One thing that can be hard to determine without the assistance of a medical professional is whether to attempt to remove a benign lump or bump from your eyelids. Most of these types of bumps are not actually medically dangerous, but rather can be unattractive or unsightly. So, let’s see when to remove a bump on your eyelid.
When To Remove a Bump on Your Eyelid?
In more serious cases, these types of bumps can occasionally be indicative of more serious underlying medical issues. If this is the case, then you’ll find that you have all the more reason to have it examined.
Here is a brief list of possible indicators that you’ll want to have a bump surgically removed.
First: The Types of Bumps That Form Around the Eyes
Bumps and lumps that form around the eyes can come in many forms, and are known by several names. Some examples of the kinds of benign masses that can form around the eye include:
- Styes
- Chalazia
- Xanthelasma
- Milia
- Syringomas
Different bumps and masses can indicate a variety of medical possibilities that are afoot. For example, a stye typically occurs when bacteria get into the oil glands of the eyelids.
In another example, xanthelasma can be an indicator of high cholesterol levels and occur mostly in older adults.
Many of these masses and forms are ultimately not life threatening or dangerous, and last only for short periods of time. However, there are situations that call for a more intentional removal.
Different Methods for Different Aberrations
All of the above-mentioned conditions require slightly different methods of treatment in order to safely and securely treat and prevent more serious conditions.
For example, depending on the nature of the mass, your doctor may choose to treat the bump with laser therapy, or by applying trichloroacetic acid to the affected area.
If neither of these methods work, your physician may attempt to directly remove the lesion surgically.
Your physician will be able to determine what the right course of action is for treating the specific needs of whatever the specific type of mass is that is affecting your health.
It Doesn’t Respond to Home Treatments
One indicator that you might decide to have a stye or other eye lesion surgically removed is if it stops responding to home treatments, or persists for unusually long periods of time.
Although it isn’t advised that you should ever pop or squeeze a bump around your eye, there are several effective home remedies that come recommended.
Typically, bumps around the eyes don’t last for too terribly long, or disappear with the application of a hot compress or another similar home remedy.
Perhaps your mass around the eye area doesn’t disappear with these types of treatments. Then it could be an indication that professional intervention is warranted.
It Is Especially Swollen, Tender, or Painful
Another sign that you might want to seek out professional medical care in regards to removing your eye bump is if it shows the signs of a more serious infection.
These signs include whether it is especially swollen, tender, or painful. These types of feelings usually indicate that some kind of infection has taken hold in the affected area.
If the swelling around your eyes has proved especially severe, it may lead to other problems. Examples incldue obstructing vision and affecting one’s ability to address day-to-day tasks.
We also recommend keeping note of whether the swelling present in the affected area starts to spread or become more intense over time.
The Process of Professional Medical Care
Should professional care end up needed to safely and effectively get rid of the mass around your eye, we have a number of things you might expect in your treatment.
Your physician might need to puncture and drain the mass before and possibly after the surgery in order to release any excess fluids that might be present.
After the mass is removed, your physician will likely prescribe some kind of antibiotic ointment to apply to the area around the initial presence of the mass. This helps prevent post-surgical infection and keep the affected area sterile and clean.
Giving Columbus Quality Care
Do you have a mass or bump around your eyelid that requires special attention? Or do you have other eyelid surgical concerns? Then take a visit to our website in order to schedule an appointment. Dr. Courtney Kahn and the rest of the Eyelid Plastic Surgery team have provided the Columbus area with affordable medical attention and exacting standards of practice.
