La Oculoplastic surgery is a subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on the treatment of disorders and diseases related to the eyelids, eyebrows, tear ducts, orbit, and conjunctiva., covering both functional and aesthetic aspects. Since the eyelids are extremely delicate areas and vital for eye protection and visual function, it is crucial that an ophthalmic surgeon with specialization in oculoplastic surgery perform these procedures. These specialists not only take an aesthetic approach to improving the appearance of the periocular area, but also possess a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and functionality of these structures, ensuring that the results not only improve aesthetics but also visual functionality.
En Nivaria Clinic, our oculoplastic surgeons are highly qualified and have extensive experience in a variety of procedures, from corrections of droopy eyelids and removal of bags under the eyes, to complex post-trauma reconstructions and surgeries to resolve tear duct obstructions. Using advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology, we ensure that each treatment is customized to meet the specific expectations and needs of our patients, providing results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What is oculoplastic surgery and what problems does it treat?
Oculoplastic surgery is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on disorders and treatments of the eyelids, eyebrows, tear ducts, orbit, and conjunctiva. This discipline encompasses both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, treating conditions from ptosis (drooping eyelids) and bags under the eyes, to orbital tumors and dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear ducts).
When should you consider oculoplastic surgery?
If you have functional problems that affect your vision, such as visual obstruction due to drooping eyelids, or cosmetic problems that you want to correct, such as bags under your eyes or sagging eyelids, you may be a candidate for oculoplastic surgery.
What types of oculoplastic surgeries are available?
At Clínica Nivaria, we offer a range of oculoplastic surgeries, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), ptosis repair, tear duct surgery, removal of xanthelasmas (cholesterol deposits in the eyelids), and procedures to treat orbital tumors or trauma.
What can I expect during the initial consultation for oculoplastic surgery?
During your initial consultation, our specialist will conduct a detailed evaluation of your condition, discuss your aesthetic or functional goals, and explain available treatment options. Your eye and general health will also be evaluated to determine the best surgical approach.
How is a blepharoplasty performed and what is the recovery time?
Blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids. It is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, and recovery time varies, but most patients return to normal activities within a week to ten days, with minimal postoperative care.
Are the results of oculoplastic surgery permanent?
The results of oculoplastic surgery can be long lasting, but are not considered permanent due to the continuing aging process. However, procedures such as blepharoplasty can offer improvements that last for several years.
What are the risks associated with oculoplastic surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks including infection, bleeding, scarring, or problems with anesthesia. Specifically, in oculoplastic surgery, there is also a risk of alterations in the position of the eyelids, which in rare cases may require additional intervention.
How can I prepare for oculoplastic surgery?
Preparing for surgery includes following your surgeon's specific instructions, which may include avoiding medications that increase the risk of bleeding, not smoking, and arranging for transportation and postoperative care.
What type of anesthesia is used during oculoplastic surgery?
Depending on the procedure, oculoplastic surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Our specialists will determine the safest and most comfortable option for you based on the specific procedure and your overall health.
Is oculoplastic surgery covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for oculoplastic surgery may vary. Procedures that are performed for medical reasons, such as ptosis repair to improve vision, are often covered by insurance, while purely cosmetic procedures generally are not. We invite you to access our Health Store to find out the details and price of the Upper Blepharoplasty and Lower Blepharoplasty. We also have a promotion for Treatment of Eyelids with Plasma.
Ptosis. Droopy eyelids
In ophthalmology we talk about ptosis when there is a fall of one or both eyelids, usually due to an alteration of the muscle that elevates the eyelid. This fall can alter normality at the aesthetic level, creating an alteration of facial harmony, especially if it is only one eye, or alter functional normality by temporarily or permanently covering the visual axis making vision difficult.
The management of palpebral ptosis should include a correct neurophysiological study that rules out diseases such as myasthenia or oculopharyngeal dystrophy, the latter being accompanied by difficulties in swallowing by patients. In the case of children, it is necessary to act early if it makes vision difficult to avoid the well-known “lazy eye”.
The surgical technique will depend on the state of the eyelid muscle. If it is detached it will be reinserted, if it is distended it will be shortened, but if it is paralyzed we will have to place some silicone probes or similar so that it is the forehead that elevates the eyelid when contracting. Recovery is usually short requiring local cold and antibiotic ointment. The stitches are removed around fifteen days.
Entropion
What is the Entropion?
The lower eyelid turns from the outside in, causing the eyelashes to abrasive the cornea and conjunctiva, which causes pain, redness and ocular exudation.
What is your treatment?
Surgical repair provides the only permanent cure for this disorder and is performed with local anesthesia. Detecting the cause that causes the entropion is key to define the surgical procedure to perform for its correction. It cannot be prevented but it can be detected in time and corrected.
Postoperative
It is recommended that the patient remain at home on the day of the intervention. The visual improvement is usually so rapid that the next day you can begin to gradually return to your normal life. However, you should follow some recommendations such as using eye drops, do not rub your eyes and avoid physical efforts such as taking heavy things for a few days after the intervention.
Ectropion
It is the opposite disorder to Entropion: the lower eyelid turns from the inside out, leaving the tarsal conjunctiva exposed. This causes redness of the exposed conjunctiva and watery secretion because the inferior tear orifice is no longer in contact with the eye. Most of these cases (like those of Entropion) occur in the elderly, but may occur as a result of the formation of scars on the skin of the eyelid, chemical or thermal burns, chronic eczema or facial nerve paralysis. It cannot be prevented but it can be detected in time and corrected. An oculoplastic exam is essential to diagnose pathology.
What is your treatment? Its treatment, like Entropion, is surgical, repairing the lower eyelid, under local anesthesia.
