Oculoplastics

Oculoplastics is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that involves various types of plastic surgeries in the area around the eyes

As you age, the eyelid shape and position changes and they begin to droop and, in some cases, completely cover up the eye. Some illnesses, injuries, burns, or congenital abnormalities can also have this effect on the eyelids. This can lead to irritation, tearing, reduced vision, inflammation, and more. Most of these conditions can be corrected successfully through surgery.

The most common conditions for which oculoplastic surgery is performed are:

  • drooping eyelid that obstructs vision
  • eyelids turned outward or inward
  • abnormal eyelash growth
  • facial paralysis
  • congenital abnormalities

The aesthetic focus of oculoplastic surgery most often includes restoring the function and position of the eyelids with a rejuvenating effect (blepharoplasty), removal of excess eyelid skin, under-eye bags, removal of papillomas (that do not affect the eyeball), small non-inflamed cysts, as well as small yellowish formations on the eyelid skin.

The Procedure

There are several types of oculoplastic surgery:

  • Eyelid surgery – including blepharoplasty, reconstruction, ptosis, entropion, and tumor removal
  • Tear duct surgery
  • Brow and forehead lift
  • Facial rejuvenation and enhancement
  • Botox and dermal fillers

The operations are performed under local anesthesia, and shortly after the procedure, the patient can go home.

Depending on the type of surgery, the eye may be covered with a bandage, in which case it is recommended that the patient be accompanied.

For upper eyelids, the excess tissue is removed by making an incision along the length of the eyelid. Afterwards, the incision remains well hidden in the natural eyelid crease.

For lower eyelids, the excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision a few millimeters below the lash line, which corrects the so-called “bags” under the eyes.

Fine surgical sutures are used for these types of procedures, and they are usually removed after 5 to 14 days. Suture removal is a painless procedure.

Preparing for the procedure
Post-procedure care

Recommended for patients who:

  • Active infections or inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
  • Untreated diabetes, which can slow healing and increase the risk of infection
  • Glaucoma or retinal diseases – require prior evaluation by an ophthalmologist
  • High blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of bleeding
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Certain thyroid diseases
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not Recommended for patients with:

  • Active infections or inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
  • Untreated diabetes, which can slow healing and increase the risk of infection
  • Glaucoma or retinal diseases – require prior evaluation by an ophthalmologist
  • High blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of bleeding
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Certain thyroid diseases
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Side Effects

  • Discomfort, bruising, swelling – during the first few days
  • Mild sensitivity to light and wind
  • Blurred or double vision at the beginning

These symptoms are temporary, if they occur.

Risks

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Delayed or impaired wound healing
  • Scarring, which in rare cases may remain more noticeable

Frequently Asked Questions

Under-eye bags are most often a result of the natural aging process. However, they can also appear due to fluid retention, allergies or dermatitis, smoking, fatigue and lack of sleep, or certain medications. Sagging skin under the eyes can also be hereditary, which is why both men, women, and even children can have bags.

Bruising and swelling resulting from the procedure usually subside within 7–10 days, but this varies from person to person.

The skin in the eye area has a fast healing capability. With blepharoplasty, the scar is almost unnoticeable within 3-4 weeks after the procedure. For the lower eyelid, the incision is made just below the eyelashes, and the scar is difficult to notice. The appearance usually returns to normal within around 15 days after the operation.