Eye question?

[rsteph]

What is the surgery called to repair the eye with lacrimation (excessive) tears and droopy bottom eyelid?  What type of trauma is  involved  post surgery and what recovery period am I looking at?  My eye doctor said it is a simple surgery.  He explained that my tear duct drainage was not working properly due to my paralysis and he would move it so that it works properly and my eye does not droop.  What is the surgery called?  I am 10 months out and should probably consider this.

[nancyann]

rsteph:  I had the lateral canthal sling done (which sounds like what your doctor is talking about).
Very easy post op, just need to keep ice to the area the whole day post op, sleep on an angle (I can't
remember for how long). 
It will look so much better + the added protection for your cornea.
I also had a (very small) pyrex tube placed in the inner corner of my eye to drain my tears.
Works like a charm ! !   
I still have to use ointment during the day & a moisture chamber at night,  but my cornea is doing great almost 3 years post op.

Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[rsteph]

I do not have problem with dryness just tear drainage.  Sounds like the same surgery though.  Did you have a bruised (black) eye for a while after the surgery you described?
The gold weight they put in my eyelid was probably the most painful part of my AN experience)
Thank you.

[nancyann]

rsteph:  yes,  my eye was bruised (not too bad) - can't remember how long, maybe 5 days.
For me the weight implant was a breeze,  I was awake & the doctor was talking with his residents (teaching) the whole time;  the AN (& T3) surgery a nightmare - go figure.
Always good thoughts, Nancy

[rsteph]

I may have to have a T3 or a messetor tendon transfer surgery in a few months.  I am 10 mos out and have a lot of tightness but no real significant movement yet.  Are you satisfied with your T3 surgery?

[nancyann]

I am extremely happy with the T3 - it gave me a smile back ! ! ! ! !   When I gently bite down on my back teeth,  I get a little pull upward & a closed mouth smile.    If you have tightness & are only 10 mos. out,  I would definitely wait on any surgery like the T3, etc.
If your facial nerve wasn't cut,  I would wait awhile,  you never know....

There are before/after pictures of me under Facial Issues:  Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer, the 2nd page.

Always good thoughts,  Nancy