Eye Sockets
Repairing the Eye
Eye socket reconstruction is performed to treat and repair tumors, fractures or trauma of the eye socket. Also called the orbital socket, issues related to the eye socket should be treated quickly before they cause additional medical problems. Our board certified plastic surgeons can help you decide what is best.
The eye socket is a bony structure that protects the eye. It is made up of several bones, including the frontal bone, ethmoid bone, sphenoid bone and the maxilla. The eye socket also has ligaments and muscles that help to keep the eye in place.
What is Eye Socket Surgery For?
Eye socket reconstruction may be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the function of the eye, to correct a traumatic injury or to address eye socket tumors. The type of reconstruction will be determined by the size, location and type of tumor.
Surgical Procedure
For small tumors, our surgeons may perform a local excision, which involves removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it. The surgeon will then close the incision with sutures. Larger tumors may require a more extensive surgery, such as an orbital exenteration. This procedure involves removing the eye, the eyelids, some of the muscles that move the eye and all or part of the tumor. The surgeon will then close the incision with sutures or graft skin from another area of the body to cover the wound.
Recovery
Recovery from eye socket reconstruction surgery will depend on the type of procedure that was performed. Local excisions usually have a shorter recovery time than orbital exenterations. Most people are able to go home the same day as their surgery. Orbital exenteration patients will usually stay in the hospital for several days.
You may have some swelling and bruising around the eye, which will resolve over time. Our surgeons will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eye and incision. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid infection and to promote healing.
Eye socket reconstruction surgery can help to improve the function and appearance of the eye. If you have been diagnosed with a tumor or have suffered an injury to the eye socket, our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you decide if this surgery is right for you.