Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Addressing eyelid skin cancer is essential for protecting your overall health. However, the procedure may require removing a significant portion of the eyelid tissues. This can notably impact the eye’s overall appearance and requires meticulous reconstruction to avoid negatively affecting the functioning of the eyelids and the cosmetic appearance of the eyes. As a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Christina Choe provides skillful eyelid reconstruction following skin cancer or other causes of eyelid damage.

Who May Need Eyelid Reconstruction?

Eyelid reconstruction can be required when trauma, cancer, infection, or inflammation causes problems with the eyelids.

Eyelid Reconstruction After Skin Cancer

The most common reason for needing eyelid reconstruction is after skin cancer removal. In this case, a skin cancer like basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma is removed, resulting in a defect that requires reconstruction to repair it.

Effective skin cancer removal prioritizes full elimination of cancerous tissue. Reconstruction then is the chance to return your eyelid to a more natural-looking appearance.

Dr. Choe is well versed in quickly identifying concerning characteristics. In fact, she was featured on WLOS for helping one of their reporters with her diagnosis and care.

Play Video about Eyelid Reconstruction

Other Reasons for Eyelid Reconstruction

Eyelid reconstruction may also be needed if trauma, prior surgery, infection, or inflammation causes scarring that results in the eyelids being out of position. Skillful eyelid reconstruction will involve repositioning the eyelid and adjusting the underlying tissues to restore a natural look.

Types of Eyelid Reconstruction

There are 2 broad categories of reconstruction that may need to be used:

A graft is used when we borrow skin from another site and move it into the defect. If we have to use a graft, you may have another separate surgical site. Skin grafts for the eyelids are usually borrowed from the eyelids, around the ear, around the neck or inside of the arm.
A flap is used when we lift and move tissue from nearby in order to cover the defect.

Dr. Choe’s Approach to Eyelid Reconstruction

Our two goals for performing eyelid reconstruction are:

Function: we want the lids to work the way they are supposed to.
Cosmesis: we ideally want the scars to fall within natural lines that will help to hide them.

Schedule Your Consultation

There are many different ways to perform reconstruction, and working with a skilled surgeon is the best way to promote satisfying results. As a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, her unique expertise makes her unparalleled in understanding all the best and current treatment options to reconstruct the eyelids while preserving the health and function of the eyes. Dr. Choe will evaluate your needs and customize the recommended surgery to your anatomy and clinical situation. Call her office to set up a consultation for eyelid reconstruction today.