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 , encompassing both functional and aesthetic aspects. Since the eyelids are extremely delicate and vital areas for eye protection and visual function, it is crucial that an ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic surgery perform these procedures. These specialists not only have an aesthetic approach to improving the appearance of the periocular area, but also possess a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and function of these structures, ensuring that the results improve both aesthetics and visual function.
At Clínica Nivaria, our oculoplastic surgeons are highly qualified and have extensive experience in a variety of procedures , from droopy eyelid corrections and under-eye bag removal to complex post-trauma reconstructions and surgeries to resolve blocked tear ducts. Using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art 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 cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, treating conditions ranging from ptosis (drooping eyelids) and bags under the eyes to orbital tumors and dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear ducts).
When should I consider oculoplastic surgery?
If you have functional problems that affect your vision, such as visual obstruction due to drooping eyelids, or aesthetic problems that you wish 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 xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits on 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 thorough evaluation of your condition, discuss your aesthetic or functional goals, and explain the available treatment options. Your eye and overall health will also be assessed to determine the best surgical approach.
How is 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 their normal activities within one to ten days with minimal postoperative care.
Are the results of oculoplastic surgery permanent?
The results of oculoplastic surgery can be long-lasting, but they are not considered permanent due to the ongoing 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 eyelid position changes, which in rare cases may require further 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 transportation and post-operative 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 can vary. Procedures 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 visit our Health Store for details and pricing on upper and lower blepharoplasty. We also have a special offer on Plasma Eyelid Treatment.
Ptosis. Drooping eyelids
In ophthalmology, we speak of ptosis when one or both eyelids droop, usually due to a dysfunction of the muscle that raises the eyelid. This drooping can affect the appearance of the eye, disrupting facial harmony, especially if it only affects one eye, or it can impair function by temporarily or permanently covering the visual axis and hindering vision.
The management of ptosis should include a thorough neurophysiological evaluation to rule out conditions such as myasthenia gravis or oculopharyngeal dystrophy, the latter often accompanied by swallowing difficulties. In children, early intervention is crucial if it impairs vision to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).
The surgical technique will depend on the condition of the eyelid muscle. If it is detached, it will be reattached; if it is stretched, it will be shortened; but if it is paralyzed, silicone probes or similar materials will be inserted so that the forehead lifts the eyelid when it contracts. Recovery is usually short, requiring local application of cold compresses and antibiotic ointment. The stitches are removed around two weeks later.
Entropion
What is Entropion?
The lower eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to abrade the cornea and conjunctiva, resulting in pain, redness, and eye discharge.
What is the treatment?
Surgical repair provides the only permanent cure for this condition and is performed under local anesthesia. Identifying the underlying cause of entropion is key to determining the appropriate surgical procedure. While it cannot be prevented, it can be detected early and corrected.
Postoperative
It is recommended that the patient remain at home on the day of the procedure. Visual improvement is usually so rapid that the patient can begin to gradually resume their normal activities the following day. However, they should follow certain recommendations, such as using eye drops, avoiding rubbing their eyes, and refraining from strenuous physical activity like lifting heavy objects for a few days after the procedure.
Ectropion
This is the opposite of entropion: the lower eyelid turns inward, exposing the tarsal conjunctiva. This causes redness of the exposed conjunctiva and watery discharge because the lower tear duct is no longer in contact with the eye. Most cases of this condition (like entropion) occur in older adults, but can also result from scarring of the eyelid skin, chemical or thermal burns, chronic eczema, or facial nerve paralysis. It cannot be prevented, but it can be detected early and corrected. An oculoplastic examination is essential for diagnosing this condition.
What is the treatment? Like entropion, the treatment is surgical, repairing the lower eyelid under local anesthesia.
