Most patients who arrange a consultation are doing so for one of two reasons. To make a diagnosis of the type of lump or bump you have, and to ensure that appropriate action is taken if malignancy is suspected or you may choose to have removal to meet your aesthetic wishes.
Your surgeon will examine your eyes, with a focused examination of the area of concern.
Eyelid/facial lump/bumps/lesions are common in patients referred to oculoplastic surgeons. Many lesions can be readily diagnosed based on their clinical examination characteristics alone e.g. a chalazion (or meibomian cyst), skin tag, xanthelasma. Lumps or bumps with a risk of malignancy may require biopsy for accurate diagnosis.
For small innocuous lumps and bumps, a minor procedure could be performed in a treatment room during this appointment, or the surgeon may opt to arrange a separate appointment for you to return for your procedure.
Lumps, bumps, and lesions on the skin can arise from a wide range of causes, from harmless cysts and benign growths to more serious conditions. Because of this variety, treatment options differ significantly. They may include simple observation, topical medications, minimally invasive procedures like cryotherapy or laser treatment, or surgical excision for biopsy or removal. If you notice any new or changing skin abnormalities, it’s essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations.
A chalazion is a small, painless lump in the eyelid. It is caused by a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland). Warm compresses applied to the eyelid several times a day can help it clear up on its own. If it persists, a doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure to drain the chalazion. This is usually done under local anaesthetic, where a small incision is made on the inside of the eyelid to remove the blocked material. After the procedure, antibiotic ointment is typically prescribed to prevent infection.
“Eyelid lesions” is a broad term that can encompass various growths or abnormalities on the eyelid. These can range from benign skin tags to more serious conditions. It’s crucial to have any persistent or changing eyelid lesion examined by a doctor, especially if they bleed, grow rapidly, or cause discomfort. Removal methods vary depending on the type of lesion. Benign lesions might be removed by surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing), or laser treatment. More serious lesions may require a biopsy and more extensive surgical removal.
Most surgeries at Regency Eye Hospital can be performed under local anaesthesia alone. If you would prefer more impactful sedation, we can offer twilight anaesthesia – a safe, conscious intravenous sedation given by an experienced and skilled Consultant Anaesthetist.
This form of anaesthesia is extremely popular with our patients and the effects are reversed very quickly. It enables local anaesthetic injections to be given painlessly with little recollection of the surgery, and helps to keep patients calm, relaxed and comfortable.
Any patients requiring general anaesthesia or who are unsuitable for surgery at our day case facility, Regency Eye Hospital, will be treated by our surgeons in a local private hospital.
You will be discharged with an eye patch over the affected eye, this should be worn for a minimum of 4 hours, up to 24 hours. Most patients keep this over night and remove the morning after.
It is advisable not to drive immediately after eye surgery. Try to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
After a lesion removal, expect some swelling and bruising, which typically resolves within a few days to two weeks.
Following removal of the eye pad, we recommend the use of cooled boiled water and cotton wool to clean your eyes. Gently wipe from the inside to the outside of your eyelid.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare, including applying prescribed antibiotic ointment, using cold compresses, and avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses.
Whenever possible, keep your head elevated, especially when lying down. This will help to reduce swelling and promote proper drainage of excess fluid from the surgical site.
Adhere to the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include using prescribed medications, applying topical treatments, and attending follow-up appointments.
If you are concerned about swelling, apply a cold compress to the treatment area. Use a clean cloth or ice pack wrapped in a thin towel and apply it gently for short intervals.
Refrain from touching or applying pressure to the area around your eyes to prevent irritation or disruption of the healing process.
If your surgeon prescribed eye drops or ointments, use them as directed to prevent infection and support the healing process.
