What is oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics, also known as oculoplastic surgery, is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures on the eye and the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts, and parts of the face.
Oculoplastic surgeons are specialised ophthalmologists, who have undergone additional fellowship training. Some surgeons from certain other specialties, such as plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be trained in some procedures that fall under oculoplastics.
Why is it done?
Oculoplastic procedures may be done for a number of reasons. Many, such as upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, eye bag removal and eyebrow lifts, are done for cosmetic reasons, while others, such as eyelid repair for entropion, ectropion and ptosis are done for functional reasons – to make life easier for the patient. Other procedures, such as eye removal and reconstruction may be essential for the patient’s wellbeing.
What does oculoplastic surgery involve?
Oculoplastics can involve a number of techniques, depending on the specific operation. Oculoplastic procedures can range from the cosmetic, such as Botox injections, liposuction, and blepharoplasty to essential surgery, such as eye removal and orbital reconstruction.
Types of oculoplastic procedures
Eyelid surgery
Cosmetic/Aesthetic
- upper eyelid blepharoplasty – removal of excessive upper eyelid skin and hooding
- lower eyelid blepharoplasty – a procedure to reduce bags by removing excessive skin and subcutaneous fat
- brow lifting – raising or reshaping of the brow
- ptosis (droopy eyelid) repair
- lower eyelid entropion (inturning) or ectropion (out turning) repair
Eyelid lesions benign and cancerous
- excision or biopsy of cysts/moles/lesions of the eyelids
- eyelid tumour removal – the eyelids can be affected by skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
Tear duct surgery
- procedures to reduce watering and unblock tear ducts
- biopsy or removal of a lacrimal gland
- removal of part of a lacrimal sac
Eye removal
- Complete removal of the eye and possibly also the connecting tissue and muscles – usually done due to the presence of a malignant orbital tumour.
- Removal of the inside of the eye, leaving the scleral shell – usually done to reduce pain in a blind eye.
Orbital reconstruction
- artificial eyes
- orbital decompression for Graves’ disease
Cosmetic procedures
- Botox injections
- facelift – part of the facelift procedure can involve the eyelids and surrounding area
- eyebrow/forehead lifts
- liposuction of the face and neck
05-22-2013 04-19-2017
Oculoplastics
Mr Colin Vize - Ophthalmology
Created on: 05-22-2013
Updated on: 04-19-2017
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What is oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics, also known as oculoplastic surgery, is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures on the eye and the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts, and parts of the face.
Oculoplastic surgeons are specialised ophthalmologists, who have undergone additional fellowship training. Some surgeons from certain other specialties, such as plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be trained in some procedures that fall under oculoplastics.
Why is it done?
Oculoplastic procedures may be done for a number of reasons. Many, such as upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, eye bag removal and eyebrow lifts, are done for cosmetic reasons, while others, such as eyelid repair for entropion, ectropion and ptosis are done for functional reasons – to make life easier for the patient. Other procedures, such as eye removal and reconstruction may be essential for the patient’s wellbeing.
What does oculoplastic surgery involve?
Oculoplastics can involve a number of techniques, depending on the specific operation. Oculoplastic procedures can range from the cosmetic, such as Botox injections, liposuction, and blepharoplasty to essential surgery, such as eye removal and orbital reconstruction.
Types of oculoplastic procedures
Eyelid surgery
Cosmetic/Aesthetic
- upper eyelid blepharoplasty – removal of excessive upper eyelid skin and hooding
- lower eyelid blepharoplasty – a procedure to reduce bags by removing excessive skin and subcutaneous fat
- brow lifting – raising or reshaping of the brow
- ptosis (droopy eyelid) repair
- lower eyelid entropion (inturning) or ectropion (out turning) repair
Eyelid lesions benign and cancerous
- excision or biopsy of cysts/moles/lesions of the eyelids
- eyelid tumour removal – the eyelids can be affected by skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
Tear duct surgery
- procedures to reduce watering and unblock tear ducts
- biopsy or removal of a lacrimal gland
- removal of part of a lacrimal sac
Eye removal
- Complete removal of the eye and possibly also the connecting tissue and muscles – usually done due to the presence of a malignant orbital tumour.
- Removal of the inside of the eye, leaving the scleral shell – usually done to reduce pain in a blind eye.
Orbital reconstruction
- artificial eyes
- orbital decompression for Graves’ disease
Cosmetic procedures
- Botox injections
- facelift – part of the facelift procedure can involve the eyelids and surrounding area
- eyebrow/forehead lifts
- liposuction of the face and neck
What’s the difference between a plastic surgeon and an oculoplastic surgeon?
By Mr Daniel Ezra
2024-10-31
An oculoplastic surgeon is a specialised ophthalmologist who has chosen to specialise in both eyelid & facial plastic surgery relevant to the eyes. Mr Daniel Ezra, expert oculoplastic surgeon, explains what types of surgery he is able to perform, and the advantages of oculoplastic surgery. See more
Open your eyes: why you should choose an eyelid specialist
By Miss Vickie Lee
2024-10-31
Eyelids are very delicate and complex, requiring a specialist with a special set of skills. Highly-experienced consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Miss Vickie Lee describes what we need to know about eyelid surgery and why a specialist is important. See more
Oculoplastic surgery: the most common procedures
By Mr Imran Zaheer
2024-10-30
Thinking about having surgery around your eyes? An oculoplastic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the muscles around the eyes. Read more from one of our top surgeons Miss Mahboub Hawkes on which procedures an oculoplastic expert performs. See more
Exploring the potential of oculoplastic surgery
By Mr Sam Evans
2024-10-29
The world of oculoplastic surgery consists of skilled artistry which enhances the beauty of the eyes while merging with the precision of medical knowledge. For those contemplating oculoplastic surgery, the allure lies in both rejuvenating their appearance and enhancing their eye functionality. Esteemed consultant ophthalmologist Mr Sam Evans guides you through this captivating specialty, unveiling its intricate details. See more
Experts in Oculoplastics
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Mr Jimmy Uddin
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Thyroid eye disease
- Blepharoplasty
- Oculoplastics
- Watery eyes
- Chalazion
- Eyelid cancer
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Mr Richard Scawn
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Oculoplastics
- Blepharoplasty
- Ptosis (droopy eye)
- Watery eyes
- Chalazion
- Blepharitis
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Mr Ian Subak-Sharpe
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Cataracts
- Dry eye
- Watery eyes
- Eyelid malpositions
- Blepharoplasty
- Oculoplastics
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Miss Vickie Lee
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Ptosis (droopy eye)
- Oculoplastics
- Chalazion
- Thyroid eye disease
- Watery eyes
- Dry eye
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Mr Imran Zaheer
OphthalmologyExpert in:
- Oculoplastics
- Glaucoma surgery
- Cataracts
- Laser eye surgery
- Refractive lens exchange
- Eyelid malpositions
- See all
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