Benign
Benign and Malignant Lesions of the Eyelids and Their Treatments with Reconstruction
The eyelids are a common location for both benign and malignant lesions due to their frequent exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. It is essential to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, as the treatment approach and reconstruction techniques vary significantly depending on the nature of the lesion.
Patients seeking eyelid surgery in Cape Town can access expert care for these conditions, ensuring both functional and aesthetic restoration. Oculoplastic surgeons in Cape Town specialize in procedures such as eyelid lesion removal, eyelid cyst surgery, and eyelid tumor excision, offering tailored treatment plans for each patient.
Benign Lesions of the Eyelids
Benign lesions are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. Common benign eyelid lesions include:
- Chalazion: A cyst-like lump caused by inflammation of a blocked oil gland in the eyelid.
Treatment: Warm compresses, steroid injections, or surgical excision if persistent.
Reconstruction: Minimal reconstruction is required after excision, and healing is generally quick. - Xanthelasma: Yellowish plaques on the eyelids caused by fat deposits, often associated with high cholesterol levels.
Treatment: Surgical excision, laser treatment, or chemical peeling.
Reconstruction: Typically minimal, but excision may require suturing or local tissue rearrangement for cosmetic purposes. - Papilloma: A common benign wart-like growth on the eyelid.
Treatment: Simple surgical excision
Reconstruction: Usually minimal or no reconstruction is needed, as the excision is typically straightforward and small. - Cysts (e.g., sebaceous cysts): Fluid-filled sacs within the eyelid.
Treatment: Surgical drainage or excision.
Reconstruction: Minimal reconstruction is necessary, as most cyst excisions heal well without significant intervention. - Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, painless bumps on the eyelids.
Treatment: Cryotherapy, topical treatments, or surgical excision.
Reconstruction: Minimal, depending on the size and number of lesions removed.
Gallery
A patient with Grave’s disease / thyroid orbitopathy. The disease causes expansion of the orbital fat and muscles resulting in the popping forward of the eyes and a frightened or startled appearance. Orbital decompression allows the eyes to fall back and improve the appearance. This is a patient with moderate to severe orbitopathy pre surgery and 4 weeks post decompression surgery.
Entropion Eyelid Repair corrects an inward-turning eyelid, relieving irritation, redness, tearing, and protecting the cornea from damage. This quick surgical procedure repositions the eyelid, restoring comfort, improving vision, and preventing further complications. Recovery is fast, offering significant relief and improved quality of life for those affected by entropion.
Describing Eyelid Ptosis Repair corrects drooping of the upper eyelid, which can obstruct vision, cause eye strain, and affect appearance. The procedure tightens or repositions the eyelid muscles, restoring proper function and improving vision and symmetry. Recovery is straightforward, offering enhanced vision, comfort, and a rejuvenated appearance for those affected by ptosis.
Ectropion or out-turning lids/lashes may cause a red, uncomfortable and tearing eye – this was successfully addressed surgically and shows a restored contour, sharp canthal angle, globe apposition and resolution of symptoms.
Pre and post bilateral orbital fat decompression for thyroid eye disease
Out-turning lids (ectropion) can be treated by tightening and lifting the outer corner of the eye – this can also improve the appearance of lower lid bags. This photo is one week after surgery and the sutures are still in situ.
Blepharoplasty is often combined with outer lid tightening through the same surgical incision. This photo taken is one week after surgery, and reveals restored lid height of both upper and lower lids. The appearance changes from sad and tired, to refreshed and friendly.
Previous trauma or tumour excisions can leave patients with asymmetry – this can often be addressed for improved cosmesis and function.
Symmetry restored after blepharoplasty and ptosis repairs of both eyes.
Large tumours can be excised without leaving a patient with obvious scars.