OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY
What is an OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON?
An oculoplastic surgeon specializes in the delicate anatomy of the eye, eye socket, eyelids, brows and forehead, and mid-face. Here is a list of some of the common conditions and procedures handled by an oculoplastic surgeon:
NONSURGICAL
Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) is a drug that is injected under the skin to paralyze muscles making the wrinkles disappear. Those small muscles are the cause for many of the wrinkles on the face. The effect of the drug will last for 2-6 months depending on the type of botox injected and on the patient. Botox can also be used for medical conditions such as migraines, blepharospasm, and hemifacial spasm.
Fillers
Fillers are substances that can be injected into the tissue to add volume or fill a space such as under eye hollowness, cheeks, and lips. Their effect lasts for 3-12 months and some are permanent.
ARE BOTULINUM TOXINS AND FILLERS THE SAME THING?
NO. Both botulinum toxin and fillers help rejuvenate the face but work in different ways so they are used in different areas of the face.
CAN ANYONE PERFORM THOSE PROCEDURES?
NO. It is vital to seek an expert opinion whenever you are injecting yourself with botulinum toxin or fillers.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BOTULINUM TOXIN OR FILLERS?
PROBABLY YES. You probably are but you need to seek an expert opinion for a full evaluation and discussion about options and expectations.
SURGICAL
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is an operation done to remove excess skin and improve the shape and contour of the eyelids, and in many cases relieve pressure and improve vision and visual field. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is an operation done to remove and reposition excess skin and fat. It gives a fresh, natural and more youthful look.
WHY TO DO A BLEPHAROPLASTY ?
Several reasons why doing a blepharoplasty can change your life:
1. Your eyes’ appearance is a major part of the first impression you leave
2. Your eyelids might be affecting your vision and visual fields
3. Eyelid bags and fullness give the impression of fatigue. Blepharoplasty will help you restore a youthful fresh look
4. Blepharoplasty makes people look happy and thus act happier, fresher and more confident
Entropion
Entropion is inward rotation of the eyelid margin. This affects the shape and function of the eyelid leading to discomfort, tearing and blurry vision. It can also lead to more serious and vision-threatening complications such as corneal infections. The incidence of entropion increases with age. It can be corrected with a simple surgery that will return the eyelid into its normal position and function.
Ectropion
Ectropion is outward turning of the eyelid making it move away from the eyeball. Patients with ectropion can complain of chronic tearing, redness, and irritation of the eyes. The incidence of ectropion increases with age. It can be corrected with a simple surgery that is effective in restoring the normal position and function of the eyelid.
Ptosis
Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. This can be acquired or congenital. When acquired it is usually caused by stretching of the muscle that elevates the eyelid or detachment from its insertion. As for congenital ptosis, special attention is needed to ensure that it is not affecting vision and vision development. In both cases, a surgery can be done to elevate the muscle and improve vision and looks.
Tearing
Tears normally drain out of the eye through a nasolacrimal outflow system into our nose. There are different causes for tearing. Tearing can be caused by irritation from allergies and bad tear quantity and/or quality which causes dry eyes. It can be caused by poor lid position and tone such as with entropion and ectropion. It can also be the result of an obstruction in the nasolacrimal duct system making tears flow down the face. It is important to assess which one of those causes is the reason behind your tearing in order to decide on whether you need a surgery to open up your tear ducts or not.
Eyelid Retraction
Retracted eyelids refer to eyelids that are too wide open. This is usually associated with thyroid eye disease or Graves’ disease. Patients usually complain of wide-eyed appearance, ocular redness, and pain. There are multiple surgeries that can be done on the orbit (removing bone and fat), the eye muscles and the eyelids to repair this problem and restore the appearance and health of the eyes and eyelids.
Brow Ptosis
Eyebrow ptosis is present when the eyebrows fall below the superior orbital rim. It can affect vision by blocking the superior fields of vision. Different types of surgeries can be done to raise the eyebrows in order to improve vision, appearance and the sensation of heaviness that they cause.
Eyelid Skin Cancer
Skin cancer involving the skin around the eyelids is not uncommon and is usually caused by years of sun exposure. Early recognition and treatment are crucial in avoiding spread and maintaining ocular health since the eyelids are extremely important in protecting the eye. There are different types of tumors that can affect the eyelids such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. They are all great imitators and can look like a benign lesion. If a skin lesion persists, a biopsy should be performed. Surgery for those cancers is very meticulous and should be performed by an expert to ensure that all cancerous tissue is taken out with enough clean margins, followed by reconstruction surgery that would re-establish a normal function and appearance to the eyelid.
Trauma
Trauma can involve the eye, eyelids, and orbit. Special examination and attention need to be performed on all those patients to avoid missing a life-threatening injury since those injuries can extend into the brain without an obvious sign on the outside. An ophthalmic plastic surgeon is an expert in assessing and repairing those injuries given their detailed knowledge about the complex anatomy of both, the eyelids and the orbit.
Orbital Disease
Orbital diseases such as inflammatory conditions affecting the orbit or tumors inside the orbit are uncommon and should be managed by an expert oculoplastic surgeon. Those might need a biopsy and many times excision.