Rebuilding the Eyelid with a Wrist Tendon – Advanced Eyelid Reconstruction in San Diego, La Jolla, and Encinitas
If you are searching for expert eyelid reconstruction in San Diego, La Jolla, or Encinitas, you deserve to know that not all eyelid surgeons have the same level of experience — especially when it comes to the most complex revision eyelid surgeries.
This 67-year-old patient came to Dr. Salvatore Pacella after multiple eyelid surgeries by other surgeons left her with severe ectropion — a debilitating condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward, exposing the delicate inner surface of the lid. Ectropion can cause constant tearing, redness, irritation, and even long-term damage to the cornea if left untreated.
Several prior repair attempts by other doctors failed to restore her eyelid’s function or appearance. Frustrated and in discomfort, she sought out Dr. Pacella, a board-certified plastic surgeon and internationally recognized leader in advanced eyelid reconstruction. Dr. Pacella has been invited to teach his unique surgical technique to other surgeons around the world — including in Dubai, Melbourne, Istanbul, Toronto, London, and Milan.
For this patient’s reconstruction, Dr. Pacella used a non-functional tendon from her non-dominant wrist — the palmaris longus tendon — to completely rebuild the internal support structure (skeletal framework) of the eyelid. This advanced approach restores both strength and the natural contour of the eyelid, providing results that are functional, long-lasting, and aesthetically beautiful.
Today, this patient enjoys complete eyelid protection, improved comfort, and a natural, youthful appearance — after years of failed surgeries elsewhere.
If you’ve been told that nothing more can be done for your eyelid, or you are unhappy with the results of a previous surgery, know that Dr. Pacella specializes in complex revision eyelid surgery. Patients routinely travel from across Southern California — including San Diego, La Jolla, and Encinitas — to seek his expertise when other options have failed.
When all else fails, this is the rescue procedure that can restore your vision, comfort, and confidence.
