Dr Lin and team, Thank you for your kind and skillful treatment of my eyelids yesterday.
Mrs SG
Dear Mr Lin, On November 2nd you removed a cyst on my eyelid. Although it was small, it caused me a lot of discomfort. Now I’m really grateful that it’s gone and I want to thank you for the swift professional removal! It is healing well. Yours faithfully.
Mrs AW
What is an eyelid skin tag?
There are non-cancerous growths around the eyes and are not harmful. However benign lesions around the eyelid can irritate/itch and can catch. They can also get in the way of the vision or cause difficulties when applying make-up.
The key here is to ensure it is non-cancerous. I deal with thousands of eyelid lumps and bumps each year and will be able to tell you what your lump or bump is.
What causes eyelid skin tags or eyelid cysts?
A few viruses can cause skin tags to grow and these can spread to around the eyelids, similar to warts or verrucas. Diabetes can also increase skin tags.
What is the treatment for eyelid skin tags?
As these lesions are very common and usually not harmful, the NHS sets out criteria for what will be funded for excision. It is important to remove them entirely to prevent recurrence. If there are any suspicious features I will take a biopsy.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with you awake. I use very fine and delicate instruments to remove the skin tags.
At the end of the operation antibiotic ointment is put on the wounds and a padded dressing is put on if the lesion was large. You will be given the ointment to use at home, usually three times a day for one week. Usually no more appointments are required unless a biopsy was taken.
What happens after the operation?
If the eye needs to be padded, you should not drive home after the operation so please come to hospital by public transport or arrange for someone to drive you home.
Once the anaesthetic solution has worn off you may have a little discomfort for a day or so. You can take simple pain-relief like paracetamol tablets if necessary. The eyelid may look bruised and swollen for a short time after the operation. You should not wear contact lenses until the eye feels normal again. We advise that you do not go swimming for 1 week following your surgery.
Rarely the lesion may recur after the operation. Usually this is because another one has started to form. In this case you should contact the hospital and arrangements will be made to see you again.
⚠️ Risks to Consider
All surgery carries some risks, but I perform many hundreds of eyelid operations a year and take every step to keep them to a minimum.
Common and temporary:
- Bruising and swelling is normal (usually settle within a few days)
Less common:
- Recurrence of the skin tag
Rare:
- Obvious scarring
- Loss of eyelashes or eyelashes turning inwards
- Infection (higher risk in smokers/diabetics)
Ready to Find Out if Treatment is Right for You?
If a skin tag is affecting your vision, comfort, or confidence, I’d be happy to discuss your options.
You can book a private consultation with me or see my team through the NHS. Consultation and treatment is available in one visit (at Colchester Eye Centre & The Wellbeing Clinic).
📞 Call my clinic or 📩 send an enquiry to arrange your appointment.