As the skin loses elasticity, upper eyelids can droop or sag while lower eyelids can become puffy. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can lift drooping lids, smooth away wrinkles, and refresh the eyes for a youthful and bright-eyed look. Our oculoplastic surgeon offers upper and lower blepharoplasty, which may be performed on their own or together, depending on your needs.
This specialty combines the knowledge and precision of an eye surgeon with the finesse and artistry of plastic surgery. The extensive training and highly specialized skill of our oculoplastic surgeons allows them to perform complex eyelid and facial plastic surgery, as well as injectable treatments, with exceptional attention to detail and function while also delivering beautiful and natural-looking results.
You and your primary eye care provider may assess your eyelid position and determine if surgical consultation is needed. Commonwealth Eye Care Associates works with our primary eye doctor in a coordinated effort to ensure that you receive the highest quality care.
One of the most common eyelid conditions is ptosis. Ptosis is the drooping of the eyelid over one or both of the eyes. It could be barely noticeable, or the eyelid could come down over the entire pupil. Ptosis can make it difficult to see and one may have to raise their eyebrow or tilt their head to see.
The normal course of treatment for ptosis is eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty. During the course of surgery, levator muscles are tightened.
Typically, ptosis results from a weakening in the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid or from damage to the nerves that control the muscle. In some cases, ptosis may simply be caused by loose skin on the upper eyelid, but other times the reason for ptosis is more troubling. In addition to the possibility of the disorder occurring as a congenital condition, or as a consequence of an injury or surgery, ptosis may be caused by:
In rare instances, ptosis can occur due to a brain tumor or other malignancy that affects the reactions of muscles or nerves.
For complete eye health, your eyelids need to be as healthy as your eyes. Eyelid position is also important for your appearance. Common eyelid issues are droopy eyelids, excess eyelid skin or eyelids that turn inward or outward. These conditions can cause eye discomfort, tearing and may even limit vision. Improper eyelid position may need to be addressed in order to improve your eye health.
You and your primary eye care provider may assess your eyelid position and determine if surgical consultation is needed.
Commonwealth Eye Care Associates works with your primary eye doctor in a coordinated effort to ensure that you receive the highest quality care.
In most cases it will, although a complete evaluation is required.
Most patients have minimal pain that responds well to Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Most patients have moderate bruising and swelling that goes away in 10-14 days.
The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and most cases are done at the Stony Point Surgery Center in Richmond.
The surgery is performed by Dr. Drew Munro, a board-certified and fellowship-trained oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Drew D. Munro, M.D. is available to see patients in personalized consultation and on referral for medical and surgical eye care. Dr. Munro is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive consultative services, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), oculoplastic consultation and surgery, and orbital and reconstructive consultation and surgery.
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