Eyelid Lesions

Eyelid lesions or lumps and bumps on the eyelids are a common reason for patients to come see Dr. Christina Choe. A lot of these lesions are benign (meaning they are not cancer). However, they still can cause irritation or be cosmetically bothersome, and patients often seek removal of these bumps. Dr. Choe is an expert in eyelid lesion removal, with a focus on preserving the function and appearance of the eyelid.

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What Are Common Eyelid Lesions?

Common benign lesions affecting the eyelids include cysts, styes, seborrheic keratosis, papillomas, warts, moles, milia, and skin tags. However, it is important to always make sure that a lesion is not cancerous so the appropriate treatment can be undertaken. Dr. Choe is well versed in quickly identifying concerning characteristics. In fact, she was featured on WLOS for helping one of their reporters with her diagnosis and care. In cases when a lesion is cancerous, we immediately begin building a treatment plan to address the issue.

Why Remove an Eyelid Lesion?

Lesion removal is a procedure in which incisions are made in the skin to remove a lesion. This can be done for one of the following reasons:

Health Concerns: It is suspicious for cancer.
Physical Symptoms: It is causing a lot of irritation.
Cosmetic Concerns: The cosmetic appearance bothers you.

If you have any eyelid disturbance, we recommend starting with a consultation with Dr. Choe. She is a leading, board-certified provider of functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery in Western North Carolina.

What Is an Eyelid Lesion Removal Procedure Like?

Dr. Choe’s approach involves careful attention to the eyelid’s delicate structures. The procedure’s goal is to fully remove the lesion while keeping the healthy tissues intact. The procedure only requires local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free visit. The anesthetic injections are generally the only uncomfortable aspect (and even the injection is only a momentary pinch).

After the lesion is removed, the specimen may be sent to be evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist, as the nature of the lesion (benign or cancerous) cannot be determined with complete certainty in-office. Sutures may be placed if needed to facilitate better healing. However, sutures are usually only needed for larger lesions.

Is There a Recovery Period?

For most eyelid lesions, patients can go back to work the next day. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours and to avoid swimming and makeup on the incision for 2 weeks. Dr. Choe will provide an outline of what you can expect after surgery based on your individual treatment plan. She will also provide instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery and minimize any scarring. For example, you will want to avoid strenuous activity or bending over until the surgical sites are healed.

Start With a Consultation

If you have any concerns about a lesion or abnormality on your eyelid, the first step is setting up your consultation. As a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Choe has extensive experience identifying and treating a range of eyelid lesions. She will evaluate your case carefully and put together an eyelid lesion removal plan that meets your goals.