Oculoplasty, or oculoplastic surgery, is a term used to refer to a variety of procedures that involve the eyelids, eyebrows, orbit, tear ducts, and face. The term ocular reconstructive surgery refers to procedures like aesthetic eyelid surgery, facial plastic surgery, and other cosmetic surgeries. Oculoplasty can be considered medically necessary or cosmetic, and sometimes it’s both.
Oculoplasty truly refers to a wide range of procedures from correcting drooping eyelids to eye removal. These procedures can be used to rejuvenate or reconstruct the eye and related structures. One of the most common oculoplastic procedures is blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift. This procedure removes excess skin from the eyelid, reducing that baggy appearance that comes with age. Brow lifts are also considered oculoplastic surgery.
Most oculoplastic procedures are done on an outpatient basis and are performed on people of all ages. Oculoplasty is commonly used to treat several conditions including:
- Ptosis – Drooping eyelids.
- Entropion – Eyelids that are folded inward toward the eye.
- Ectropion – Eyelids that are folded outward from the eye.
- Thyroid Eye Disease – Can include Grave’s Disease. Eyes have a bulging appearance due to inflamed tissue.
- Cancer and Other Growths – Including tumors or lesions on or around the eye.
- Blocked Tear Ducts – Commonly found in infants but can also occur in adults from infection, trauma, or tumors.
- Injuries – Can repair and reconstruct damaged eye sockets.
- The first thing you should do is to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon. Sometimes these doctors are confused with ophthalmic surgeons, but they aren’t the same thing. A consultation can help you learn about your treatment options for your particular oculoplastic condition.
The experienced, qualified physicians at Sharp Vision specialize in performing oculoplastic and cosmetic procedures including eyelid tucks and lifts, eyebrow and forehead lifts, and more.
