Reconstructive Procedures

Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Schedule Now

Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

When skin cancer affects your eyelid, complete removal is essential for your health, but what happens next is equally important. After cancer removal, specialized reconstruction can restore your eyelid’s function and appearance. Our team works closely with dermatologists and cancer surgeons to provide seamless care from tumor removal through complete healing, ensuring your eye stays protected while achieving the best possible cosmetic result.
ppteam

What is Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

Eyelid skin cancer reconstruction is surgery to rebuild your eyelid after skin cancer has been removed. The eyelid area is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, making skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma fairly common in this region. After your dermatologist or Mohs surgeon removes all the cancer tissue, we step in to reconstruct the eyelid using various techniques. The goal is to create an eyelid that protects your eye properly, maintains normal function, and looks as natural as possible.

This reconstruction is crucial because the eyelid plays a vital role in keeping your eye moist and protected from injury. Learn more about our consultation process to discuss your reconstruction options after cancer removal.

What Can Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction Accomplish?

Reconstruction after cancer removal addresses several important needs:

  • Restore proper eyelid function to protect your eye and vision
  • Create a natural appearance that matches your other eyelid
  • Ensure complete eyelid closure and normal blinking
  • Maintain proper tear drainage and eye lubrication

Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction Techniques

Depending on the size and location of the site of cancer removal:

Primary Closure

Occasionally, for small cancers, the remaining healthy eyelid tissue can be brought together with great precision using very fine stitches. This is the easiest technique and usually offers the best esthetic results.

Local Advancement Flaps

When there isn’t enough tissue for direct closure, we move nearby healthy skin to cover the defect. This might involve sliding tissue from the upper eyelid down to repair the lower eyelid, or moving skin from the temple area.

Full-Thickness Skin Grafts

For larger defects, we take healthy skin from behind your ear or from your upper eyelid and transplant it to the reconstruction site. This skin heals into place and becomes part of your new eyelid.

Hughes Flap Reconstruction

For extensive lower eyelid cancers, we may use tissue from your upper eyelid to rebuild the lower eyelid. This is a two-stage procedure that requires a temporary connection between your eyelids while healing occurs.

BEFORE AND AFTER CORRECTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY

Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction 1Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction 2
View Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction Gallery

Procedures Commonly Combined with Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Cancer reconstruction often works better with additional procedures:

Mohs Surgery Coordination

We work directly with Mohs surgeons who specialize in removing skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, giving us the best foundation for reconstruction

Canthal Reconstruction

When cancer affects the corner of your eye where the eyelids meet, we rebuild these important support structures to maintain proper eyelid position and function.

Tear Duct Repair

Sometimes cancer removal affects your tear drainage system, requiring us to reconstruct these delicate channels to prevent chronic tearing.

Scar Management

We may use laser treatments or other techniques after healing to minimize scarring and improve the final cosmetic appearance.

How Much Does Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction Cost?

Reconstruction after skin cancer removal is typically covered by medical insurance because it’s necessary to restore normal eyelid function and protect your vision. This includes both the cancer removal and the reconstruction phases of treatment. Coverage varies by insurance plan, but most recognize this as medically necessary rather than cosmetic surgery. Our team will work with your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization and handle the billing process.

Recovery & Results

Recovery depends on the complexity of your reconstruction. Most patients heal well with proper care. Simple closures might heal in 1-2 weeks, while some more complex reconstructions can take 4-6 weeks. You’ll have some swelling and bruising initially, which is completely normal. We’ll give you detailed instructions for wound care and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. A vast majority of patients can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, though you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise during the initial healing period. The final results continue to improve for several months as swelling subsides and the reconstructed tissue settles into place.

Candidates for Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

You may need eyelid cancer reconstruction if you have:

  • Confirmed skin cancer on your eyelid that requires surgical removal
  • A history of previous skin cancer treatments in the eyelid area
  • Suspicious growths or changes in eyelid skin texture or appearance
  • Family history of skin cancer and concerning eyelid lesions

LEADERS IN OCULOFACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY IN HOUSTON, THE WOODLANDS, TX AND PENSACOLA, FL

Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction 3

Houston, TX Location

At our Houston office, we deliver advanced cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery techniques in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each person’s unique anatomy and goals.

Schedule a Consultation at our Houston Location
Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction 4

The Woodlands, TX Location

In The Woodlands, we offer consultations and clinic services, providing our expertise, artistry, and exceptional care to points north of Houston.

Schedule a Consultation at The Woodlands Location
Untitled 15

Pensacola, FL Location

At our Pensacola office, we deliver advanced eyelid surgery techniques in a serene coastal environment. Our experienced team focuses on achieving natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Schedule a Consultation at The Pensacola Location

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Skin Cancer Reconstruction

How soon after cancer removal can reconstruction be done?
In many cases, we can do immediate reconstruction right after the cancer is removed, often during the same surgical day. This approach works well when we’re confident all the cancer has been cleared by your Mohs’ surgeon. However, sometimes your cancer surgeon may recommend waiting to ensure clear margins before reconstruction. We coordinate closely with your cancer treatment team to determine the best timing.
Will my reconstructed eyelid look normal after cancer surgery?
Our goal is to create an eyelid that looks and functions as naturally as possible. While there may be subtle differences compared to your original eyelid, most patients are very pleased with both the appearance and function of their reconstructed eyelid. The final result depends on factors like the size of the original cancer and the quality of surrounding tissue.
What are the chances of cancer coming back after reconstruction?
The reconstruction itself doesn’t affect cancer recurrence rates – that depends on how completely the original cancer was removed. When skin cancer is caught early and completely removed with clear margins, recurrence rates are very low. We work with experienced cancer surgeons to ensure the best possible cancer treatment before focusing on reconstruction.
Can I wear sunglasses and makeup after eyelid cancer reconstruction?
You’ll need to avoid makeup around the surgical area for about 2-3 weeks while everything heals. Sunglasses are actually encouraged once your surgeon clears you to wear them, usually within a week or two. Protecting your reconstructed eyelid from sun exposure is very important for preventing future skin cancers.
Will I need additional surgeries after my initial reconstruction?
Most patients achieve excellent results with a single reconstruction surgery. However, some complex cases may require minor adjustments or touch-ups to optimize function or appearance. We’ll discuss the likelihood of additional procedures during your consultation based on your specific situation.

Contact Us for a Consultation

Ready to restore your eyelid’s function and appearance after cancer treatment? Contact our offices in Houston, The Woodlands, or Pensacola, FL, today to schedule a personalized consultation with our expert surgeons. Let us help you rebuild what cancer took away and protect your vision with the specialized reconstructive expertise and compassionate care you need.

Contact Us