Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery can improve both the function and appearance of your eyes, eyelids, and upper face. Injuries, congenital defects (present at birth), aging changes, and tumors can lead to pain, permanent eye damage, vision loss, or cosmetic concerns.

At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, our experienced surgeons offer advanced reconstructive procedures to restore comfort, vision, and natural appearance.

What Procedures Are Offered?

Our surgical options include:

Correcting eyelid position problems: Fixing eyelids that turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion)

Lower eyelid support: Inserting implants to raise drooping lower eyelids due to aging or thyroid eye disease

Eyelash removal: Permanently removing eyelashes that irritate the eyes

Orbital reconstruction: Rebuilding eye sockets after eye removal for patients unable to comfortably wear a prosthetic eye due to scarring

Eyelid reconstruction: Repairing eyelids after trauma or skin cancer removal

Tumor removal: Eliminating benign or malignant growths on the eyelids or facial skin

What to Expect

Anesthesia

Depending on the procedure, surgery may be performed under local anesthesia, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.

Recovery

Most patients return home the same day. Your surgical team will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care and answer any questions about your recovery period.

Who Is a Candidate?

Reconstructive surgery may be recommended if you have any of the following:

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

#1 in the Nation

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Comprehensive Care

FAQ

What types of eye damage does reconstructive surgery address?

It mends functional woes from trauma (lacerations, burns), cancer excisions (lid defects), or congenital gaps (colobomas), restoring blink, tear flow, and protection—think rebuilding a fortress gate for the eye. Beyond cosmetics, it prevents exposure keratitis or ectropion, prioritizing sight-saving over vanity.

How has reconstructive eye surgery evolved with new techniques?

From basic sutures to microsurgery with flaps/grafts from your own tissue (e.g., Hard palate for lids), and now stem cells for socket revival. Lasers minimize scars, 3D printing custom implants—outpatient norms, quicker heals, less pain. It’s artistry meets engineering, tailored via CT planning.

What is the typical process for an eye reconstructive procedure?

Consult maps defects, anesthesia chosen (local for lids), then precise excision/repair—grafts harvested same-session. Post-op: stents for shaping, drops for healing. Staged if complex, like multi-layer burns; patients often amazed at rapid function return.

What recovery tips maximize outcomes after reconstructive surgery?

Ice first 48 hours, elevate head, no straining—lubricants guard corneas. Scars fade with silicone sheets, sun avoidance. Follow-ups tweak; emotional prep via support groups eases mirror shock. Most resume work in 1-2 weeks, vision stabilizing months.

Are there risks, and how are they managed in reconstructive eye surgery?

Infection (1%), asymmetry, or graft rejection—minimized by sterile tech, antibiotics. Smoking delays heals, so quit. High success (95% function restore), with revisions rare; informed consent covers all, ensuring eyes—and spirits—rebound strong.