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Why Are Gold Eyelid Weights Gold?

A gold eyelid weight is sometimes surgically implanted inside the upper eyelid as part of a facial paralysis treatment. The weight helps restore a facial paralysis patient’s ability to close the eye. Meanwhile, the weight’s gold construction ensures the implant is safe for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which are commonly used to monitor a facial paralysis patient’s recovery. Gold is also unlikely to irritate a patient’s skin, which makes the metal a good choice for use on the delicate skin of the eyelid.

Dr. Guy Massry of The Facial Paralysis Institute is a globally recognized facial paralysis and reconstructive surgeon who helps facial paralysis patients restore and maintain the eyelid function. To determine if a facial paralysis patient is a candidate for gold eyelid weights, Dr. Massry  first performs an in-depth patient assessment. If Dr. Massry determines a gold eyelid weight can help a patient restore the eyelid function, he next selects the ideal weight based on the patient’s eye. Dr. Massry temporarily attaches gold weights of different sizes and weights to a patient’s eyelid to find one that enables this individual to close the eye naturally. After the proper gold eyelid weight is found, Dr. Massry implants the weight in the upper eyelid.

A gold eyelid weight procedure is performed at an outpatient treatment center. During the procedure, Dr. Massry makes an incision into the upper eyelid crease. He then cuts through the upper eyelid muscle to expose the area where the gold weight is anchored directly with sutures. This allows the gold eyelid weight to use the power of gravity to close the eyelid.

Dr. Massry strives to implant a gold eyelid weight in the contour of the upper eyelid. Here, the weight is virtually invisible, and the only sign of it is a slight bump on the eyelid where the gold weight is implanted.

Most patients can return home the same day as a gold eyelid weight procedure. A patient usually can close the eye immediately following implantation, and his or her ability to close the eye improves over time. Swelling and bruising are common after a gold eyelid weight procedure, but these symptoms will subside in the weeks after treatment.

A gold eyelid weight is beneficial for many facial paralysis patients. However, in some instances, lower eyelid reconstruction is required after gold eyelid weight placement. Lower eyelid reconstruction has been shown to reduce long-term complications in patients who receive gold eyelid weights, and ultimately, help these patients achieve their desired treatment results.

If a facial paralysis patient cannot close the eyes properly, he or she risks foreign objects entering the eyes and causing damage. Additionally, the eyes lubricate themselves naturally through blinking. And if a facial paralysis patient cannot blink properly, this individual’s eyes may become painfully dry.

Gold eyelid weights are proven to be highly successful in facial paralysis patients and help these patients restore the eyelid function. Dr. Massry is happy to meet with a facial paralysis patient to discuss gold eyelid weights and other treatment options. To find out more about gold eyelid weights and other treatments designed to help facial paralysis patients regain the ability to close the eyes, please contact us today at (310) 657-2203 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Massry.