Oculoplastics | Ophthalmology Consultants

What Is An Oculoplastic Surgeon?

Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists (eye doctors) who have specialized in eyelid and facial plastic surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to do many different types of eyelid and facial surgery, ranging from simple eyelid malposition to more complex reconstruction involving the eyelids and surrounding forehead, temporal, and cheek areas. They understand the delicate anatomy and function of the eyelids and their surrounding structures. As well as the eyelids, they specialize in the lacrimal (tear) system, the orbit (bone cavity around the eye), adjacent periocular (around the eyes) and facial structures, and the forehead and cheeks. Oculoplastic surgeons are also known as ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons and oculo-facial surgeons.

Oculoplastic surgeons assess the surface health of the eyes and function of the eyelids prior to eyelid plastic surgery. As dedicated eyelid plastic surgeons, an oculoplastic surgeon routinely does surgeries in these areas, and recognizes potential problems. Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to manage the complications of eyelid and facial plastic surgery which can involve the eye itself.

Eye and Eyelid Rejuvenation

The eyes are the focal point of the face and the effects of aging can cause eyes to have a tired or angry look. Lax, droopy skin on the upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and low or saggy eyebrows can make eyes look tired and older. These issues can present both cosmetic and functional consequences—all of which can be remedied by our experienced oculoplastic surgeon for a more youthful, alert, and positive appearance. Learn more about how we can help you look as young as you feel by addressing the delicate and fragile tissues in the eye area to:

Make the eyes appear younger, more open, and more alert
Reduce the fullness between the eyebrow and eyelid margin
Reduce under-eye bags
Eliminate excess skin and tightening the upper and lower eyelids
Raise the eyelid margin to reduce or eliminate drooping
Rejuvenate the shape and height of the eyebrows

Botulinum Toxins

Botulinum toxin was first developed by an ophthalmologist decades ago and has been safely used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as crossed eyes, eyelid or facial spasms. While treating these medical conditions, ophthalmologists noted the added beneficial cosmetic effects resulting from relaxation of the muscles around the eyes and face. Botulinum toxins such as XEOMIN® and BOTOX® are now the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the world. Men and women alike are enjoying the benefits of a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

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Botulinum Toxin Frequently Asked Questions

Botulinum toxin is a highly purified medicine containing minuscule amounts of the protein produced by a type of bacteria under precisely controlled laboratory conditions. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected in very low doses into the overactive muscles that cause crow’s feet and frown lines to form, causing them to be temporarily weakened or inactivated.

Botulinum toxin is one of the most researched and carefully monitored medications in the world. In experienced hands, botulinum toxin is a safe, predictable treatment used to temporarily soften and eliminate unwanted facial wrinkles and creases.

Patients may need to refrain from taking some medications and supplements for a few days prior to treatment. If you’re taking medications or supplements, please tell your treatment provider before receiving treatment.

Botulinum toxin lasts an average of 3-4 months or longer. Once injected, it takes a few days for the first effects to be seen and the full effect of the treatment takes two weeks to develop.

There is no downtime following a botulinum toxin treatment. Patients may return to work and resume normal activities right away. Some may experience slight redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site, but this will gradually diminish within a few hours to days following the procedure.

Yes. Botulinum toxin will smooth unwanted wrinkles without drastically changing your appearance. The targeted muscles are simply relaxed, so you can still smile, look surprised, and make natural facial expressions.

The cost varies depending on the area of treatment and number of units of botulinum toxin required for optimal results. During your consultation, your treatment provider will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to you.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Since every pair of eyes is unique, operating times will vary with the extent of changes and scope of the operation. As a general guideline, performing upper or lower blepharoplasty alone takes about 30-60 minutes, while having them both performed together takes about 90 minutes.

Blepharoplasty can be performed under different modalities such as oral, IV, and sometimes general anesthesia. Most procedures are done under oral or IV sedation.

Blepharoplasty lasts a very long time. In the majority of patients, cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed only once.

The majority of patients report mild aching or burning, which is usually well controlled with Tylenol and cold compresses.

Most patients experience moderate discoloration that is gone within about ten days. Swelling peaks in the morning after surgery. While it mostly resolves over the next two weeks, a small amount may persist for several months or more.

In upper blepharoplasty, the incision is hidden in the crease. In lower blepharoplasty, the incision is placed along the back surface of the eyelid and/or just below the lashes. While full thinning and fading of any scar on the body can take a long time, keloids on the eyelids are rare.

It is best to avoid strenuous activity for 10 days. A patient’s return to work will also be affected by the exact profession a patient has and can be discussed with your surgeon.

While cost is obviously important, the quality of your care and outcome are most crucial. To learn more about blepharoplasty costs contact your Ophthalmology Consultants office for an appointment.

Since eyelid skin is thinner than that on the rest of the face, the eyes are usually the first facial component to demonstrate a noticeable age-related loss of attractiveness. A person who is physically and psychologically healthy is ready to consider blepharoplasty whenever an improvement is desired.

Yes. Cosmetic surgery for men has become increasingly popular. Men can also benefit from a more relaxed, youthful and refreshed look.

Most semicircular rims of depression are the result of a relative deficiency of bone along the upper cheek with secondary sagging and atrophy of the cheek’s fat pockets and muscles. Since the indentation (often called a “tear trough”) is not caused by an eyelid or orbital deficit, lower eyelid blepharoplastymay or may not be able to correct it. The specific approaches to improvement to the tear trough may include surgery, injectable fillers, or a combination of both.

Eyelid hollowness is not the same thing as cheek hollowness, a tear trough, or dark circles, all of which are much more common conditions. If the lids themselves have become hollowed due to insufficient fat volume following overdone blepharoplasty or aging changes, they can sometimes be re-inflated by grafting fat into the socket around the eye.

Yes, but not drastically. Conservatism is key.