9 days. Placing a cool pad over the eyes for the first 48 hours will help with the bruising. Most of the swelling is gone by two weeks. |
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When should I come back to the doctor?
Since the sutures dissolve by themselves, there is some leeway about when you may come back to the doctor for a check up. If the gold weight becomes unnecessary after the face recovers nerve function, it may be easily removed in the office.
When can I go back to work?
Workers that perform heavy tasks should avoid work for a week or so. After about a week, patients may resume their normal exercise routines. Some office-type workers are able to return to work after 4-5 days to read mail, make phone calls and do some work with the computer.
Will my insurance pay for this?
Most insurance companies consider eyelid implant a functional procedure and do provide coverage.
