Does my chalazion appear to require surgery? (Photo)

Question

My chalazion first started forming mid-September. It came to a head and popped in early October. Since then, it's been slowly shrinking. But it seems to have stopped shrinking a week ago (the size and shape have remained the same). I've attached pictures of how it looked a few days after popping and how it looks now. I currently take Doxycycline Hyclate and use a heat compress 3 times a day. Does it look like I'll need surgery to completely get rid of the bump?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Surgery is a standard treatment for chalazia but it is mostly unnecessary. Surgery on your eyelid margin will permanently disfigure you. Don't take that risk. Almost all of these respond beautifully to a Kenalog injection. Some injectors use a combination of Kenalog and 5-FU. Find an oculoplastic surgeon in your area who does these injections and save yourself from a disfiguring surgery. Don't wait. Get treatment now.

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. I recommend giving the eyelid more time to heal and reduce the inflammation before considering surgical options. I believe too much of your eyelid would be compromised with surgery to remove it at this time. Consider waiting at least 3 months in order for the inflammation to resolve entirely. I recommend continuing your current treatment, as guided by your physician, and massaging the bump. I do believe the bump will continue to resolve over time.

Does my chalazion appear to require surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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