SutureGroove™ Gold Eyelid Weights are surgical devices used by surgeons to treat lagophthalmos. Lagophthalmos is the inability to close, or poor closure, of the upper eyelid. It’s a form of facial paralysis.

What makes SutureGroove™ unique are the suture channels manufactured into the weight. These channels are designed to hold or fixate the sutures used by your surgeon during surgery. Many experts believe these grooves allow the surgeon to better attach and hold the weight in place.

How long have surgeons used gold weights for the treatment of lagophthalmos?

Gold eyelid weights have been used for over 30 years in the treatment of lagophthalmos.

Why are the weights manufactured from gold? Is the gold safe?

Each weight is made from 99.99% gold (pure gold). Pure gold is an excellent material because it is biologically stable and inert. Because the gold will never break down, your surgeon can always remove it if deemed necessary. As previously stated, gold has been used for decades for the treatment of lagophthalmos and is recognized by experts as an extremely safe and effective device material. If you have a known sensitivity or allergy to gold, notify your physician before surgery.

How does the gold weight work when implanted?

It’s very simple. The appropriate implant ‘weight’ will be selected your physician. When implanted into your lid margin, the weight will essentially allow earth’s gravity to gently pull your eye closed when your muscles relax. However, this will not affect your ability to open your eye…. when you tense the muscle, your eyelid will open normally.

What happens during surgery? How is the gold weight implanted?

Gold eyelid weight surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Previous to the day of the surgery, your physician will have selected the appropriate gold weight size for your specific needs.

During the procedure, your physician will first make a small incision in your eyelid, just above your eyelashes. This incision will allow your physician to create a small pocket inside your lid for the gold implant to rest. The weight will be secured to your lid with sutures. Each weight contains small channels or grooves to house the sutures below the surface of the implant. The incision is closed with sutures. A protective pad will be applied to cover your eyelid.

What happens after surgery? What should I expect regarding the function and appearance of my eyelid?

As always, your condition and progress will be closely monitored by your physician. Following the removal of your eye protection, you should be able to experience normal blinking and eyelid closure function.

Like any surgery, the incision will take time to heal. If you experience significant discomfort or swelling around the incision, contact your physician immediately.

Any questions or concerns you have about your surgery can best be answered by your surgeon. You can best insure the best outcome for your procedure by carefully following your surgeon’s instructions.