Eyelid Surgery For Facial Paralysis

Failure to fully close the eyelid, which is one of the most important effects of facial paralysis, is an important factor that affects the social life of the person both physically and psychologically. In the face of this factor, problems such as irritation and dry eyes may occur. At this point, eyelid surgery is often a good solution. This operation helps to greatly improve the person's vision and physical appearance. If you want to learn more about this perfect procedure and have an idea about the advantages of the procedure, you can take a look at our content. We wish you all healthy days and good reading.

What is Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis? In Which Situations Is It Done?

Eyelid surgery, which is a highly preferred operation in cases of facial paralysis, is an operation that greatly improves the personal lives of patients. This operation is performed to correct the loss of the ability to close the eye as a result of damage to the facial nerves. Thus, the ability to close the eyelids is restored, as well as serious dryness and irritation problems that occur in the eye are treated. There are several different treatment methods for eyelid surgery. These methods are generally techniques such as gold weight placement, muscle transfer or eyelid suspension. These eyelid operations are determined according to the needs of the person and the condition of the eyelid. As a result, the person undergoes a perfect and effective operation process.

How is Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis Performed?

Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis is performed with a range of surgical techniques customized to the specific needs of the patient and the severity of the paralysis. Therefore, there is no single treatment method. However, to explain with a few examples; The gold weight placement procedure, which is widely used in eyelid surgeries, is performed with gold layers placed inside the eyelid. Although these layers are visible from the outside, they completely eliminate situations such as dryness and irritation of the eye and ensure that the eye closes comfortably. On the other hand, in the muscle transfer procedure, muscle tissue taken from another part of the face is transplanted to the eyelid. In this procedure, the muscles that prevent the eyelid from closing are improved with the transfer process, allowing the eyelids to close comfortably.

What are the Types of Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis?

There are many types of eyelid surgery in facial paralysis. These eyelid surgery types are completely determined depending on the problem in the patient's eyelid. To examine these eyelid types in more detail;

1. Gold or platinum weight insertion: Placing a gold or platinum weight in the eyelid is a surgical intervention to solve the problem of the eyelid not closing due to facial paralysis. In this procedure, a small gold or platinum weight is inserted into the upper eyelid. As a result of these weights, the eyelid is helped to close. This prevents dryness and irritation of the eye. This surgical intervention is performed under local anesthesia and patients are usually discharged the same day. At the same time, the post-operative healing process is fast and the majority of patients are able to close their eyes comfortably shortly after the procedure. In addition to protecting eye health, this method also offers an aesthetically natural appearance.
2. Palpebral spring placement: Palpebral spring placement, another eyelid operation, is a surgical intervention to ensure proper eyelid closure. This intervention is especially applied in cases where the eyelid has lost its closing function as a result of conditions such as facial paralysis, and is a very easy operation. In this procedure, a thin and flexible spring is placed under the eyelid. This spring then applies a slight pressure on the eyelid. As a result of this pressure, problems such as the eye remaining constantly open and consequently dry eye are prevented. Palpebral spring placement surgery is preferred as an alternative treatment for patients who are not suitable for gold or platinum weights.
3. Levator palpebrae lengthening: Levator palpebrae lengthening procedure, which is a very popular application, is applied to ensure that the eyelid is lifted properly. In this application, it is aimed to repair and lengthen the weakened muscle in the eyelid. In this way, the eyelid returns to its normal position and closes more comfortably. This procedure, which is beneficial for the eyelid, is usually performed under local anesthesia and is applied depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the droopy eyelid and the condition of the muscle. In addition, after the surgery, the patient undergoes a short recovery period and a significant improvement in eyelid function and aesthetics is observed.
4. Lower eyelid tendon sling: The lower eyelid tendon sling procedure is a surgical procedure to correct sagging or drooping of the lower eyelid (ectropion). This usually occurs as a result of aging, facial paralysis, trauma or previous surgical interventions and offers permanent solutions to dry eyes, irritation and vision problems. In the procedure, an incision is made in the outer corner of the lower eyelid, where the lateral cantal tendon (outer corner tendon) is partially cut, re-stretched and stabilized. As a result, the eyelid better grasps the eyeball and protects the surface of the eye. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient can return to routine life in a short time.
5. Modified tarsorrhaphy: Modified tarsorrhaphy, which is performed to provide permanent solutions for facial paralysis, severe dry eye syndrome, corneal ulcers or other eye surface diseases, aims to protect the eye surface by partially or completely closing the eyelid. During the procedure, the upper and lower eyelids are partially stitched together to better protect the surface of the eye. Thus, moisture loss in the eye is prevented. Modified tarsorrhaphy is performed in such a way that the patient's vision is not impaired and the patient's vision is protected.
6. Tarsal wedge resection: Tarsal wedge resection is a surgical procedure to correct abnormal drooping or inward turning of the lower eyelid (entropion). In this procedure, a small section of hard tissue known as the arsal plate is removed. As a result of this removal, the eyelid is stabilized by eliminating the excessively relaxed part of the eyelid. Patients feel a significant improvement in the eyelid and better protection of the eye surface.

Things to Consider Before Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis

The things to be considered before eyelid surgery for facial paralysis are important for both the success of the surgery and the safety of the patient. At this point, the points to be considered before the operation;

• General Health Status of the Patient: The general health status of the patient should be carefully evaluated before surgery. In particular, chronic diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, should be taken into consideration and kept under control.
• Medications Used: The patient should inform his/her doctor about the medications he/she uses regularly. In addition, medications that may increase the risk of bleeding such as blood thinners, aspirin or herbal supplements should be discontinued before surgery in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
• Eye Health Assessment: Before eyelid surgery, the patient's eye health should be evaluated in detail. If there are existing eye problems such as dry eye syndrome, these conditions should be taken into consideration as they may increase the risk of complications after surgery.
• Preoperative Tests: Before eyelid surgery, necessary medical tests such as blood tests and ECG should be performed and the results should be evaluated. These tests help to predetermine complications that may occur during or after surgery.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and alcohol use should be reduced as much as possible or stopped completely before surgery. Smoking can negatively affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Nutrition and Diet: A balanced diet should be established before surgery. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is recommended to strengthen the patient's immune system and accelerate the healing process.Nutrition and Diet: A balanced diet should be established before surgery. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is recommended to strengthen the patient's immune system and accelerate the healing process.
• Detailed Interview with the Surgeon: A detailed interview should be held with the surgeon about the risks of the surgery, expectations and the postoperative recovery process. All questions of the patient should be asked and their concerns about the surgery should be answered by the surgeon.

Things to Consider After Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis

Considerations after eyelid surgery for facial paralysis are important to speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of complications. For this, important points to be considered in the postoperative period are as follows;

• Postoperative Care: Special care should be applied to the eye area after surgery. For this, antibiotic eye drops or ointments recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. In addition, the eyelid area should be kept clean and dry.
• Swelling and Bruises: Swelling and bruising may occur around the eyes after surgery. This is quite normal and usually subsides within a few days. In such cases, applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and bruising. However, it should be done in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
• Pain Management: Mild pain may occur after surgery. Painkillers recommended by the doctor should be used regularly and non-prescription drugs should not be taken without consulting the doctor.
• Dry and Irritated Eyes: Dryness and irritation may occur in the eyes after surgery. Artificial tear drops may need to be used for this condition.
• Keeping the head elevated: During the first few days, the head needs to be kept elevated. For this reason, it is beneficial to keep the head elevated by using an extra pillow while sleeping.
• Eye Protection: Care should be taken to protect the eyes from the sun after surgery. At this point, you should use sunglasses as recommended by the doctor to protect your eyes from the sun. You should also avoid dusty or dirty environments.
• Physical Activity: Physical activities such as heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided in the first days after surgery. Avoiding any movement that may put pressure on the eye area contributes to the healing process.
• Doctor Follow-up: Doctor controls should not be interrupted in the postoperative period. Regular check-ups are important for monitoring the healing process and preventing possible complications.

Advantages of Eyelid Surgery for Facial Paralysis

Eyelid surgery for facial paralysis has many advantages. These advantages provide both functional and aesthetic benefits to the patient. To examine these benefits in detail;

1. Improving Eye Closure: For patients who cannot fully close their eyes due to facial paralysis, eyelid surgery improves eye closure. This helps to protect the surface of the eye and prevent complications such as dry eyes and irritation.
2. Maintaining Corneal Health: When the eyelid is not closed, the cornea is constantly exposed and this can lead to serious problems such as dryness, infection and even corneal ulcers. For this reason, eyelid surgery for facial paralysis protects the cornea from such damage.
3. Correction of Aesthetic Appearance: Eyelid surgery improves the aesthetic appearance of the patient by correcting the facial expression that has become asymmetrical due to facial paralysis.
4. Reducing Dry Eye: Inadequate closure of the eyes due to facial paralysis can lead to dry eyes. Surgery helps to reduce dry eye and related discomforts by allowing the eyes to close better.
5. Preservation of Eye Functions: After eyelid surgery, there is a noticeable increase in eye functions. This increase also affects the way the eye sees.
6. Protection from Foreign Objects in the Eye: Eyelid surgery creates a natural protective barrier for the eye against external factors. This prevents damage from foreign objects in the eye.

If you are experiencing problems with your eyelid due to facial paralysis, you can have a comfortable facial paralysis treatment process by having a preliminary consultation with Doctor Berke Özücer.