Eyelid tumor surgery is performed to remove benign or malignant tumors located on the eyelid and to restore the affected eyelid structure. Eyelid tumors may cause changes in appearance, impair eyelid function, or even spread to surrounding tissues. The goals of surgery are complete tumor excision and subsequent eyelid reconstruction to restore both ocular function and aesthetic appearance.
Eyelid tumors are abnormal cell proliferations that develop within the eyelid tissues and may be benign or malignant in nature. Surgical excision is the primary treatment approach, aiming to completely remove the tumor and reconstruct the eyelid to restore both its function and appearance. The management strategy varies depending on the tumor's location (such as the eyelid margin or eyelid skin) and its pathological characteristics (benign or malignant).
Tumors located at the eyelid margin require exceptionally precise surgical technique due to the complexity and functional importance of this area. The eyelid margin directly interfaces with the ocular surface and contains key anatomical structures such as the lash line, the gray line (a natural landmark dividing anterior and posterior lamellae), and the tarsal plate, which provides eyelid support. During tumor excision and subsequent closure, meticulous alignment of these structures is essential to preserve normal eyelid function and appearance, and to prevent postoperative complications such as eyelid deformity or misdirected eyelashes.
For small eyelid margin tumors, a full-thickness wedge excision is commonly performed. The incision may be triangular or, more commonly, pentagonal. A pentagonal excision allows for more precise realignment of the tarsal plate and eyelid margin structures during closure.
Due to the complexity of eyelid margin tumor surgery, the procedure is typically performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.
For tumors located on the eyelid skin away from the eyelid margin, surgical management is relatively straightforward. Since these lesions do not involve the delicate structures of the eyelid margin, the primary goals are complete tumor removal and proper reconstruction of the overlying skin.
Lid skin tumors are typically excised using a fusiform (elliptical) incision. The advantage of a fusiform incision is that it distributes skin tension evenly during closure, helping to produce a smoother and less noticeable linear scar.
One Week Before Surgery:
・Discontinue anticoagulant medications (such as aspirin). Please confirm with your prescribing physician whether temporary discontinuation is appropriate.
・Stop taking all nutritional supplements (such as fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, and vitamin E).
・Avoid smoking and alcohol from one week before surgery until one month after the procedure.
On the Day of Surgery:
・Please arrive with a clean face and no makeup; remove any eyelash extensions.
・Do not wear any accessories or metal items. If you have piercings, please remove them in advance.
・If you are nearsighted, you may wear contact lenses to the clinic, but they must be removed before surgery. Please bring a storage case, eyeglasses, or sunglasses for use afterward.
・Local anesthesia does not require fasting, and you may eat and drink as usual.
・General anesthesia requires fasting for approximately 8 hours. Please avoid all food and drinks, including water and chewing gum.
・Please do not drive or ride a motorcycle yourself after the procedure.
・Cold and Warm Compresses: Apply cold compresses during the first 72 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising, and keep your head elevated as much as possible. Warm compresses may be started after 72 hours to promote circulation and healing.
・Wound Care and Dressing Changes: Keep the incision area clean and dry after returning home, and change dressings as instructed. If skin sutures are present, they are typically removed around 6–10 days postoperatively, depending on wound condition.
・How to Change Dressings: Clean the wound twice daily using sterile cotton swabs dipped in normal saline, dry the area, and then apply the prescribed ointment. When performing cold or warm compresses, place a piece of gauze over the wound to reduce the risk of infection.
・Medication and Eye Hygiene: Use the prescribed eye drops or ointment as directed to prevent infection and support healing.
・Eye Use and Daily Habits: Avoid prolonged use of mobile phones, computers, or looking down for extended periods. Allow your eyes sufficient rest to facilitate recovery.
・Diet and Medications:
- You may take the prescribed pain relievers as needed to ease postoperative discomfort.
- Avoid irritants such as smoking, alcohol, tea, coffee, spicy foods, and dietary supplements (including vitamin E, lingzhi, and traditional herbal medicine).
- A light diet is recommended, along with adequate hydration and increased intake of protein and vitamin C to support wound healing.
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2F, No. 263, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Road,Da'an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
Our clinic operates by appointment only.