Eyelid lumps and bumps

Eyelid lumps and bumps

Eyelid lumps and bumps are extremely common. Miles has a vast experience of treating and removing these lesions.

The vast majority of eyelid lumps and bumps are benign and can be treated as in office one-stop procedures.

Chalazions and styes are some of the more common lesions, and can be considered a variation of normal. They occur due to blocked glands which may cause swelling, localised inflammation, and discomfort. Surgery to treat these lesions is minimally invasive and there is no visible scar as the incision is placed on the incised surface of the eyelid.

Lid lump surgery

  • Procedure time 30mins

  • Anaesthetic Local or General

  • Downtime 7 days

  • Driving 3 days

  • Exercise 7 days

  • Final result 1 month

  • Lumps and bumps are treated in-office under local anaesthetic.

    The surgery is usually 15-40mins and should be painless.

    Any mild discomfort may be managed with simple analgesia such as paracetamol.

    Chalazion surgery is performed from the inside surface of the eyelid so scarring is invisible.

    Miles aims to remove benign lesions in their entirety and it is unusual to need any sutures. All lesions are sent to the laboratory for analysis and the reports are shared with patients at follow-up.

    In the unusual scenario of a suspicious lesion an incisional diagnostic biopsy (where a small sample of the lesion is removed) may be performed first to allow for treatment to be planned.

  • The recovery period is typically one week.

    Discomfort is minimal following the surgery, controlled with simple pain killers such as paracetamol.

    Temporary blurred vision due to the ointment applied to the eyes following surgery, reduced skin sensation, light sensitivity, and watering may occur and are typically short lived.

    Antibiotic ointment is prescribed to apply to the eye twice a day for two weeks post-operatively.

    Sutures are not required for chalazions, styes, and small lumps and bumps.

    Swelling and bruising varies between patients but can take 2-3 weeks to fully resolve.

  • The remobal of eyelid lumps and bumps is generally safe.

    As with any oculoplastic procedure, there are potential risks including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and need for further surgery. These complications are unusual. If the lid lump involves the eyelashes there is a small risk of localised lash loss (ie a couple of lashes) and a rare risk of a notch in the eyelid following surgery.

    Infection

    Post-operative infection is very rare and can be treated with antibiotics. Further surgery may be required and cosmesis can be affected. A severe infection is extremely unlikely.

    Bleeding

    A small amount of bloody discharge from the skin incision is expected post-operatively.

    Scarring

    Surgical incisions are meticulously planned to minimise scarring. Scarring following the removal of an eyelid lump is usually undetectable.

    Allergy

    Allergic reactions are rare and precautions are taken for anyone with pre-existing allergies.

    Short and Long Term Outcomes

    Final results are seen at 1 month. Although rare, there is a chance of recurrence with any eyelid lesion. As we have many glands within the eyelids it is possible to get another blocked gland in the future, in a different location. Some patients are more prone to this than others.

Miles is a consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon with a private practice at The London Clinic on Harley Street. He specialises in ophthalmic cosmetic, reconstructive, and lacrimal (tear drainage) surgery.

In addition to his private practice, Miles holds a substantive NHS consultant post at the Royal Free London and he established and runs the oculoplastic service at North Middlesex University Hospital. He also has expertise in cataract and pterygium surgery.

As an honorary clinical lecturer at UCL and assistant professor at St. George's University, Miles is actively involved in training the next generation of ophthalmologists.