Many facial paralysis patients lose the ability to properly close their eyelid, thus putting the eye in danger of injury and/or infection. World-renowned facial plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, in conjunction with a team of specialized doctors including highly regarded oculoplastic surgeon Guy Massry, MD, can help restore eyelid function in facial paralysis patients through the surgical implantation of eyelid springs.
What Are Eyelid Springs?
Eyelid springs, or palpebral springs, are small metal springs that, when surgically implanted in the eyelid, restore normal eyelid function in patients with full or partial facial paralysis or Bell’s palsy. The relatively simple concept of the eyelidspring allows the patient to blink normally again without any conscious effort required.
Of the various surgical options to restore eyelid closure, eyelid springs provide the most natural and dynamic eyelid movement. Specialist Dr. Massry, MD, can determine the best treatment option for you during your consultation at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles.
Treating Incomplete Eye Closures Due to Facial Paralysis with Eyelid Springs
It is very important to treat incomplete eye closure caused by facial paralysis to protect the eye from damage, this can be achieved through an effective lagophthalmos treatment. Without the ability to close the eyelid normally, the eye’s natural lubrication and protection systems no longer function, leaving the eye in harm’s way and often creating great discomfort in the patient.
There are several different treatment options available for restoring eyelid function, including the use of eyelid springs. Gold or platinum weights are also commonly used for this purpose. Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Massry will look closely at your individual case and develop the treatment plan that is just right for you.
Candidates for Eyelid Springs
A good candidate for eyelid spring surgery is a patient suffering from some type of facial paralysis that is preventing the eyelid from closing normally. The team of experts at the Facial Paralysis Institute will carefully examine your unique case to determine if eyelid springs, or even gold or platinum weights, will be a good solution for you. Contact the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills today to schedule a consultation with a team of specialists to discuss the treatment that will get you blinking normally again.
Why Trust the Facial Paralysis Institute?
The physicians at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills are experts in their fields and strongly believe that a multidisciplinary approach is best when dealing with facial paralysis, including lagophthalmos treatment. World-renowned facial plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS works closely with oculoplastic surgeon Guy Massry, MD when implanting eyelid springs to ensure the best possible result.
Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, trained at Harvard, whose expertise in facial paralysis makes him one of the most highly regarded facial plastic surgeons in the country. In addition to being featured in various media outlets like Discovery Health, The New York Times, and the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Azizzadeh is actively involved in research as well as teaching medical students at UCLA.
Guy Massry, MD is an oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, with specific expertise in addressing eyelid springs. Known as “Dr. Fix-It,” Dr. Massry is a graduate of the USC School of Medicine and is highly regarded among his peers for his work and research in the field of oculoplastic surgery.
Together, Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Massry collaborate to give their facial paralysis patients the best possible result when it comes to restoring eyelid function. This involves a multifaceted approach, including lagophthalmos treatment, which is a key consideration for patients experiencing facial paralysis.
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Eyelid Springs FAQs
The team here at the Facial Paralysis Institute knows that it can be difficult to navigate the various treatment options available for restoring eyelid closure. One treatment option that has proven successful for many patients is the use of eyelid springs. Therefore, they have answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you here to help make the process easier.
Q: What are the risks associated with not having complete eye closure?
A: Blinking and closing our eyes allows us to protect our eyes from foreign objects that may cause damage. The eyes also lubricate themselves naturally through theeyelid closure process; not being able to blink normally can cause the eyes to become painfully dry. It is crucial that facial paralysis patients seek treatment for incomplete eye closure to prevent long-term pain and permanent damage.
Q: How are eyelid springs different from eyelid weights?
A: Eyelid weights rely on weight and gravity to close the upper eyelid. Eyelid springs on the other hand interact with the nerves of the eyelids to restore normal eyelid function without any conscious effort. While eyelid springs create the most dynamic eyelid function, lagophthalmos treatment is an essential consideration for patients with eyelid paralysis. Each patient is different and the team at the Facial Paralysis Institute will collaborate to decide which treatment option would be best for your unique situation.
Q: Can I have an MRI if I have eyelid springs implanted?
A: Fortunately, eyelid springs do not interfere with the MRI process. The metal used in eyelid springs is non-magnetic, therefore it does not interfere with Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is great for patients whose facial paralysis may require continued imaging over time.
Q: What does the procedure entail?
A: Eyelid spring surgery can typically be performed on an outpatient basis where the patient can return home the very same day. A team of experts at the Facial Paralysis Institute performs the surgical implantation of the springs to ensure the best, most natural-looking results possible. The exact recovery will vary from patient to patient, but some swelling, redness, and bruising is to be expected immediately following surgery and will subside over time.
Call the Beverly Hills Facial Paralysis Institute Today
If you are struggling with impaired eyelid function due to facial paralysis and would like to learn how our team can help you regain the ability to close your eyes through lagophthalmos treatment with eyelid spring surgery. Contact facial paralysis expert Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FASC, and expert oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Massry at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills today to schedule a consultation by calling (310) 657-2203. It is imperative that you treat incomplete eyelid closure to prevent permanent eye damage and our surgeons are ready to help you today.
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