The eyelid is a very important membrane as it performs the function of protecting the eye from external agents and light rays as well as distributing the tear film on its entire surface. Precisely for this reason, the eyelids are continually exposed to elements that could compromise functionality as well as aesthetics.
Vista Vision clinics specialize in ophthalmoplastic or ocular plastic surgery that deals with plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the eyelids and immediately adjacent areas of the face, lacrimal canal surgery, orbital surgery and finally anophthalmic cavity surgery. The main interventions of eyelid pathologies performed as an outpatient procedure are the following ones.
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Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a relief of the conical and yellow-shaped skin that forms at the level of the upper and lower eyelids, usually near the nose, of irregular shape and soft consistency. It is caused by the accumulation of fats (cholesterol) in the cells of the dermis, in which the cholesterol migrates from the vessels to the tissues.
These small patches, are a spy of increased cardio vascular risk determined at times independent of plasma levels of cholesterol. Xanthelasma therapy is the removal that can take place in different ways:

  • Pulsed CO2 laser or Erbium laser: it is the intervention with a lower percentage of relapses, it consists in treating the part with a thin ray of light up to pulverize the lesion; it acts on the skin at a very superficial level and does not cause damage to the surrounding tissues, after application of an anesthetic cream. The re-epithelialization of the lesion occurs quickly and without leaving scars.
  • Surgery: frequently used as a technique for the xantelasmic excision of the upper eyelid. Complications are very rare and the results are very good. Surgical removal involves the placement of sutures to be removed within 7 days of surgery. The surgical treatment of the xantelasms of the lower eyelid is instead rarely used both for the risk of complications and recurrences.

Ectropion
The eyelid ectropion is a relaxation towards the outside of the eyelid margin most frequently inferior. In the case of ectropion, the rotation outside the edge of the eyelid causes the lower part of the eye is no longer protected and is thus exposed to the air showing burning, redness, discomfort, secretion and tearing of reflex to the irritative state. Moreover, since the inside of the eyelid is covered by a conjunctiva, the contact of the latter with the outside instead of the eye, determines the irritation, redness and thickening with consequent damage both aesthetic and, above all , functional. The surgery definitely corrects the problem. It takes place under local anesthesia, is outpatient and lasts about 30 minutes. The purpose of the intervention is to correct the laxity of the eyelid, shortening it and reinserting it firmly to the bone structures.
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Entropion
The entropion is a pathology of the eyelids which consists in a rotation towards the inside of the eyelid edge more frequently lower. The eyelashes, due to the laxity of the tissues, come into direct contact with the eyeball, and can, for normal blinking, scratch the cornea, compromising its functionality and in severe cases causing the formation of ulcers. In the entopion, unlike the ciliary edge, it is turned inward, and sometimes so pronounced as to be concealed. The surgery definitely corrects the problem. It takes place under local anesthesia, is outpatient and lasts about 40 minutes. The purpose of the intervention is to correct the laxity of the eyelid, shortening and reinserting it firmly to the bone structures and reinserting the retractors of the lower eyelid; at the same time the hypertonic orbicular muscle is weakened by removing a small part of it. This maneuver is sufficient to definitively reposition the entire eyelid.
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Chalazion
Chalazion is an alteration and an infection of the conjunctival lacrimal glands present in the thickness of the eyelid. These glands normally secrete some components of the tear. The inflammation of these glands leads to swelling of the same and of the surrounding eyelid. The surgical removal of chalazion is ambulatory and is performed under local anesthesia. In cases in which there is no loss of skin integrity, access is always the internal one as the anatomically most direct one; the incision inside the eyelid also does not require the application of stitches and leaves no visible signs even in the immediate postoperative period. The patient is discharged with a compressive bandage that can be removed after 4 or 5 hours and will no longer need to be put back.
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Palpebral Ptosis
Palpebral Ptosis refers to a lowering of the upper eyelid and can be severe, causing difficulties in vision and reduction of the visual field (functional disorders), or mild with only aesthetic consequences. The surgical intervention of the eyelid ptosis aims to raise the eyelid margin so as to give the patient a visual field and a general vision in the norm as well as making the two eyelids as symmetrical as possible.
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Palpebral Cysts
Palpebral Cysts are cystic nodules of varying shape, size and consistency, containing a semi-solid or liquid substance. The indicated treatment is the surgical removal with traditional technique or with the aid of radiofrequency or Erbium or CO2 lasers that limit bleeding.
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Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reduce excess skin and / or fat bags of the eyelids and it is the most requested aesthetic intervention in the world that, while not stopping the aging process, can rejuvenate the face and the expression of the look. The intervention can consist in removing the skin and excess fat (bags) or just one of the two defects. The choice depends on the evaluation of individual patients and the evaluation of the surgeon.
Blepharoplasty surgery is outpatient and performed under local anesthesia and when necessary with a slight sedation and lasts about 1h30 minutes. In general, after a few days, the patient can resume his work and social activities.