Eye lid repair

[chubby106063]

My eyes weep excessively. I have discovered that a hydrating cream applied to the tissue under the eyes provides a measure of relief for most of the day. Consultation with an ophthamologist provides two other procedures. Suturing the extremities of the lids-50% success rate: or rebuilding some of the lids with tissue from the roof of the mouth-65% success rate.Age 81; metastatic prostate CA treated with Zoladex and 10 weekly cycles of Taxotere, and on 5mg prednisone. The tissue under the eyes is very flacid.
Question: is there a procedure more effective than the two noted above, particularly less invasive than the roof of the mouth procedur?

Thank you
Chas.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

The buccal mucosal (roof of mouth) graft would only be needed for severe cases where the face of the skin is just too damaged and tight that it cannot be stretched any further.  In your case, the simplest repair involved tucking and tightening the lower lid but again, if skin is too tight to tuck or tighten, then some new tissue may need to be added from somewhere else.  If possible, it would be nice to try avoid grafting - but only your surgeon will know what is best for you.  Make sure you are seeing an ophthalmologist that specializes in oculoplastic surgery.  If you need a second opinion you can find a qualified ophthalmologist at www.aao.org.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[chubby106063]

Thank you Doctor. If a graft becomes necessary, I am pleased to learn that tissue from other than the roof of the mouth might be used.

Chas.