Getting the Eyelid Implant: Tuck the lower eyelid or not?

[Mimispree]

Hi All:

I'm so excited because I'm going to get an eyelid weight on February 9.  However, I have a question for all of you:  The surgeon said my eye would close better if he does a tiny tightening of the lower lid because of the droop.  However, I'm wondering if it will be a bother if my facial nerve heals someday.  Does anyone have any input for me?

For anyone like me that didn't know how one was fitted for a weight, my surgeon stuck three different weights on the outside of my eyelid and let me hang-out for several minutes with the one I felt the most comfortable with, which was a 1.2 weight.  My husband said that my eye closed about 80% when I blinked--it felt great!  I can't wait to stop wearing my ugly eye patch I made with folded-up piece of cotton and a headband--either can my husband! 

Thank you Eye Issues comrades.

[alabamajane]

Hi,
I can't speak  to getting the tiny stitch in the lower lid as I did not have that done. I did, however, get the same size eyelid weight not long after my AN surgery three years ago. I only kept it in for one year before I was able to have enough closure to have it removed. It was particularly helpful at night while lying down.

I have facial paralysis due to facial nerve being severed during surgery. I did have the 12/7 nerve graft 4 days after AN surgery to enable face to regain some movement. I will say that it takes the nerve 12-18 months to begin healing so patience is key to this whole process. I started seeing slight movements at about 6 months.

Be sure to keep plenty  of lubricant eye drops on hand and I found ointment at night helpful. I did not have complete closure either so eye care was of utmost importance.

Not being in the medical field, I don't know how or if the stitching would affect the nerve or regaining the movement ,,, I just know I didn't get it nor feel I needed it for comfort of eye.. Just having my eye close as much as it did was a big relief as you expect.
Good luck to you and let us know how it goes for you! You will feel much better I am sure.

Jane

[Mimispree]

Thanks Jane for sharing your experience.  I am leaning toward just having the weight implant, so your story helps me with my decision.  The "try-on" weight felt so good I was high all day!  I am reluctant to have the lower lid stitch because I want to give the nerves time to heal.  I had very respected surgeons who have a very high rate of success with the return of the facial nerve, so I'm willing to wait. 

Thanks again.

Michelle

[Mimispree]

I realized that I have rarely looked into the mirror after my surgery because of the facial paralysis I guess.  Well, I took a good look the other day and I changed my mind and I'm definitely getting the lower eyelid stitches.  I need it badly and I need it now, and if I'm living one day at a time, why am I worried about tomorrow?

[feline]

I am not familiar with the lower eyelid stitch what or how does that help with the eye closing? I am going in on Monday to have a permanent temporary taroplasty done - suturing of the eyelids -closing the eye half way. Has anyone had this done and it did it go would u recommend it?
Feline-Tina

[Mimispree]

Hi Feline:

I don't know anything about the procedure you are having done.  I'm having a 1.2 gold eyelid weight implanted, but because I have severe right-sided drooping of everything, my lower eyelid droop is pronounced and my eye doesn't not close even with a heavier weight.  The surgeon said he would like to do a tiny stitch to tighten up the lower lid so that my eye will close better.  The stick-on weight sample felt so good I can't wait to get it.  I wear my homemade eye patch everyday, because even the ointment isn't working well for me anymore.

Best of luck!  Keep me posted on your success.

[Mimispree]

Feline:

Did you have the eyelid suturing done yesterday?

Mimispree

[feline]

Yes I did and it went very well under IV sedation
Feline