Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized field of medicine that is performed to treat eye disorders, specifically those that affect the eyelids, tear ducts, and the area surrounding the eye. It is a unique area of medicine that blends the expertise of ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons.
The treatment is aimed to tighten the skin and muscles around the eye area, to give individuals a smooth, vibrant, and younger-looking skin. It is also done to treat medical conditions such as ptosis and orbital tumors.
What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery is a field of medicine that has been around for over 50 years. It continues to evolve as new techniques and technologies become available and as more people in Mumbai and all across the globe embrace it more.
The treatment focuses on the face and eyes, particularly the eyelids, tear ducts, and the area around the eye, and is performed by Oculoplastic surgeons, medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye disorders.
These professionals are trained in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, which gives them the necessary skill set to address a variety of conditions.
Reasons for Oculoplastic Surgery
Different people visit oculoplastic clinics for different reasons. Some of them seek this treatment for cosmetic improvements, others for medical problems, and others due to traumatic events.
- Cosmetic improvement
As we get old, our skin loses elasticity and firmness causing wrinkles and fine lines to appear. Thanks to oculoplastic surgeons who can perform successful oculoplastic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by removing the excess skin around the eyes, and help individuals achieve a more youthful appearance.
Here are various cosmetic reasons why someone may choose to undergo oculoplastic surgery;
Eyelid rejuvenation: Saggy, puffy, and wrinkled skin around the eyes makes us look tired and older. Oculoplastic surgeons can address this issue by performing different types of oculoplastic surgeries such as blepharoplasty to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eyes.
Removal of bags and dark circles under the eyes: bags and dark circles are a condition that most people suffer from. We tend to think that they develop due to lack of enough sleep and stress. But there are other reasons for the development of bags. Whatever the case, oculoplastic surgeons can perform procedures such as lower eyelid surgery or tear trough treatment to remove or reduce these issues.
Eyebrow and forehead lifting: Nobody dreams of having droopy or low eyebrows. This is not aesthetically pleasing, not to mention they can make the upper eyelids look heavy or hooded. A brow lift procedure can help raise the eyebrows and smooth out forehead wrinkles for better looks.
Treatment of facial nerve disorders: Facial nerve disorders like Bell’s palsy can cause droopy eyelids or other facial asymmetries. A professional surgeon can create a customized oculoplastic procedure to address this issue.
- Medical problems
Specialized oculoplastic surgeons can treat medical conditions such as;
Ptosis: Ptosis is a medical condition that causes drooping of the upper eyelids, causing obstruction of vision in severe cases. Oculoplastic surgery help lift the eyelid and improve vision.
Ectropion: Ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid, which can cause excessive tearing and irritation. Oculoplastic surgery can be performed to restore the normal position of the eyelid.
Entropion: Just as the name sounds, Entropion is the opposite of Ectropion, where the eyelid turns inward. This can cause irritation and damage to the cornea. Performing an oculoplastic surgery can reposition the eyelid and prevent further damage.
Tearing: Tearing can be caused by different factors such as a blockage in the tear ducts. This can lead to infections and inflammation. With oculoplastic surgery, the tear ducts can be opened up and restore normal drainage.
Orbital tumors: Oculoplastic surgery can help treat tumors in the orbit, which can cause vision loss and other severe symptoms.
Facial nerve palsy: Facial nerve palsy can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for eyelid closure. This in turn causes dryness, irritation, and corneal damage. Oculoplastic surgery can be performed in this case to improve eyelid function and protect the eye.
Thyroid eye disease: Oculoplastic surgery can help correct thyroid eye disease, a condition that causes the eyes to bulge, double vision, and eyelid retraction.
Before going through any of the above-mentioned treatments, it is important that the patient goes through a consultation and thorough examination with a professional surgeon to determine suitable treatment options.
- Traumatic injuries
Oculoplastic surgery can be an effective way to treat traumatic injuries to the eye and the areas around it caused by accidents, burns, falls, assaults, sports injuries, and other incidents, and help patients regain normal vision, function, and appearance.
Here are some procedures that can be performed;
Eyelid lacerations: These are cuts to the eyelids that can be repaired by oculoplastic surgical techniques to restore the normal shape and function of the eyelids, and prevent risks of infections and other complications.
Orbital fractures: Oculoplastic surgery can help repair orbital fractures (fractures to the bones that surround the eye) and restore normal vision and eye function.
Traumatic ptosis: Ptosis causes drooping of the upper eyelid. Traumatic ptosis is a condition that occurs as a result of injury to the muscles and nerves that control eyelid movement. Performing oculoplastic surgery can help repair these structures to normal functionality.
Tear duct injuries: The main function of the tear duct is to drain tears from the eye. Injuries can cause blockages or damage to these structures and cause symptoms such as excessive tearing. A patient can opt for oculoplastic surgery from a reputable clinic like The Esthetic Clinics to repair any injuries and restore normal tear drainage.
Eyebrow and forehead lacerations: Some oculoplastic surgical techniques can help repair lacerations to the eyebrows and forehead.
Types of Oculoplastic Surgery
Different patients have different expectations when they visit an oculoplastic surgery clinic. While some of them have cosmetic concerns, others want to treat medical problems and injuries. Here are the different types of procedures that can be performed.
- Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the eyelids to reduce sagging and puffiness and improve vision. Depending on what the patient needs, the treatment can be done on both the upper and/ or the lower eyelids.
Who is a good candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Generally, a person who has good health overall makes a perfect candidate for Blepharoplasty. They usually have concerns about the appearance of their eyes and should have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure.
It is important for patients to understand what blepharoplasty can and cannot address. For example, they should not expect the procedure to address dark circles or wrinkles around the eyes. The surgeon can recommend more than one procedure to be combined to achieve the desired results.
What to expect during the procedure
Patients can expect to go home the same day as their Blepharoplasty procedure as it is usually performed on an outpatient basis. General or local anesthesia will be administered with sedation to make the process painless and comfortable.
The plastic surgeon will then make incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids to minimize the risk of scarring. Excess skin, fat, and muscles may be removed to tighten the muscles and tissues around the eyes for a refreshed appearance.
Recovery and Results
The results of the procedure will start being visible a couple of weeks later. However, patients can return to their usual normal activities in a week’s or two weeks’ time after the procedure.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a while to minimize the risk of side effects such as swelling, bruising, and a little discomfort around the eyes. If these symptoms do happen, they are easily manageable by cold compresses and pain medication.
- Ptosis repair
Ptosis is a medical condition that causes the upper eyelid to droop. Besides the fact that this doesn’t look good as far as physical appearance, it may also cause serious issues such as vision obstruction, eye strain, and fatigue.
Ptosis repair refers to a treatment prescribed to tighten the muscle that lifts the eyelid, to improve the appearance and vision.
Who is a good candidate for Ptosis repair?
Individuals who want to improve their appearance and vision affected by Ptosis make good candidates for ptosis repair.
Before considering the treatment, patients should consult with the best plastic surgeon or professional like Dr. Debraj Shome, and undergo a thorough eye examination to ensure that they are a good fit for the procedure. The exam will also ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions that would sabotage the results.
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What to expect during the procedure
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. It only takes a couple of minutes and patients can go home on the same day.
Typically, the doctor makes a small incision on the upper eyelid through which he works. He will then tighten or reposition the muscle to lift the eyelid back to its natural position.
Recovery and Results
There are risks of complications associated with the procedure. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site. Cold compresses and pain medication can help alleviate these symptoms.
In case the symptoms become severe, patients should immediately seek medical advice from their surgeon.
The results of the procedure will start getting noticeable within a few weeks and will continue to improve over time. One of the benefits of Ptosis repair over other alternative treatments is that it can provide long-lasting results.
- Entropion repair
Entropion is a medical condition that causes the eyelid to turn inward and the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This may cause irritation, redness, and even damage to the cornea. Undergoing entropion repair can tighten the eyelid and reposition it to prevent inward turning.
Who is a good candidate for Entropion repair?
Ideal candidates for entropion repair are patients who have an inward turning of the eyelid. Patients must go through a comprehensive eye exam and their overall medical history to ensure they are perfect and ready for the procedure.
What to expect during the procedure
General or local anesthesia can be administered to ensure a smooth and comfortable procedure. Patients can also expect to go home the same day as the treatment is considered an outpatient procedure.
Recovery and Results
Some patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site, which is easily manageable by cold compresses and pain medication. It is always recommended to contact a professional if the symptoms are severe.
Results start to be visible within a few weeks and continue to improve over time. The effects can also be long-lasting but are not necessarily a permanent solution to the eyelid issue.
- Ectropion repair
Ectropion is the opposite of entropion. Instead of turning inward, this condition makes the eyelid turn outward, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid, and causing dryness, redness, and tearing. Ectropion repair tightens the eyelid and repositions it to prevent it from turning outward.
Who is a good candidate for Ectropion repair?
Anyone who has ectropion is a good candidate. In addition to not being pleasing aesthetically, this condition may also cause discomfort or irritation, dryness, redness, and tearing. Anyone can be a victim but older adults are affected more.
What to expect during the procedure
The procedure is usually done under local or general anesthesia. The treatment is performed under outpatient terms and the patient can go home and resume their activities as usual. It is advised not to involve in heavy and/ or strenuous activities as this may increase the risk of complications.
Recovery and Results
Results may start to be seen within a few weeks of surgery. Redness around the surgical area, swelling, and bruising may be some side effects of the treatment. If these symptoms become unbearable, patience should get prescribed medications from their surgeons.
Other oculoplastic surgery options that can be found include eyelid tumor removal and tear duct surgery. It is important that a patient consults with a qualified plastic surgeon or professional like Dr. Debraj Shome to discuss his/ her needs and find the best treatment recommendation.
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Non-surgical Oculoplastic Procedures
Besides oculoplastic surgeries, there are other oculoplastic procedures that are non-surgical. These are also done to address different cosmetic and medical eyelid concerns. Unlike surgeries, oculoplastic treatments are less invasive.
They mostly involve injecting substances into the skin or muscles around the eyes to improve appearance or vision. Some of these procedures are;
Botox injections: Botox is probably one of the most popular non-surgical treatments used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve the appearance of an individual. The surgeon injects small amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles that cause wrinkles, which block nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax and reduce the appearance of the wrinkles.
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers can be used as a great alternative to Botox. They are also injectable substances used to plump up hollow areas or smooth out wrinkles around the eyes. The filters are made from different materials, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid.
Laser therapy: Some oculoplastic conditions laser therapy treats include eyelid wrinkles, spider veins, and dark circles under the eyes. As the name suggests, the professional uses a laser to target specific areas of the skin to be treated. This then stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers, which helps to tighten and rejuvenate the skin.
Chemical peels: During a chemical peel procedure, the professional applies a chemical solution to the skin that removes the outer layers, leaving smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.
Who is a good candidate for non-surgical oculoplastic procedures?
A non-surgical oculoplastic procedure is performed for many reasons including medical problems and cosmetic concerns, which makes anyone a good candidate depending on their needs and wants.
It is a great option for individuals looking for less invasive options for surgery, which can address eye concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines. Generally, the candidate should have good overall health and realistic expectations about the outcome of the treatment.
The Esthetic Clinics has professional surgeons who can take individuals through the details of the procedure, discuss their health concerns, and recommend the best option depending on their needs. Effective communication is also vital and an understanding of what the procedure can and can’t achieve in order to have realistic expectations.
Oculoplastic Surgery Cost
Oculoplastic surgery cost can be influenced by a lot of factors. In Mumbai, the cost may be higher compared to other towns in India or other states. The type of procedure can also greatly influence the cost. As seen above, there are many types of oculoplastic surgery a patient can choose depending on their condition, needs, and preferences.
Different clinics offer different services on different levels. Clinics with high reviews and ratings may charge more. The Esthetic Clinics offer multiple options to make treatment affordable for patients of all kinds.
There will always be an option for different budgets but patients are urged to not put cost ahead of other important factors like the level of service, experience of the surgeons, and customized treatments. Remember that high prices don’t always mean great results and vice versa.
