Lateral Tarsal Strip

A lateral tarsal strip tightens a loose lower eyelid by shortening it at the outer corner and anchoring it to the bone at the side of the eye socket, so the lid sits against the eye.

It is often done together with a skin pinch lower blepharoplasty; if so, you follow both sets of instructions. The care after surgery is the same as after a lateral canthopexy: sutures at the outer corner of the eye come out at your Day 5 visit.

Every procedure is performed at True Surgical Center, our AAAHC-accredited surgical center in Beverly Hills. About True Surgical Center

1. 01
   Before you go in

   You follow the Pre-Op General Instructions, and the plan for your lower eyelid is confirmed with your surgeon on the day.

2. 02
   Tightening the lid

   The lower eyelid is shortened at its outer corner and anchored to the bone at the side of the eye socket, so the lid sits against the eye. You will have sutures at the outer corner of your eye.

3. 03
   Going home

   Tape goes on the tail of your sutures. Sleep on your back with your head raised on 2 to 3 pillows, ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for 5 days to a week, and don’t rub, pull or press on the outer corner of your eye.

Preparing for surgery · Out-of-town patients · Post-operative care guide

Every procedure carries risk. Your surgeon goes through the risks that apply to your plan at your consultation, and each one is written in the consent you read and sign. For lateral tarsal strip, the consent lists:

Benefit: the lateral tarsal strip tightens a loose lower eyelid by shortening it at the outer corner and anchoring it to the bone at the side of the eye socket, so the lid sits against the eye.

• Corner Shape. A change in the shape of the outer corner of the eye, or a difference between the two sides, is possible.
• Tightness. The lid may look or feel tight for several weeks.
• Suture Irritation. A small lump or irritation from the sutures at the corner is possible.
• Chemosis. Chemosis is possible: swelling of the clear lining over the white of the eye, so the white looks puffy or jelly-like and the eye may not close fully. If it happens, keep the eye moist with over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears). It usually resolves over the first couple of weeks.
• Dry Eye. Dry eye or irritation is possible, and a dry eye you already have may worsen; it may be temporary or permanent and may need treatment.
• Watery Eyes. Watery eyes (tearing) are possible while healing and may last longer.
• Eyelid Position. The lower lid may turn in or out, or sit unevenly, and a further procedure may be needed.
• Visual Change and Eye Injury. Blurred vision for a few days is expected. A scratch on the surface of the eye (corneal abrasion), injury to the eye, or loss of vision from bleeding behind the eye is possible; a sudden change in vision means call us right away.
• Bleeding on the White of the Eye. Bleeding on the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) is possible and clears within about 3 weeks.
• Recurrence. The lid may loosen again over time.

Risks of any operation

• Bleeding. Bleeding during or after surgery is possible. A collection of blood under the skin (hematoma) may need drainage or a return to the operating room, and severe bleeding may need emergency treatment or a blood transfusion.
• Infection. Infection is possible and may need antibiotics, drainage or further surgery.
• Bruising and Swelling. Bruising and swelling are expected. They may last several weeks, and swelling or discoloration may persist longer.
• Scarring. Every incision or entry point leaves a permanent scar. A scar may be raised, widened, darker, lighter or more visible than expected, and takes at least 3 months to mature.
• Keloid or Raised Scar. Itching, thickening, pain or a growth along any incision can be the first sign of a keloid (a thick, raised scar). Let us know right away so it can be injected with a steroid to stop the keloid from forming. A keloid is more likely if you have had one before and may need further injections or treatment.
• Change in Skin Sensation. Numbness, tingling or a change in skin sensation around the treated areas is possible; it may be temporary or permanent.
• Delayed Healing. Delayed healing or separation of an incision is possible and much more likely with nicotine in any form.
• Allergic Reactions. Allergic reactions to tape, sutures, skin cleansers, latex or medications are possible.
• Blood Clots. Blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) are possible and more likely with longer surgery; your surgical team uses the clot-prevention plan chosen for you.
• Anesthesia. Risks of anesthesia and sedation are possible; the anesthesia provider reviews them with you separately.
• Pain. Pain after surgery is expected and should settle over several days; pain that lasts longer is possible.
• Result and Revision. A result that does not meet your expectations is possible: healing differs between people, no result is guaranteed, and a revision may be advised, with the fees described in your patient policy.
• Serious Complications. Serious complications, including death, are possible with any surgery or anesthesia.
• Heart and Lung Problems. Heart or lung problems, such as pneumonia or an irregular heartbeat, are possible after surgery and anesthesia.
• Medication Side Effects. Side effects of the medications used during and after surgery, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness or trouble urinating, are possible.
• Injury to Deeper Structures. Injury to deeper structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles or glands, is possible.
• Persistent Sutures. A deeper stitch may work its way to the surface and need to be removed.

When to call us right away · Before & after gallery · Request a consultation