Our eyes are the most delicate organs in our face. They are also an essential part of our identity. As such, they deserve special attention. The tissues around our eyes have a singular anatomy that allows them to express feelings and emotions. For these and many other reasons, the periocular area – the area surrounding our eyes – is considered one of the most difficult areas of the body to operate. Therefore, another surgical specialty was created just for this area of our face! The name of this specialty is Oculoplastic Surgery.
Oculoplastic Surgery is a subspecialty of Ophthalmology. This means that oculoplastic surgeons are first trained in microsurgery to correct eye diseases. Then, these surgeons train for another two years to specialize in plastic surgery of the delicate tissues that surround the eyes. Oculoplastic surgeons are qualified to diagnose and treat any condition that affects the eyelids, lagrimal system, and orbit – the anatomical space where the eye is located – and to perform aesthetic surgery of the forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, and midface.
Functional and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids
The eyelids are very delicate and complex anatomical structures. Their main function is to protect the eyes from trauma and to distribute the tear film over the surface of the cornea. Without these structures, our eyes would dry out and our vision would deteriorate very quickly. Therefore, our eyelids play a crucial role in our visual health. Eyelids have distinctive qualities that allow them to protect the eyes and, at the same time, contribute significantly to a person’s appearance, mood, and racial characteristics. Eyelid skin is also the thinnest of the human body. To function properly, the eyelids must have an adequate amount of skin, unrestrained mobility, and they must be free from inflammatory stimuli.
Functional eyelid surgery refers to any operation that restores normal eyelid function, shape and movement and improves a patient’s visual health and quality of life. Ptosis surgery (droopy eyelid surgery) is one of the most common functional eyelid procedures done by oculoplastic surgeons. With this surgery, the aim is to elevate a droopy eyelid to improve a person’s visual field and reduce eye fatigue. Ectropion and entropion are other common eyelid conditions that can affect a person’s vision. In ectropion, the eyelid margin turns or sags outward and causes significant irritation and tearing. On the other hand, entropion is a condition in which the eyelid margin folds inward, causing the lashes to rub against the surface of the cornea. Entropion usually produces more irritation than ectropion and must be managed quickly to prevent permanent scarring of the eye.
Eyelid reconstructive surgery is performed commonly by oculoplastic surgeons, especially in hospitals with a busy trauma center. Eyelid trauma is prevalent in big cities, where automobile accidents and assault injuries are common. Reconstructing an eyelid is no small task for a surgeon, given the anatomic and functional complexity of these structures. An eyelid must be reconstructed in such a way to preserve its function and maintain its normal anatomy. Oculoplastic surgeons have extensive experience in these kinds of operations.
Aesthetic eyelid surgery
The main goal of an eyelid aesthetic operation is to rejuvenate a person’s appearance. The periocular area – the anatomical area that surrounds the eyes – is arguably the most important area of our face when it comes to our appearance. This is also the first area to show signs of aging. Our eyes are important in communication because they reflect our mood and state of mind. Many people seek eyelid plastic surgery because they look older than they feel or, perhaps, people at work constantly ask them if they are tired or angry. These are the kind of issues that an oculoplastic surgeon can address with an aesthetic procedure.
Eyelid surgery in Costa Rica
Oculoplastic surgery is a new surgical specialty in Costa Rica. Most oculoplastic surgeons have established their practice in the capital city, San José. There is a high demand for these eyelid specialists because there currently few of these surgeons in the country. However, there is a lot interest among young ophthalmologists to train abroad in this subspecialty.
At Arte Facial, we specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Our eyelid specialist was trained by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (www.asoprs.org). He is passionate about helping his patients recover their eyelid function and protect their visual health.
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