Restore eye function and protect your vision with eyelid surgery for facial paralysis at New York Facial Paralysis. Dr. O offers expert treatments for difficulties in eye closure, drooping eyelids, and corneal exposure. Whether you need lower eyelid suspension or eyelid closure surgery in NYC, we tailor solutions to meet your needs.
Improve eye closure and
protect your vision
Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis is a specialized procedure designed to improve eye closure, restore function, and protect your vision when facial paralysis affects your ability to blink or fully close your eyes. This condition can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage to the cornea. At New York Facial Paralysis, Dr. O uses advanced techniques such as upper eyelid weighting, lower eyelid suspension, and tarsorrhaphy to address these issues. These procedures are customized to your needs, helping your eyes regain proper function and appearance.
Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis corrects:
- Inability to fully close the eye
- Excessive dryness and irritation of the eye
- Drooping or sagging lower eyelids
- Difficulty blinking due to upper eyelid weakness
- Exposure keratopathy caused by corneal exposure
- Asymmetry in the appearance of the eyelids
- Reduced vision protection due to poor eye closure
Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis techniques
Upper eyelid weighting
Upper eyelid weighting helps you close your eye more effectively when facial paralysis weakens eyelid muscles. A small platinum weight is carefully implanted into your upper eyelid through a hidden incision along the natural crease. This weight works with gravity, gently closing the eyelid when you relax your eye. Platinum is used because it is thin, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and blends seamlessly with the eyelid tissue. This eyelid closure surgery in NYC improves the ability to close the eye, protecting your eye from dryness and damage while maintaining a natural appearance.
Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, enhances the appearance of your eyelids while complementing reconstructive procedures for facial paralysis. It addresses drooping, puffiness, and under-eye bags by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, creating a more youthful and balanced look. The incisions are placed in natural creases or inside the eyelid for minimal scarring. An upper or lower blepharoplasty can be combined with reconstructive techniques like eyelid weighting or suspension to combine aesthetic and functional improvements.
Tarsorrhaphy
We offer eye tarsorrhaphy in NYC at New York Facial Paralysis. This temporary yet vital procedure partially closes your eye to protect the cornea from exposure-related damage. During this procedure, the upper and lower eyelid margins are partially stitched together, reducing the size of the exposed eye surface. This helps maintain moisture and protects the eye from dryness, irritation, and injury. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the stitches are placed comfortably. Once the underlying issue has healed, the stitches can be removed, and the eye’s appearance and function are restored.
Lower eyelid suspension
Overview
Lower eyelid suspension corrects drooping or sagging of the lower eyelid, which often leaves the eye exposed and prone to irritation. This procedure restores the eyelid to its proper position and function through several advanced techniques tailored to your specific needs.
Lateral tarsal strip
This technique involves tightening and shortening the lower eyelid to improve its support. The lateral corner of the eyelid is reinforced by securing it to the inner edge of the eye socket. This helps prevent the eyelid from pulling away from the eye, improving both function and appearance.
Ptosis repair
When the lower eyelid droops excessively, it can impact both vision and eye protection. Ptosis repair involves adjusting or reinforcing the muscles that control the eyelid to lift it into a more natural position. This procedure restores symmetry and improves the protective function of the eyelid.
Palatal mucosal graft
When the lower eyelid needs additional support or volume, tissue from the roof of your mouth (the palate) is used as a graft. This mucosal tissue is harvested and carefully shaped to add structure to the lower eyelid, helping it sit properly against the eye. The graft integrates naturally with the surrounding tissue for durable results.
Platysma free muscle graft
For dynamic eyelid closure, muscle tissue is transplanted from the platysma, a muscle in the neck. The graft is positioned to reanimate the upper and/or lower eyelid, allowing it to move naturally and improving overall eye function. This approach is particularly effective in restoring blinking ability and maintaining a healthy corneal surface.
Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis FAQs
What is the purpose of eyelid surgery for facial paralysis?
The purpose of eyelid surgery for facial paralysis is to restore function and protect your eye. When facial paralysis affects your ability to blink or fully close your eyelids, it can leave your eye vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and even corneal damage. Eyelid surgery uses specialized techniques to improve eye closure and safeguard your vision. In addition to functional benefits, the procedure can also enhance the cosmetic appearance of your eyelids.
Is eyelid surgery for facial paralysis painful?
Most eyelid surgery procedures for facial paralysis are not painful. Depending on the technique, the surgery may be performed in the office with local anesthesia or in a hospital under general anesthesia. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising during recovery, but these symptoms are temporary and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Dr. O and her team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you feel comfortable.
How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
Recovery times vary depending on the type of eyelid surgery you undergo. For minor procedures, such as upper eyelid weighting, you may be able to return to normal activities within a few days. More complex surgeries, like lower eyelid suspension, may require one to two weeks of recovery. Swelling and bruising typically subside within the first two weeks, and any stitches used are either dissolvable or removed within a similar timeframe.
Will I still be able to see after eyelid closure surgery?
After eyelid closure surgery in NYC, patients can still see through the remaining opening if only part of the eyelid is closed (such as in a partial tarsorrhaphy). If full closure is necessary, vision in the affected eye may be blocked.
Can eyelid surgery restore normal blinking?
Eyelid surgery can improve your ability to close your eyes but may not fully restore normal blinking if the underlying facial nerve damage is severe. Techniques like upper eyelid weighting and platysma-free muscle grafts can help your eye blink more naturally. However, for cases requiring additional improvement, Dr. O may recommend complementary treatments such as nerve transfers or physical therapy to enhance your blinking and facial movement further.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes, eyelid surgery for facial paralysis is often combined with other reconstructive or cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive results. For example, upper or lower blepharoplasty can enhance the aesthetic appearance of your eyelids while eyelid weighting or suspension restores their function. Combining procedures can save you time and ensure better overall results.
Can I still see after eye tarsorrhaphy?
Yes, if only part of the eyelid is closed, patients can still see through the remaining opening. However, vision may be partially obstructed, especially if both eyes require tarsorrhaphy.
How do I care for my eye after an eye tarsorrhaphy procedure?
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops, ointments, or protective eyewear to prevent infection and keep the eye lubricated. It’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions carefully.
How long does it take to recover from eye tarsorrhaphy?
Recovery time from eye tarsorrhaphy in NYC with New York Facial Paralysis varies from patient to patient and depending on whether the procedure is temporary or permanent, but most patients heal within a few weeks. Any swelling or irritation usually subsides within a few days.
Will eyelid surgery improve my vision?
While eyelid surgery is not a treatment for vision problems, it can indirectly improve your vision if drooping eyelids or poor eyelid closure are obstructing your sight. Procedures like ptosis repair or lower eyelid suspension can reposition the eyelids to prevent them from blocking your field of vision. Additionally, by protecting your cornea from exposure-related damage, the surgery helps preserve your long-term eye health and clarity of vision.
Schedule your consultation
New York Facial Paralysis is a premier clinic in Midtown East, Manhattan, specializing in eyelid surgery for facial paralysis. Led by Dr. O, a board-certified expert in facial nerve disorders, our team offers personalized care and advanced techniques to restore eyelid function and protect your vision. With cutting-edge procedures, including eye tarsorrhaphy in NYC, and concierge services, we provide exceptional treatment in a compassionate, private setting. Schedule your consultation to learn how we can help improve your quality of life with eyelid surgery for facial paralysis.
