Blepharorrhaphy is a term used in plastic surgery that refers to the surgical closure of the eyelids. It is a complex word that is spelled "B-L-E-P-H-A-R-O-R-R-H-A-P-H-Y". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /blɛˌfærəˈræfi/. The word consists of two roots: "blephar-" (meaning "eyelid") and "-rrhaphy" (meaning "suture"). The addition of the repeated "-r" in the word is due to the Greek roots of the term, where it was customary to create new words by adding a repeated consonant to the end of base words.
Blepharorrhaphy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical repair or restoration of the eyelids. Derived from the Greek words "blepharo," meaning eyelid, and "rhaphy," meaning to sew or stitch, it refers to a specific type of surgery performed on the eyelids to correct abnormalities or damage.
During a blepharorrhaphy, the surgeon carefully incises the affected area and removes any excess tissue or skin that may be causing functional or aesthetic issues. They then meticulously sew the incisions closed, utilizing fine sutures to secure and reshape the eyelids. The procedure aims to improve the overall appearance and function of the eyelids and can be performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons.
Blepharorrhaphy is commonly employed to repair drooping or sagging eyelids, known as ptosis, that can impair vision or create a tired, aged appearance. It is also used to reconstruct eyelids that have been injured or damaged due to trauma or other medical conditions. By restoring proper eyelid function and enhancing the aesthetic symmetry of the eyes, blepharorrhaphy can help improve vision, alleviate discomfort, and rejuvenate the overall appearance of the face.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharorrhaphy carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and possible complications with anesthesia. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon to assess individual suitability and risks before undergoing this type of surgery.
Tarsorrhaphy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "blepharorrhaphy" is derived from two Greek roots - "blepharo" and "rrhaphy".
The root "blepharo-" (βλεφάρον) refers to the eyelid. It is derived from the Greek word "blepharon" (βλέφαρον), meaning "eyelid" or "eyelash".
The root "-rrhaphy" (-ρραφία) is a suffix in Greek that denotes the act of suturing or stitching. It comes from the Greek word "rhaptein" (ράπτειν), which means "to sew" or "to stitch".
Therefore, the etymology of "blepharorrhaphy" translates to "eyelid + suturing/stitching".