A dislocated lacrimal gland (tear gland coming forward and visible or palpable under the eyelid) can add to temporal fullness of the eyelid. Eyelid expert, Dr. Guy Massry, explains how to repair a prolapsed lacrimal gland with lacrimal gland repositioning surgery.

What is the lacrimal gland?

The lacrimal glands produce tears and are located in the upper outer corner of the eye (lacrimal fossa).

What is lacrimal gland prolapse?

Lacrimal gland prolapse means there is a bulge or fullness to the outer part of the upper eyelid. Some patients will feel pressure on the globe and, on rare occasion, even experience eye comfort.

Here are examples of what lacrimal gland prolapse looks like.

Prolapsed lacrimal gland - Dr Guy Massry Lacrimal Gland Prolapse - Dr Guy Massry

In 2011, Dr. Massry and his colleagues published a paper that found lacrimal prolapse happens to a moderate degree in about 40% of people as they got older. So, this can be considered a normal part of the aging process. However, it can also occur in people who are younger too.

How is lacrimal gland repositioning surgery performed?

Lacrimal gland repositioning is a procedure in which a dislocated or anteriorly prolapsed tear gland is placed back into its normal position in the socket. The correct position is in the fossa, a hole in the bone of the upper outer orbital rim. The procedure is not technically challenging as long as you are familiar with the anatomy.

To begin, Dr. Massry will identify the prolapsed lacrimal gland. It is easy for Dr. Massry to visualize the gland because it has a pale color with obvious glandular elements that make it look very different than the clinical appearance of surrounding fat. Dr. Massry will use a suture to secure the anterior tip of the lacrimal gland fossa. This procedure returns the gland to its normal anatomic location and corrects the heavy upper lid appearance.

In many cases, Dr. Massry will perform the lacrimal gland repositioning in conjunction with an upper blepharoplasty to provide the most natural and rejuvenating results.

Watch Dr. Massry Perform A Lacrimal Gland Repositioning Surgery

Before and After Lacrimal Gland Repositioning

Below is an excellent example of a patient before and after lacrimal gland repositioning surgery.

Lacrimal gland repositioning - Dr Guy Massry - Beverly Hills

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you think you have a prolapsed lacrimal gland, please contact our office today. Dr. Massry has extensive experience in repositioning the lacrimal gland and restoring your youthful appearance.