Oculoplastic Surgery
What is Oculoplastic Surgery ?
Oculoplastic surgery, also known as ophthalmic plastic surgery, is a broad term
referring to numerous kinds of eye plastic surgeries aimed at addressing both
cosmetic conditions and medical issues related to the eyes. Oculoplastic procedures
encompass a range of surgical interventions, including eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty),
orbital surgery, tear duct surgery, and reconstructive procedures to correct deformities or
injuries affecting the eye and its surrounding structures. These intricate surgeries require a unique skill set
and oculoplastic procedures are typically performed by ophthalmologists who have specialized training in
plastic or reconstructive surgery for the eyes.
What are the different types of Oculoplastic Surgery?
There are many diverse oculoplastic surgeries meant to address medical situations & cosmetic problems. Below listed are some of the most common
oculoplastic surgery.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) :
As we get older, the shape & appearance of our eyelids can slacken & furthermore sag giving an older look to the eye and also obstructing the vision. Heredity and sun exposure also contribute to this process. This excess puffy or lax skin is ordinarily caused by long-term sun exposure or due to heredity. Blepharoplasty also popularly known as eyelid surgery is performed to make the eye look more youthful and also to achieve a clear and non-obstructive vision. In the eyelid, surgery specialists extract excess & sagging skin from the lid. While performing a blepharoplasty procedure, the oculoplastic surgeon cuts the upper lid and later uplifts the skin from the tissue beneath it. Following removal of any excess skin or fat present on the lid. Sometimes patients may also demand the lower lid to be operated on as well, however frequently Blepharoplasty involves the upper lid surgery.
Ptosis Repair :
Ptosis pronounced as “toe-sis” is the medical terminology for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). Lowering of the upper eyelid edge produces a decline in the range of vision when the eyelid either partly or entirely hinders the eye pupil. People suffering from ptosis usually find it difficult to keep their eyelids open. To counterbalance, a patient may regularly arch their eyebrows to lift the drooping eyelids. Patient with severe ptosis needs to raise their eyelids with their fingers to see. Kids with ptosis may incur amblyopia aka lazy eye or encounter vision developmental obstacles. Surgery is conducted to reattach or reduce the stretched muscle or tendon. The main purpose of ptosis surgery is to levitate the upper eyelid to revive normal vision.
Orbital Surgery :
Regulating thyroid and eye disorders, cysts, & injury.
Pediatric Oculoplastic Surgery :
This surgery corrects congenital deformities & handles eye disorders in children or newborns. Pediatric oculoplastic surgeons specialize in treating eye
problems of kids and newborns.
Ectropion & Entropion Repair :
Ectropion is a state in which the under eyelid is “rolled out” aside from the eye or is sagging from the eye. This leads to more exposure of the eye causing the eye to dry out. If ectropion is ignored & not treated on time can cause eye irritation, chronic tearing, discharge or even damage to the cornea. Entropion is an eye condition that is somewhat similar to ectropion, but in this condition, the eyelid is rolled inward toward the eye. A chronically turned-in eyelid can lead to sensitivity to light or may cause eye infections and other eye-related problems.
Skin Cancers or eyelid growth :
Skin cancer of the eyelids is comparatively frequent and of various types. The appearance of a bulge or tumor on the eyelid that develops or bleeds must
be treated. This includes a physical examination or seldom a biopsy. Oculoplastic surgeon’s expertise in the treatment of eyelid growth due to skin cancer.
Who performs oculoplastic surgeries or what does an oculoplastic surgeon do?
Many believe that oculoplastic surgeries can be performed by any plastic surgeon, which is not true. Even though the oculoplastic surgeon & plastic surgeon pursues the same education, oculoplastic surgeons need to finish the full ophthalmology training, before focusing on plastic surgery. Oculoplastic is performed only by eye doctors having specialize in plastic or reconstructive surgery. To be oculoplastic surgeons doctors first should become board-certified eye doctors & then acquire skills related to oculoplastic surgery for a further 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)-
Oculoplastic surgery, also known as oculofacial plastic surgery, focuses on the reconstruction of the tissues around the eyes and face. It addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns related to the eyes and their surrounding structures.
Oculoplastic surgeons address a variety of conditions, including eyelid mal-positions, tear duct disorders, orbital tumors, facial aging, and aesthetic enhancements.
Oculoplastic surgeons specialize in procedures specifically related to the eyes and their surrounding structures. Their expertise includes addressing functional issues alongside aesthetic concerns.
Common procedures include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), ptosis repair, orbital decompression, tear duct surgery, and treatment for facial nerve disorders.
No, Oculoplastic Surgery encompasses both functional and cosmetic aspects. It can improve vision, correct eye disorders, and enhance the aesthetics of the eyes and face.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure performed. While some procedures may have a shorter recovery period, others may require a few weeks for complete healing.
Yes, oculoplastic surgeons can perform eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to correct droopy eyelids, improving both functionality and appearance.
Yes, non-surgical options like injectables (Botox, fillers) are often utilized for cosmetic enhancements and certain functional issues. Your surgeon will determine the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
Choose a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon with specialized training and experience in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. Research their credentials, and reviews, and ask for referrals. If you are considering oculoplastic surgery, contact us a qualified oculoplastic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.