Lower Eyelid Suspension

Lower eyelid suspension surgery (Canthopexy or Tarsorrhaphy) can fix eyelids that droop or sag due to sun damage, prior eyelid surgery, aging or paralysis. This surgery will tighten and possibly elevate the lower lids.

Who is a Candidate?  |  Intended Result  |  Procedure Description  |  Recuperation and Healing  |  Other Options  |  Insurance Guidelines  |  Note

Who is a Candidate?

People who:

• Have excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper or lower eyelid skin.


• Have eyelids that droop because of prior eyelid surgery, aging or paralysis.


• Have puffy pouches of fat in the lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.

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Intended Result

• Tightening and possible elevation of the lower lids.


• Reduction of the symptoms from excessive conjunctival and corneal exposure (such as weeping, inflammation, irritation, redness and blurring of vision).


• Improved appearance of the lower eyelids and eyes.

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Procedure Description

• Tarsorrhaphy usually involves an incision through the lid margin near the outer corner of the lower lid.


• Canthopexy is usually performed through a small incision in the outer corner of the eyelids.
  
• Both Tarsorrhaphy and Canthopexy can be done under local anesthesia with sedation, or under general anesthesia.


• Tarsorrhaphy and Canthopexy are similar operations with similar goals. Canthopexy is more commonly used when the level of the lid needs to be raised. If the lid only needs to be tightened, Tarsorrhaphy is the more common choice. On occasion, elements of both procedures may be used together. A consultation is required to determine which procedure, if any, is best for you.

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Recuperation and Healing

• Both of these procedures involve a very small area and usually cause little pain or other symptoms. Local swelling and bruising is usually present for one to two weeks. The white part of the eye (sclera) and the clear membrane that covers it (conjunctiva) and may become red temporarily.


• In most cases, patients need only one to two days off from work to recover.

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Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance your result are an eyelid lift, facelift and brow lift.

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Insurance Guidelines

• Sagging of the lower eyelids causes real symptoms. Therefore, insurance coverage is frequently available. Following your consultation, the office staff will assist you in making the appropriate inquiries to your insurance company for possible pre-authorization.

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Note

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

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