Oculoplastic surgery is not a new specialty, yet many patients are still unaware of its benefits. Oculoplastic surgeons are eye surgeons that have trained in plastic surgery of the tissues surrounding the eyes; i.e., the eyebrow, eyelids, tear duct and the orbit. This involves reconstructive and rehabilitative surgery, as well as aesthetic surgery to rejuvenate the eyes.
Whether considering surgery to improve the appearance of their eyes, or to treat a problem in the eyelid area, the good news is that patients have the option to seek a specialty that deals with this particular anatomical region.
Oculoplastic surgery may be classified into two categories: reconstructive operations and aesthetic procedures.
The benefits of reconstructive oculoplastic surgery
One aspect of oculoplastic surgery deals with conditions that affect the function and health of the eyelids. These conditions may present themselves at birth (congenital) or be acquired after trauma or as a consequence of aging. Some of these conditions include entropion, where the eyelashes turn inward and rub against the eye, blepharoptosis (droopy eyelids), and malignant tumors on the eyelid margin, such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
The oculoplastic surgeon is trained to manage these conditions in a way that restores the function of the eyelid while also achieving a beneficial aesthetic improvement.
The benefits of aesthetic oculoplastic surgery
For such a small area of our body, the periocular region is one of the most complex. This area is responsible for transmitting emotions through the movement of tiny muscles that can work together to produce countless facial expressions.
The aesthetic side of oculoplastic surgery deals with rejuvenation of the eyes. This includes the lifting of droopy brows, eyelid lifts, and elimination of bags under the eyes. There is also a non-surgical aspect to oculoplastics which includes the use of Botox and fillers to restore a youthful contour and add volume to the area of the eyes. These treatments have the advantage of being safe and requiring little downtime for the patient.
For surgery around your eyes, seek an oculoplastic surgeon
Oculoplastic surgeons use the latest microsurgical and endoscopic techniques to improve the health of the eyelids and surrounding tissues. When considering an aesthetic improvement around the eyes or treatment of disease affecting this delicate area, seek an oculoplastic surgeon who is qualified and has the experience required to achieve great results.