Eyelid Surgery

When you look at your eyes in the mirror, what do you see? Someone who looks alert and happy or tired and sad? The condition of your eyelids can have a big impact on your overall appearance. Whether you were born with droopy eyelids or your lids have started to droop as you age, our expert team can help. Also called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery can also improve your field of vision if your eyelids are obstructing your vision. This procedure is routinely one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures because it is so effective.

Eyelid surgery targets:

  • Sagging eyelid skin
  • Excess eyelid fat
  • Bags under the eyes

If you’re interested in learning more about this popular procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. The goal of eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This is accomplished through small, discreet incisions made in your eyelid creases and/or lower eyelashes. Excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining skin is tightened and repositioned for a natural look.

Every patient’s surgery is unique, so recovery times will vary. It’s important to allow sufficient time for your eyes to heal after surgery. This process may take 1-2 weeks during which time you should use a cold compress, eye drops, lubricating ointments and other medications to reduce swelling and bruising and minimize the risk of complications.

Our eyelid procedures are performed at the Eye Surgery Center of East Tennessee, located inside our main office on Weisgarber Road in Knoxville. This is our ambulatory surgical facility dedicated to total eye care.

Other Eyelid Conditions

Our team is trained to treat a variety of eyelid conditions including eyelid malpositions, growths and abnormal eyelashes.

Eyelid malpositions are any abnormal or awkward position of the eyelid that causes discomfort. Examples include:

  • Ectropion: eyelid turns out, often occurring in the lower eyelid
  • Entropion: eyelid turns in so eyelashes rub against the eye
  • Ptosis: droopy upper eyelid

These conditions can be caused by aging, eyelid surgeries, congenital disorders, injury, infection and other reasons. Surgery may be necessary to reposition the eyelid.

Eyelid Growths

Eyelid growths should always be assessed by an eye doctor. Here are some examples of eyelid growths:

Yellow-white bump

Yellow-white bump on the eye caused by an accumulation of fat (xanthelasma). These may be caused by high cholesterol levels and are typically not cancerous.

Soft or firm lump

Soft or firm lump on the middle of the eyelid caused by an obstruction of the meibomian gland in the eye (chalazion). These are typically not cancerous.

Small, painful lump

Small, painful lump on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infected meibomian gland in the eye (stye). This is an abscess that will be filled with pus. These are typically not cancerous but can recur.

Shiny bump

Shiny bump that increases in size and can break open and bleed/scab (basal cell carcinoma). This is a common form of skin cancer that occurs around the eyes. A biopsy will be recommended.

Scaly, thick growths

Scaly, thick growths that do not heal (squamous cell carcinoma). This is another form of skin cancer that will require a biopsy.

Abnormal eyelashes that curve inward or outward can cause discomfort or pain. You can also experience excessive lash growth or an extra layer of eyelashes that interfere with your eye health. These conditions may correct themselves, but if the problem is causing you discomfort, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Us?

Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun have been serving the East Tennessee community with eyelid treatments since 1952. Choosing a highly-trained surgeon for eyelid surgery is very important. We will take time to talk about your aesthetic goals, explain the surgery process in detail and help you set realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery. Before the procedure, our team will administer a local anesthetic and a mild sedative to help you relax. You’ll receive premium treatment every step of the way. We will also stress the importance of following our post-surgery instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications. If you are considering eyelid surgery, we’re simply the best choice in East Tennessee.

Our Eyelid Surgery Doctors in Knoxville

Our fellowship-trained eyelid surgery doctors in Knoxville are local specialists in their field of expertise. They are fully ingrained in the East Tennessee community and are committed to bringing modern, premium eyelid surgery techniques to our area. You’ll meet with your doctor multiple times before, during and after your procedure.

  • C. Tobin Taylor, M.D.
  • Andrew Johnston, M.D.

“I am beyond thrilled with the care and outcome of my eyelid surgery. Dr. Taylor was amazing along with all his surgical nurses. I highly recommend Dr. Taylor and the Campbell, Cunningham team. 5 stars”
-Jennifer S.