Eye & Oculoplastic Surgery
Lid Reconstruction
Rebuilding the eyelid after an injury or after removal of a growth.
Consult Dr. Raman Mittal ↗
View before & after photos
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Lid Reconstruction
Eyelid reconstruction may be needed after an injury, removal of a growth or other damage to the eyelid. The eyelid has to protect the eye, so its support and closure are important parts of the plan.
When to see a specialist
- 01An eyelid defect after injury or previous treatment
- 02An eyelid that no longer closes or sits properly
- 03A referral after removal of an eyelid growth
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Raman Mittal
Ophthalmology • Oculoplastic Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Oculoplasty
Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. He treats problems of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eye.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
The method depends on the size and position of the defect, the tissue available and the condition of the eye.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
Techniques
- Full-thickness skin grafting is one of the techniques used in eyelid reconstruction.
In detail
Eyelid reconstruction: what to know.
Why reconstruction is needed
The eyelid is rebuilt after removal of a tumor, or after an injury or burn. The aim is an eyelid that closes well, protects the eye and looks as natural as possible.
- The eyelid has an outer skin layer, an inner lining and a firm support layer in between. Reconstruction replaces whichever layers are missing.
- After tumor removal, the eyelid is usually rebuilt once the laboratory has confirmed that the edges are clear, either at the same operation or a few days later.
Methods
The method depends mainly on how much of the eyelid is missing.
- Small defects, up to about a third of the lid: the edges are stitched directly together.
- Larger defects: a flap of nearby tissue is moved into place, sometimes after loosening the tendon at the outer corner of the eye.
- Some large defects need a two-stage flap from the opposite eyelid. The eye stays closed for a few weeks until a second, short operation opens it.
- Skin can be replaced with a full-thickness skin graft, often from the other upper eyelid, behind or in front of the ear, or the inner arm.
The operation and recovery
- Usually one to two hours, under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation.
- An eye pad stays on for two to three days. Stitches may be removed at the review after 7 to 10 days.
- Bruising can take three to four weeks to settle. Avoid heavy lifting and exercise for about four weeks and contact lenses for at least two weeks. Most people return to work after one to two weeks.
Risks
Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
- Scarring, bleeding or infection.
- A notch in the lid margin, loss of lashes, or an eyelid that does not sit or close perfectly.
- A skin graft may be a slightly different colour from the surrounding skin. Rarely, a graft or flap fails.
- Dry or watery eye, particularly if the tear duct was involved.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: EyeWiki (AAO): Eyelid reconstruction · University Hospitals Dorset NHS · York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS
Before & After
Lid Reconstruction Results
Photographs of patients treated at I·PLAST, published with their consent. Results vary from patient to patient.
Lid Reconstruction
An eyelid injury before and after repair.
Specialist: Dr. Raman Mittal
About this treatmentBefore repair
After repair
Results vary between patients. These photographs show individual cases and cannot predict the result for anyone else.
Considering this treatment?
Book a consultation to find out whether it is suitable for you.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Raman Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.