Eyelid Retraction Surgery

Offering perfect results in eyelid retraction, Dr. Be improves the quality of life of his patients with personalized treatment plans. In line with these perfect results, he brings his patients to the results they desire both psychologically and physically.

What is Lid Retraction Repair?

Eyelid retraction repair is a corrective surgical procedure performed when the eyelids are abnormally pulled upward or downward and lose their natural position. This is usually due to thyroid eye disease (e.g. Graves' disease), trauma, previous eye surgery or some congenital conditions. In this context, it can cause dryness and irritation of the eye, corneal injuries and aesthetic problems. In addition, by returning the eyelid to its natural position, it aims both to protect eye health and to provide symmetry and aesthetic appearance in facial expression. As a result of this procedure, the closing function of the eyelid is corrected, the eye surface is protected and the aesthetic appearance is improved.

How is Lid Retraction Repair Performed?

Lid retraction repair is performed using various surgical techniques to restore the eyelid to its natural position. This procedure involves intervention on the muscles, tendons and connective tissues of the eyelid to correct the upper or lower eyelid retraction.

In upper eyelid recession, the muscles that pull the eyelid up (levator or Müller muscle) are relaxed or reconstructed to lower the eyelid to its natural position. In lower eyelid retraction, the connective tissues and muscles supporting the eyelid are corrected; if necessary, graft tissues such as oral mucosa or cartilage from the ear can be used to support the eyelid.

In this case, the surgeon places these tissues in a way that ensures the natural movement and closing function of the eyelid and the procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, often with minimally invasive techniques. This accelerates the healing process. Thus, eye health is preserved and aesthetic appearance is improved.

Treatment Options for Eyelid Retraction

1. Surgical Intervention (Valve Retraction Repair)
   Surgical intervention is the most effective method for the permanent solution of eyelid retraction. During this procedure, the muscles and connective tissues that pull the eyelid up or down are reconstructed. Graft tissues, such as cartilage from the ear or inside the mouth, are sometimes used to support the eyelid position. Surgery allows the eyelid to be returned to its natural position and improves aesthetic appearance.
2. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Application
   Botox can be used as a temporary solution in some cases of eyelid retraction. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles that lift the eyelid up and thus helps the eyelid to fall. This method does not provide a permanent solution, but may be preferred in preparation for surgical intervention or in mild cases.
3. Eyelid Weight Placement
   Gold or platinum weights can be placed on the eyelid to support the natural closing function of the eyelid. This eyelid weight allows the eyelid to close with the help of gravity. This method, which is especially used in patients who have difficulty closing the eyelid, can be preferred as a temporary or permanent solution.
4. Use of Tissue Grafts
   In cases of upper or lower eyelid retraction, tissue grafts such as oral mucosa or cartilage from the ear can be used to strengthen the connective tissue or support the lid. These grafts provide more volume and support to the eyelid, helping it to close.
5. Eye Drops and Artificial Tear Therapy
   Eyelid retraction can cause dryness and irritation of the eyes. In this case, eye drops and artificial tears keep the eye surface moist and protect the eyes from irritation. This treatment can be applied supportively in combination with other treatment options.
6. Radiofrequency and Filler Injections
   For mild eyelid recession, radiofrequency applications or hyaluronic acid filler injections can be performed around the eyes. These methods provide a temporary improvement in eyelid position by increasing the tension of the skin around the eyes

Benefits of Eyelid Retraction Procedure

• Improving the Field of Vision: Eyelid retraction can restrict the field of vision. As the eyelid returns to its natural position after the procedure, the field of vision expands and the quality of vision improves.
• Preservation of Eye Health: Eyelid retraction can cause the eyes to fail to close completely, which increases the risk of dry eye, infection and corneal damage. The procedure reduces these risks by allowing the eyelid to fully protect the surface of the eye.
• Correction of Aesthetic Appearance: Eyelid recession can lead to asymmetry in facial expression and a tired appearance. The procedure improves the overall aesthetics of the face by bringing the eyelid into a symmetrical and natural position.
• Reducing Dry Eye and Discomfort: Eyelid retraction can cause discomfort such as dryness and stinging in the eyes. Repositioning the eyelid reduces dryness and discomfort by allowing tears to be better distributed over the eye surface.
• Increased Self-Confidence: Aesthetic improvement helps patients feel more comfortable and confident. It creates a more positive effect in daily life, social and professional environments.
• Permanent and Long-Term Solution: The eyelid retraction procedure offers a long-lasting and permanent solution when performed correctly. It ensures that the eyelid remains in a functional and aesthetically healthy structure.

Things to Consider Before and After Eyelid Retraction Procedure

There are important factors to be considered before and after eyelid recession surgery. These factors not only ensure that the surgical process is more comfortable and the targeted results are achieved, but also help to experience a rapid recovery process after the operation. At this point, we recommend that you pay attention to the following factors.

Things to Consider Before Eyelid Retraction Procedure

There are important factors to be considered before eyelid recession repair. These factors help the surgery to go better. At this point, the points you should pay attention to before the eyelid repair procedure are as follows;

• Before surgery, it is important to determine the cause of eyelid retraction by performing a thorough examination with your doctor. This evaluation shapes the treatment plan and the technique to be applied.
• Systemic diseases such as thyroid disease and diabetes can affect eyelid retraction surgery. Therefore, you can reduce the risk of complications by sharing your entire health history with your doctor.
• Before the surgery, you should stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen for the period recommended by your doctor. Such medications may increase the risk of bleeding during and after eyelid lift surgery.
• Smoking and alcohol slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended that you stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least two weeks before the eyelid lift procedure.
• Makeup, creams, lenses or any eye products should not be used on the day of surgery. Wearing comfortable clothes and coming with a companion also provides comfort.
• Take care to protect the eyes from excessive fatigue, prolonged screen exposure and irritants before the operation.
• Stress management is important before eyelid retraction surgery. Staying away from stress and undergoing surgery in a relaxed manner contributes positively to the healing process.

Things to Consider After Eyelid Retraction Procedure

There are many points you should pay attention to after eyelid recession. By paying attention to these points, you can experience a comfortable process after surgery. At the same time, you can get high efficiency from the operation. The points you should pay attention to for this are as follows;

• After surgery, it is important to protect the eye area against impacts and possible injuries. For this reason, avoid rubbing your eyes and movements that strain the eye area.
• For the first few days, you can apply cold compresses as recommended by your doctor to reduce swelling and bruising around the eyes.
• This will help reduce edema and speed up the healing process. Take antibiotics and painkillers prescribed by your doctor regularly to reduce the risk of infection and control pain after eyelid retraction.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling. Sleeping on a high pillow helps reduce edema.
• Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses when you go outside, as your eyes will be sensitive after surgery.
• This supports the healing process and protects the delicate tissues around the eyes. Avoid heavy exercise, swimming and other activities that may strain the eye area for the first few weeks.
• This helps prevent the stitches from opening or the risk of infection. Dry eyes may occur after eyelid retraction surgery. You can maintain the moisture balance of the eyes by using eye drops recommended by your doctor.
• After eyelid retraction surgery, follow your recovery process by going to regular doctor checks. These checks are important for early recognition and treatment of possible complications.

What is Recovery from Lid Retraction Repair Like?

The healing process after lid retraction repair is a gradual process that usually takes a few weeks. It is normal to have swelling, bruising and tenderness around the eyes for the first few days. These symptoms decrease over time. You may also experience dryness or stinging sensation in the eyes and in such cases you should use artificial tear drops or moisturizing gels recommended by your doctor. In addition, sleeping with a high pillow and applying cold compresses during the healing process helps to reduce swelling and edema.

Due to the sensitivity of the eye area, it is recommended to avoid activities such as make-up, swimming and heavy exercise for the first few weeks. Protection with sunglasses during this period also contributes positively to the healing process. When full recovery is complete, the function and appearance of the eyelid is largely normalized and patients achieve positive results both aesthetically and functionally.

What are the Benefits of Lid Retraction Repair?

Eyelid retraction procedure has many benefits both in terms of lower eyelid retraction and upper eyelid retraction. To examine these benefits in detail;

• The visual field, which is restricted due to eyelid retraction, expands after the repair procedure and the quality of vision improves. This provides a marked improvement, especially in upper eyelid retractions.
• Eyelid retraction can prevent full closure of the eye and leave the surface of the eye exposed, causing dryness, irritation and infection. Therefore, the repair procedure protects eye health by restoring the natural position of the eyelid.
• Eyelid recession can create a tired and asymmetrical appearance in facial expression. With the repair procedure, the symmetry of the eyelid is corrected and the facial expression gains a more natural and aesthetic appearance.
• Dry eyes caused by eyelid recession are reduced after the repair. The eyelid keeps the eye moist by distributing tears properly.
• The improvement in appearance makes patients feel more comfortable and confident. This has a positive impact on social and professional life.
• As a result of lid recession, there may be a constant feeling of tension and discomfort around the eyes. Therefore, after the repair, this discomfort disappears and the eyes become more comfortable.
• Lid retraction repair offers a long-term and permanent solution. Especially when performed with the right surgical techniques and by an experienced surgeon, the eyelid can resume its normal function.

Dr. Berke, One of Turkey's Best Eyelid Retraction Surgeons

Dr. Be, one of the best eyelid retraction surgeons in Turkey, offers excellent results for functional and cosmetic problems in the eye. Thus, you can have healthy eyes and achieve perfect eye health.

Publications about Facelift & Rejuvenation

Modified Composite-Flap Facelift Combined With Finger-Assisted Malar Elevation (FAME): A Cadaver Study.

Cakmak O, Özücer B, Aktekin M, Özkurt FE, Al-Salman R, Emre IE.

Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Nov 12;38(12):1269-1279. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjy062.

PMID: 29509842
 

Surgical Approach to the Thick Nasolabial Folds, Jowls and Heavy Neck-How to Approach and Suspend the Facial Ligaments.

Cakmak O, Emre IE, Özücer B.

Facial Plast Surg. 2018 Feb;34(1):59-65. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1615283. Epub 2018 Feb 6.

PMID: 29409105 Review.

FAQ

Can I wear glasses or contact lenses after eyelid retraction surgery?

Contact lenses should be avoided for a few weeks during the healing process. Because the eye area is very sensitive. At the same time, the use of glasses is usually not a problem, but the doctor's recommendations should be followed.

Who is the eyelid retraction procedure suitable for?

Individuals who experience eyelid retraction, dry eyes, irritation, discomfort or aesthetic concerns may be candidates for this surgery. The decision for surgery is made after a comprehensive evaluation by an ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon.

Will my eyelid look natural after eyelid retraction surgery?

After Eyelid Retraction, the results look natural and symmetrical. However, it is important to clarify your expectations with your surgeon before the operation.

How long should I keep my eyes out of contact with water after the operation?

It is important to avoid contact of the eyes with water during the healing process. Direct contact with water should be avoided during the first week and care should be taken when washing the face.
Is it possible for the eyes not to close completely after eyelid retraction?
Eyelid retraction surgery aims to restore the eyelid to its natural position. However, in some cases, complications such as incomplete eyelid closure may occur. In this case, an additional corrective intervention may be required.