What is Chalazion Surgery?
Chalazion surgery, also known as chalazion excision or chalazion removal, is a surgical procedure performed to treat a chalazion. A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blockage in one of the oil glands. It is often mistaken for a stye, but unlike a stye, a chalazion is not caused by an infection.
Chalazions can occur on both the upper and lower eyelids and can affect people of all ages. They are typically caused by a blockage in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil that lubricates the eyes. When the gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up and forms a lump.
In most cases, a chalazion will go away on its own within a few weeks or months. However, if the chalazion is large, causing discomfort, or affecting vision, surgery may be necessary to remove it. Chalazion surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Before the surgery, the patient will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the chalazion. This ensures that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, the surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside of the eyelid, depending on the location of the chalazion.
The surgeon will then carefully remove the contents of the chalazion, which may include a mixture of oil, dead skin cells, and other debris. After the chalazion has been emptied, the surgeon may also remove any scar tissue or granulation tissue that has formed around the chalazion.
Once the chalazion has been removed, the surgeon will close the incision using small sutures or adhesive strips. The sutures are typically dissolvable and do not need to be removed. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
After the surgery, the patient may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. The patient may also be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection.
It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. This may include avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, using prescribed eye drops or ointment as directed, and keeping the surgical site clean.
Most patients recover fully within a week or two after chalazion surgery. However, it is important to note that chalazions can sometimes recur even after surgery. To prevent recurrence, the patient may be advised to maintain good eyelid hygiene, including regularly cleaning the eyelids and using warm compresses.
In rare cases, complications can occur after chalazion surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, or damage to the eyelid or surrounding structures. If any unusual symptoms or complications arise, it is important for the patient to contact their surgeon immediately.
In conclusion, chalazion surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove a chalazion, a small lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blockage in one of the oil glands. The surgery is relatively simple and can be performed in an outpatient setting. While most chalazions go away on their own, surgery may be necessary if the chalazion is large or causing discomfort. Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial for proper healing and to prevent recurrence.
