Eyelid lesion removal

Oculoplastics, also known as oculoplastic surgery or ophthalmic plastic surgery, is an umbrella term used to describe plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures of the eye and its surrounding structures. This includes your eye socket, tear ducts and eyelids. We share more information about eyelid lesion removal surgery, including the surgical process and typical recovery time.

We have a network of dedicated Ophthalmologists trained in oculoplastic surgery, including eyelid lesion removal. If you would like to speak to one of our Consultants about surgery directly, you can book an appointment online or call us on 0141 300 5009 to book. It’s a quick and simple process.

An eyelid lesion describes a growth or cyst that develops on your eyelid. Eyelid lesions are extremely common. Some are asymptomatic, while others might feel tender or painful.

There are many different forms of lesions, including skin tags, cysts and styes. Most are not cancerous or life-threatening and are unlikely to impact your vision. However, it is important to see your GP or Consultant if you have a skin lesion to ensure it is not cancerous, or a pre-cancerous growth.

For benign eyelid lesions, you may wish to have your lesion cosmetically removed. Fortunately, removal is typically a straightforward procedure for many forms of eyelid lesions. The best way to determine the type of eyelid lesion removal surgery you need is to visit your GP or Consultant for an examination.

Eyelid lesions can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Your doctor or Consultant will be able to examine your eye and perform a biopsy of your lesion if necessary to determine whether it is cancerous.

The most skin cancer around the eyes are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). This is a form of skin cancer. Melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer, can also occur in and around your eye, but this is rare.

Eyelid lesions symptoms differ depending on which type of eyelid lesion you have.

Symptoms of benign (noncancerous) lesions.

Benign (noncancerous) eyelid lesions usually do not cause any pain or discomfort, unless they suffer traumatic injury, such as being scratched or caught on something (such as an item of clothing).

In this instance, they will likely bleed and feel uncomfortable. Benign eyelid lesions are usually flesh-coloured.

Symptoms of non-benign (cancerous) lesions

Malignant (cancerous) growths on your eyelid may change in appearance and spread across your eyelid. Other symptoms include:

• A change in the appearance of your eyelid;
• Swelling or thickening of the eyelid;
• Pain and discomfort, and
• A skin-coloured or brown growth that spreads across your eyelid.

There are many different forms of eye lesions. These can appear across different areas of your eyes. Some forms of eye lesions include:

Lesions of the canthus: The canthus describes the inner corner of your eye where your eyelids meet. Lesions of the canthus can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if they are large. They can even prevent you from opening and closing your eye properly. Fortunately, removal of these lesions is typically a straightforward process.

Lesions of the pterygium: A pterygium is a raised, triangular-shaped growth of the conjunctiva tissue. The conjunctiva is the mucus membrane that covers the front of your eye. This lesion sits on the surface of your eyeball. Eye lesion removal surgery can be performed to remove this lesion from the surface of your eye. Then, a piece of skin is taken from beneath your eyelid to fill the area where the pterygium was removed.  

We offer eye lesion removal surgery for lesions of the canthus and lesions of the pterygium. We also offer removal surgery for other eye lesions. If you would like to speak to one of our dedicated Consultants about these forms of surgery directly, you can book an appointment online or call us on 0141 300 5009.

Before treatment, your Consultant will meet with you to review your individual needs for treatment. They will also explain the surgery process in detail to ensure you feel informed and in safe hands.

This procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic as appropriate.

Under local anaesthetic, your Consultant will numb your eye with drops and proceed to perform the surgery. The operation will be explained to you in detail and will vary according to the type and extent of pathology.

After surgery, your Consultant will usually administer an antibiotic ointment or eyedrops to prevent infection and postoperatively antibiotic ointment will be provided.

Your recovery

Eyelid lesion removal is typically a day-case, meaning you will be able to leave hospital the same day as the procedure.

You might be given eye ointments to use for five to 10 days after the procedure.

You will also receive in-depth instructions on how best to care for your eye to help aid your recovery. Follow-up appointments with your Consultant will be put in place for your Consultant to carefully monitor and manage your recovery.

After the operation, your eye may be bruised, but this should heal within two weeks.

Our eyelid lesion removal surgery package prices include the cost of surgery and any necessary aftercare appointments with our Consultant Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. 

Any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your Consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

We offer flexible payment options, which means you can pay a fixed term monthly payment over the course of 10 - 60 months, with no deposit required.

If you opt to pay over 10-months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you pay 14.9% APR. More details on our flexible payment options can be found here.

Speak to one of our helpful advisors on 0808 296 4014 or book a consultation with a Consultant online to begin your treatment journey with us.

The information on this page was reviewed by Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Mr Neil Modi at Mount Alvernia Hospital. For further information about the plastic and cosmetic eye services that Mr Neil Modi provides, please click here.