Oculoplastics
What is Oculoplastics?
Video: Blepharoplasty
Oculoplastics deals with diseases and surgery of the eyelids and orbit, including trauma, tumors, congenital defects (problems existing at time of birth), eyelid malpositions, thyroid eye (Graves') diseases, optic nerve decompression surgery, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, and disorders of the lacrimal system (tear producing system). Comprehensive evaluations are provided for patients with orbital, lacrimal, and eyelid disorders. An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist who has completed extensive post-residency training in this unique subspecialty.
What type of surgeries does an oculoplastic surgeon routinely perform?
Eyelid
- Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty ("eye lift")
- Repair of drooping eyelid (ptosis)
- Reconstruction after removal of skin cancers around the eyes (e.g. basal cell, melanoma)
Face
- Brow lifts
- Skin resurfacing of the eyelids and surrounding skin using the carbon dioxide LASER
- Injections with BOTOX for facial wrinkles or blepharospasm
Orbit (bony area surrounding the eye)
- Evaluation and repair of abnormal tear duct system (lacrimal system)
- Surgeries for Grave's (thyroid) eye disease
- Evaluation and repair of orbital fractures
- Evaluation, management, and removal of orbital tumors
What is Skin Resurfacing?
As one ages, the effects of the sun and aging appear around the eyes and the rest of the face. Collagen beneath the skin diminishes and deeper wrinkles appear. Laser resurfacing softens or removes the superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles. The laser also promotes new collagen formation and a tighter, more youthful skin.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty reduces excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids. This excess skin can hang over the eyelid and interfere with vision. It can also make you look tired and older. Incisions are hidden in the natural contours and lines in the upper eyelids. Excess skin and fat are then removed and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Lower blepharoplasty reduces the excess fat or bags in the lower eyelids. The surgeon makes an incision in the inside (transconjuctival approach) or on the outside of the lower eyelids. The excess fat, and sometimes, skin are removed. Incisions made on the inside of the eyelids are not visible. The incisions made on the outside of the lower eyelids are barely visible and fade over time.
