Reconstructive

Droopy Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery is designed to correct a droopy eyelid (Ptosis) that is severe enough to actually impair vision. This means that excess skin droops low enough to cover a portion of the pupil, thus limiting the actual sight-line. Upper Eyelid Reconstruction is often necessary following traumatic injuries or removal of growths. In some more rare cases, genetics can play a role in a Droopy Upper Eyelid that impairs vision. Dr. Sitole offers Droopy Upper Eyelid Reconstruction to restore a more natural appearance to the upper eyelid as well as restore impaired vision.

Droopy Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Procedure

Since there are numerous reasons for the upper eyelid to impede line-of-sight, there are a number of different ways to correct a Droopy Upper Eyelid. Correction of Ptosis generally involves tightening the levator muscle which causes the eyelid to be elevated. Prior to the actual procedure, Dr. Sitole will performs tests to determine the best form of correction given a patient’s individual circumstances.

Droopy Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Results

The goal of Droopy Upper Eyelid Surgery is to allow for a full field of vision by elevating the eyelid to a more natural location. Once any potential swelling and bruising subsides, a full line of vision should be possible without having to manually lift the eyelids. The upper eyelids should also be symmetrical following Droopy Upper Eyelid Surgery.

Similar to Droopy Upper Eyelid Reconstruction, Excess Upper Eyelid Reconstruction also impairs vision by covering a portion of the pupil and greatly limits peripheral vision. Unlike Upper Eyelid Surgery the Dermatochalasis (excess skin) must be severe and must actually impair vision. Often seen as an attribute of heredity, Excess Upper Eyelids typically worsen over time as gravity and traditional signs of aging worsen the condition. The excess fat, skin, and tissue can become too heavy for the levator muscles and can cover the natural fold of the eyelid. Dr. Sitole offers Excess Upper Eyelid Reconstruction to restore a more natural appearance to the upper eyelid as well as restore impaired vision.

Excess Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Procedure

Similar to cosmetic procedures designed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelid, Excess Upper Eyelid Surgery involves making small incisions along the natural folds and creases of the eye to reduce any visible scarring that may result. Once the incision is made, excess skin, tissue and muscle will be removed to alleviate some of the pressure on the levator muscles. The eyelid will be shaped to a more natural appearance and size to correct any drooping or sagging that may have been caused by the Excess Upper Eyelid. Once the ideal results are created, Dr. Sitole will close any incision(s)

Excess Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Results

After Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery, patients are encouraged to use lubricating ointment and a cold compress to reduce any bruising and swelling that may result from the procedure. Once the swelling and bruising has completely subsided, the final result will be a better defined upper eyelid contour and a more refreshed and alert appearance. More importantly, Excess Upper Eyelid Reconstruction will result in a clear line-of-sight and improved peripheral vision.

Over time, the effects of aging can cause eyebrows to droop severely. Also known as Brow Ptosis, Droopy Eyebrows can also be cause by neurological disorders that can cause the underlying tissues and muscles to weaken. In severe cases, the loss of elasticity in the brow can cause severe droopiness that can negatively impact vision. In these cases, Droopy Eyebrow Reconstruction is used to restore the eyebrow to a more natural position and restore impaired vision. On top of impairing vision, Droopy Eyebrows can make patients appear tired and can limit their ability to communicate expressions such as surprise or anger. Droopy Eyebrow Reconstruction restores the natural function of the eyebrow and can also have cosmetic effects on the overall appearance of the face.

Dr. Sitole performs a full examination to determine if patients are a good candidate for eye reconstruction. In most cases, patients seek treatment due to “heavy eyebrows” that cause the eyes to feel tired, and in more severe cases, some area of the vision field is actually blocked.

Brow Ptosis Correction Procedure

Since a Droopy Eyebrow can be caused by a number of factors, the initial examination will help to determine the best course of action. While some cases may involve the use of Facial Fillers to restore volume to a deflated brow, more serious cases will involve surgical intervention to restore the brow to a more natural position. Dr. Sitole will help to make this determination during the initial examination.

Brow Ptosis Correction Results

For severe Droopy Eyebrow cases, the results of Brow Ptosis Correction can be astounding. Not only are eyebrows restored to a more natural appearance, vision can actually be improved by lifting the brow.

In more severe cases, Excessive Tearing can cause patients to suffer from blurred vision, skin irritation, and eye irritation. While there can be a number of reasons for Excessive Tearing to persist, Dr. Sumit Sitole treats patients who are suffering from a blockage of the tear drainage system, eyelid malposition, and Eyelash Misdirection. In severe cases where Excessive Tearing is persistent and does not react to non-invasive treatments, surgery may be necessary to correct the root cause of Excessive Tearing.

The most common causes for tear duct obstructions include inflammatory disorders, infections, medications, and even tumors. While Excessive Tearing is obviously a result, tear duct obstructions can also lead patients to experience irritation, mucous discharge, swelling and pain.

Other causes of Excessive Tearing include eyelid malposition (eyelid turned in or turned out) and eyelash misdirection. Both of these conditions can cause discomfort for patients which can increase tear production.

Regardless of the root cause of Excessive Tearing, Dr. Sumit Sitole offers advanced surgical techniques to correct the appearance and functionality of the eye and tear ducts.

Excessive Tearing Treatment

Depending on the issue that is causing the Excessive Tearing, Dr. Sumit Sitole may take different approaches to treat the individualized causes. Whether it is a deformity of the eyelid causing increased tear production, or a total blockage within the tear ducts, Dr. Sitole takes a careful and intricate approach to alleviating the frustration that comes from Excessive Tearing.

Also known as Thyroid Orbitopathy, Thyroid Eye Disease is a condition that directly affects the soft tissues surrounding the eyes. The condition is typically characterized by inflammation and engorgement of the soft tissues. A disease of the thyroid, this condition can be seen due to an over-active and under-active thyroid gland. As the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, the surrounding the eye can also be attacked by the immune system. As the tissue is attacked, they often become very red and swollen. Thyroid Eye Disease can cause a number of conditions including:

• Puffy and red eyelids.
• Eyelid muscle contraction.
• Bulging eyes as fat swells and pushes eyes forward.
• Eyelid retraction.
• Pain surrounding orbits, especially upon eye movement.
• Dry and gritty feeling eyes.
• Excessive tearing.

Thyroid Eye Disease Correction Surgery

The first step to correcting the impact of Thyroid Eye Disease is treating the actual thyroid to keep it from being either over-active or under-active. During the initial phases, some surgical procedures may be necessary to prevent further damage to the eyes, but each patient will react differently to Thyroid Eye Disease. Throughout the treatment of the disease, multiple surgeries may be necessary to both prevent and correct deformities caused by the thyroid gland. With a few exceptions, the surgeries performed are (in this order):

• Orbital Decompression – Alleviate pressure and create more space in the orbit.
• Eye Muscle (Strabismus) Surgery – Correct deviation of the eyes that could be causing double-vision.
• Eyelid Repositioning Surgery – Used to treat upper and lower eyelid retraction that may be pulling the eyelids apart.
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – Correct eyelids that may appear to sag once the swelling and engorgement subside from Thyroid Eye Disease.

Thyroid Eye Disease Correction Results

While Thyroid Eye Disease can persist for 2-3 years, the reconstructive surgery procedures can often return a more natural appearance to the eyes after suffering through dramatic changes. Along with a more natural appearance, Thyroid Eye Disease Treatments can also help to restore the functionality of the eye that may have been affected by the disease.

The eyelids are one of the most common areas where skin cancer can form. Generally starting as painless nodules on the lower eyelid or at the corner of the eyelid near the nose, these elevations/nodules often cause no specific symptoms. In some cases, these lesions may be irritated, ulcerated, or crusted. Once the lesions are diagnosed and removed, the eyelid can often become deformed and not function properly. Eyelid Reconstruction after Skin Cancer is designed to restore a more natural appearance to the eyelid and improve functionality.

Since the size of an excised tumor can vary, the amount of correction necessary to restore a more natural eyelid appearance also varies. Each Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction is unique and Dr. Sumit Sitole understands the need to personalize the procedure for each patient.

Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction Procedure

Depending on the size of the tumor removed and the amount of reconstruction necessary, Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction can be performed immediately after the tumor is excised, or at a later date. As long as the cancerous tumor is completely removed, reconstructing the eyelid can begin immediately to improve the appearance and function. It is also common to have patients who have had surgery to remove smaller tumors that may choose reconstructive surgery well after the tumor was actually removed. Regardless of the amount of time between the two procedures, advanced surgical techniques are used to create a more natural-looking eyelid and eyelid fold.

Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction Results

Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction can greatly improve the overall appearance and functionality of the eyelid after cancerous tumors are removed. Each Eyelid Cancer Reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure, and Dr. Sumit Sitole works to preserve vision, improve eyelid function, and improve aesthetic appearance for each and every patient.

Also known as entropian, an Eyelid Turned Inward can lead to rubbing against the surface of the eye, which can lead to redness, irritation, and sensitivity to both light and wind. Causing discomfort, an Eyelid Turned Inward can become more serious if it is not treated right away. Some patients actually experience excessive tearing, mucous discharge and crusting around the eyelid. If the condition continues to worsen without treatment, the surrounding tissues of the eye can become inflamed which could result in permanent damage to the eye. If entropian exists, it is important to have the condition treated to prevent permanent damage to the eye.

A condition that can be easily diagnosed in office, patients tend to first seek treatment from Dr. Sumit Sitole after feeling like they may have something in their eye. This persistent feeling should be diagnosed early on to prevent the condition from progressing and potentially causing permanent damage to the eye.

Eyelid Turned Inward (Entropian) Correction Procedure

Prior to entropian correction, Colorado based Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Sumit Sitole may protect the eye by taping the lower lid down and using lubrication drops and ointment to prevent the progression of the condition. Entropian is generally the result of advancing age and the weakening of certain eyelid muscles. In some cases, eyelids can begin to turn inward following trauma, scarring, or previous surgeries. During entropian correction surgery, Dr. Sumit Sitole restores a more natural eyelid appearance and function.

Eyelid Turned Inward (Entropian) Correction Result

In most cases, patients experience immediate relief following the surgery and generally experience only a small amount of post-surgical discomfort, if any.

Also known as ectropian, a Droopy or Sagging Lower Eyelid can leave eyes exposed and dry which can result in excessive tearing. Typically diagnosed with a routine eye exam, treating Droopy Lower Eyelids early is important to prevent mucous discharge, crusting of the eyelid, and irritation to the eye. Much like entropian, ectropian can lead to more serious inflammation that could result in damage to the eye if it not treated early.

A condition that can be easily diagnosed in office, patients tend to first seek treatment from Dr. Sumit Sitole after noticing an inability to fully close the eyes. The inability to close the eyes completely can lead to discomfort and should be diagnosed early on to prevent the condition from progressing and potentially causing permanent damage to the eye.

Droopy Lower Eyelid (Ectropian) Correction Procedure

Temporary relief is possible prior to the surgery by applying artificial tears and ointments to lubricate the eye. Depending on the root cause of ectropian, Dr. Sumit Sitole may take different approaches to correct the Droopy Lower Eyelid. For ectropian that is typically associated with aging, the lower lid will typically be shortened and tightened to prevent further drooping. In other causes that are associated with trauma or skin cancer removal, skin grafts may be used to create a more natural appearance and function.

Droopy Lower Eyelid (Ectropian) Correction Results

The surgery to repair ectropian is usually performed under local anesthesia and is performed as an out-patient procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the eye should feel comfortable again and the discomfort and dryness should resolve. Most patients experience immediate improvement after the procedure, and little if any post-operative discomfort.

Also known as Trichiasis, Misdirected Eyelashes are characterized by eyelashes that are positioned abnormally that can cause discomfort and irritation of the eye. In some cases, Misdirected Eyelashes are caused by entropian (inward turned eyelids). Common symptoms of Misdirected Eyelashes include:

• Eye irritation
• Pain and redness
• Excessive tearing
• Light sensitivity

It is important to identify the problem early and seek treatment. As the condition goes ignored, symptoms can worsen. In severe cases, Misdirected Eyelashes can cause permanent damage to the cornea and vision loss. Dr. Sumit Sitole can typically diagnose this condition quickly and offer solutions to alleviate any discomfort caused by Misdirected Eyelashes.

Misdirected Eyelash Treatment

Depending on the severity of the Misdirected Eyelashes, there are a few different treatment options. First, temporary relief can be offered by plucking the Misdirected Eyelashes. However, in most cases the eyelashes grow back and begin to cause discomfort again. If the eyelashes continue to grow back, another technique can be used to permanently remove the hair follicles. Lastly, in cases where entropian (inward turned eyelids) is the cause for Misdirected Eyelashes, corrective eyelid surgery may be necessary to create a more natural eyelid appearance and function.

Misdirected Eyelash Treatment Results

Regardless of the reason for Misdirected Eyelashes, patients generally experience immediate relief following the procedure. Whether the affected eyelashes are plucked, or a corrective eyelid surgery is necessary, the discomfort and pain that can be caused by eyelashes rubbing against the eye is alleviated.

Orbital Fractures are most commonly seen following trauma to the mid-face resulting in varying fracture severities. The orbital is actually made up of 7 different bones including the frontal, zygoma, maxilla, lacrimal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and palatine bones. Fractures that occur so close to the globe of the eye should be treated immediately to reduce the risk of further injury and potentially permanent damage to the eye. The 3 classifications for Orbital Fractures include:

• Trapdoor Fractures – Caused by low force.
• Medial Blow-Out Fractures- Caused by intermediate force.
• Lateral Blow0Out Fractures- Caused by high force.

Orbital Fracture Repair

Orbital Fracture Repair is a highly individualized procedure. While the three classifications can help to communicate the amount of damage that has been done, Orbital Fractures can vary from person to person, and repairing the fracture is unique to a patient’s individualized circumstances. Any one, or all of the orbital bones can be affected by an Orbital Fracture, and the amount of displacement can also vary quickly. Assessing the injury thoroughly will help Dr. Sumit Sitole prepare an individualized plan to repair the Orbital Fracture.

Orbital Fracture Repair Results

Since Orbital Fracture Repair Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, patients will generally spend time in recovery following surgery. Vision can be blurry for one to two days and cold compress is recommended to reduce post-surgical swelling. Most patients return home the same day of surgery as long as they are not experiencing evidence of active bleeding and pain. Following post-surgical instructions can help to reduce any discomfort and can also ensure less risk of complications.