EYELID SKIN CANCER AND RECONSTRUCTION

Skin cancers and benign tumors often occur on the eyelids. Because of the thin skin of the eyelid and it's complicated anatomy, oculofacial plastic surgeons are the most trusted physicians involved in removing cancers and benign tumors of the eyelids, and reconstructing the remaining defect. 

Cysts, skin tags, bumps, chalazions (stys) and other benign lesions of the eyelids can be removed or drained in the office under local anesthesia. There is usually no downtime after these procedures.

The most common skin cancers that occur on the eyelids are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to have any new eyelid bumps examined because skin cancers can often masquerade as benign lesions. 

EYELID RECONSTRUCTION

Eyelid skin cancer must be excised by surgeons who specialize in eyelid surgery, such as oculofacial plastic surgeons. Care must be taken to ensure that all margins have been cleared of cancer. Mohs surgeons are also qualified to remove some eyelid lesions, and our doctors sometimes work with Mohs surgeons to reconstruct defects after Mohs surgery. After the skin cancer is removed, a defect of varying size remains in the eyelid. There are various methods used by oculofacial plastic surgeons to reconstruct eyelid defects depending on the size and location of the defect. Smaller defects may be closed simply, but larger defects may involve complex reconstructions that may take multiple steps and require tissue or skin grafts. 

Our doctors will discuss their assessment with you and go over your personal plan and what to expect after surgery during your preoperative visit.