Tarsorrhaphy
Surgical Procedure to Improve Eyelid Closure
What is Tarsorrhaphy?
Tarsorrhaphy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial closure of the palpebral opening. It is usually performed laterally and serves different purposes depending on the patient’s condition.
Indications for Tarsorrhaphy
This type of surgery is mainly used for two primary reasons:
Ocular protection:
Tarsorrhaphy is used to prevent the eye from drying out. This is especially helpful in patients who cannot blink properly or whose eyelids cannot close completely, such as those with facial paralysis or patients with thyroid eye disease who have very prominent eyes.
Aesthetic improvement:
In patients with prominent eyes—such as those with high myopia or thyroid eye disease (Graves’ disease)—tarsorrhaphy may also be used to improve the appearance of the eyes and eyelids. In these cases, the surgery helps camouflage ocular prominence and restore a more natural facial appearance.
Benefits and safety of the procedure
Tarsorrhaphy is a safe and quick surgical procedure with a positive impact on eyelid closure and, in some cases, on the aesthetic appearance of the eye. Its effect on eyelid closure is significant and immediate, and it can noticeably improve both comfort and appearance.
Reversible procedure
One important advantage of tarsorrhaphy is that it is a reversible procedure. If the patient wishes to reverse the effects of the partial eyelid closure, the sutured area can simply be reopened. This provides flexibility and peace of mind for those undergoing the procedure.
Type of anaesthesia used in Tarsorrhaphy Surgery
The vast majority of tarsorrhaphy procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. However, in cases where it is combined with more complex surgeries—such as orbital decompression or additional reconstructive procedures—sedation or general anaesthesia may be required.
What to expect after surgery?
After the procedure, you will immediately notice that the eye appears slightly smaller and that eyelid closure has improved.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
In general, and when not combined with other procedures, postoperative care consists only of applying an ophthalmic ointment twice a day, handling the operated area with care, and maintaining relative rest.
It is important to note that recovery from tarsorrhaphy surgery is usually very fast, and the results are long-lasting. In most cases, patients can resume their daily activities within a couple of days, as long as they follow the recommendations of our medical team to ensure optimal recovery.
Preparing for surgery: what can I do beforehand?
For optimal results, it is important to get adequate rest and maintain a balanced diet.
If you smoke, it is recommended that you stop several weeks before surgery, as smoking negatively affects wound healing.
If you are taking anticoagulant medications, consult the physician who prescribed them to evaluate the possibility of temporarily discontinuing them before surgery.
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