Trauma to the face can, unfortunately, end in injury to the eyelids or the orbit – the bone around the eye socket. The range of injury to the eyelids and orbit ranges greatly depending on the traumatic event. But in most cases, after the trauma, patients will experiences symptoms such as blurry or double vision, black and blue bruises around the eye, swelling of the cheek and forehead, facial numbness, and more. One of the specific injuries this blog will discuss is malposition of the medial canthus.

How is an eyelid or orbital trauma treated?

If you have sustained an injury to the eyelid or orbit, you should see an oculoplastic surgeon immediately to be evaluated. As an orbital expert, Dr. Guy Massry has helped repair many traumas over his career.

There are many ways in which someone can experience eyelid or orbital trauma, including car accident, assault, sports injury, and work accidents, to name a few. Because each cause of trauma and injury is unique, the treatment plan will also be unique. Once Dr. Massry evaluates a patient’s injury, he is then able to determine the best course of treatment. In most cases, a trauma patient will require more than one surgery to get the best results possible.

Medial Canthal Malposition After Trauma

The medial canthus is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower lids meet. It is structurally very complicated as it is the connection point of the upper and lower lid and the nasal bridge.

When the medial canthal is injured or disturbed there are few options to correct and they can be complicated.

Medial Canthal Repair

Relocation of the medial canthus involves moving the soft tissue (skin and muscle), eliminating any webs, which often occur after trauma, and creating a new connection of the medial canthus to the bone of the inner eye. Doing this properly and creating natural looking results is a big challenge.

Dr. Massry has worked on various procedures for this kind of complex repair.

Medial Canthal Repair – Case Study

medial canthus correction

This young man came to Dr. Massry after he was assaulted with severe facial trauma including fractures and lacerations. After evaluation, Dr. Massry determined he would need to perform numerous surgeries to get him to looking and feeling his best.

In the most recent surgery, Dr. Massry realigned his medial canthus – or inner corner where the eyelids meet. The medial canthus needed to be translocated (moved) down. The patient also requested that his web be reduced for symmetry to the opposite side (see the arrow pointing to the web in the picture above).

While the changes are subtle, these results mean the world to him!!! After experiencing violence and trauma, psychological improvements are very important!

Contact Dr. Massry Today!

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic injury to the eyelid or orbit, please contact our office today – 310.657.4302. As the most trusted oculoplastic surgeon for the most complex cases, you can rest assured you are in the best hands with Dr. Massry.