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Oculoplastic Surgery

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At a glance:

Oculoplastic Surgery

Summary

Oculoplastics is a specialised branch of ophthalmology dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the eyelids, eye sockets, and tear ducts. This includes surgical procedures for eyelid muscle issues or cosmetic purposes, and non-surgical facelifts.

What is Oculoplastic Surgery?

Oculoplastic surgery encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures for the eyes and surrounding facial areas, orbits and tear drainage system. This specialised eyelid field merges aspects of ophthalmology with plastic surgery to address functional and aesthetic issues.

An oculoplastic surgeon is a fully trained ophthalmologist specialising in plastic surgery uniquely for the eyelids and face. The Oculoplastic surgeon performs eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty and eyelid reconstruction, orbital surgery, tear drainage surgery and aesthetic medical treatments around the eyes and face.

This category includes procedures such as eyelid surgeries (eye lifts), orbital tumour excision, thyroid eye disease, lacrimal duct stenosis, cheek and lower eyelid volumisation, and tear trough enhancements (TearFill).

Oculoplastic surgery is not only cosmetic but also serves medical purposes, such as correcting drooping eyelids (ptosis), removing and reconstructing eyelids after skin tumour excisions and managing lesions on sun-damaged skin. These procedures require the skill of an ophthalmic surgeon who has undergone additional training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck region, underlining this medical field’s intricate and highly specialised nature.

Oculoplastic surgery is often called toculo-facial and reconstructive surgery as it deals not only with the immediate eyelids but also the areas around the eyes and the whole face.

What makes someone an oculoplastic surgeon?

Oculoplastic surgeries are carried out by oculoplastic surgeons, who are ophthalmologists with additional, super-sub-specialised training in eyelid and facial plastic surgery. This rigorous sub-speciality training, often over several years, provides them with a profound understanding of the eye and eyelid’s delicate anatomy and functionality, making them uniquely qualified to perform intricate procedures around the eyes, on the eyelids, face, in orbit and on the tear ducts.

Among these experts are Ms Jane Olver, an eye surgeon who co-founded the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) and served as its inaugural secretary for five years, and Ms Michelle Ting, who received her training in London and California, USA. Both are highly trained and experienced Oculoplastic Surgeons and Members of BOPSS.

BOPSS defines Oculoplastic surgery as “plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the eyelids, the surrounding facial areas, orbits and lacrimal system (collectively known as Oculoplastic Surgery)”.

Conditions Treated by Oculoplastic Surgeons

Oculoplastic surgeons specialise in various procedures addressing the eyes’ functional and aesthetic issues. These procedures can be surgical or non-surgical and are performed on areas including the eyelids, eye sockets and their contents, eyebrows, cheeks, tear ducts, the face, forehead and scalp.

Key Treatments and Conditions

Eyelids: Procedures such as blepharoplasty to correct excess heavy hooded eyelids and eyebags, surgery for droopy eyelids (ptosis), eyelids that turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), removal of eyelid tumours, correction of facial palsy, and thyroid-related eyelid retraction.
Eyebrows: Treatments can address birth defects, injuries, and cosmetic concerns like “fallen” eyebrows with surgical and non-surgical brow lifts.
Cheeks and Face: Fillers such as Restylane and Sculptra are used to volumise the face, correct facial volume loss and tear-trough hollow, and enhance the overall facial structure. Ultherapy, a non-surgical method using micro-focused ultrasonic thermocoagulation, is often used for eyelifts and facelifts.
Eye sockets: orbital decompression for prominent eyes in Graves’ disease, orbital tumour removal and biopsy.
Tear Ducts: Oculoplastic surgeons manage various tear duct (lacrimal) problems, ensuring proper tear drainage and relief from persistent eye-watering.
Forehead: Techniques are applied to smooth peri-orbital wrinkles and treat conditions linked to cosmetic issues or facial nerve paralysis, such as in Bell’s palsy.
Scalp: Lesions, including tumours, are all managed by the Oculoplastic Surgeon.

Oculoplastic Surgery at Clinica London

Clinica London, our esteemed facility in the heart of London, is renowned for its excellence in oculoplastic surgery. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier medical and cosmetic eye care, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of our patient’s eyes and facial features. Clinica London is spearheaded by a team of expert oculoplastic surgeons who bring extensive experience and specialised expertise to every procedure. Our surgeons are accredited by major medical bodies and actively engage in the research and development of innovative techniques.

At Clinica London, we prioritise patient safety, precision in surgical practice, and the latest technological advancements, ensuring bespoke outcomes tailored to individual needs and conditions. Our commitment to excellence and compassionate care makes us a leading choice for oculoplastic surgery in London.

How to Prepare for Your Oculoplastic Surgery

As well as explaining your proposed treatment or surgery, providing comprehensive information and specimen consent forms, the oculoplastic surgeon will give specific instructions tailored to your individual needs, which may include the following key steps:

Medication Management: Avoiding any medications that can thin your blood before surgery is essential. Your surgeon will give you a comprehensive list of these medications, often including blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Discuss current medications with your surgeon to determine which ones should be temporarily stopped.
Health Assessment: Schedule a visit with your regular healthcare provider to confirm that you are in good health and that surgery is safe. This pre-operative assessment might include various health checks to ensure you have no conditions that could complicate the surgery or your recovery.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: For improved healing, it is advised to stop smoking and use any tobacco products at least 2 to 3 weeks before and after the surgery. Tobacco use can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Post-Surgery Arrangements: Make sure you have someone arranged to drive you home after the surgery. Planning for someone to assist you immediately following the procedure is essential, as you cannot drive yourself. Following these guidelines can help ensure your oculoplastic surgery goes as smoothly as possible, contributing to a quicker, more effective recovery.

Self-care at Home After the Oculoplastic Procedure

Recovery from oculoplastic surgery varies depending on the procedure and overall health, but following our surgeon’s aftercare instructions will contribute to a smooth recovery. Here are some general guidelines to help you care for yourself at home:

Managing Discomfort: After surgery, mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling are common. Cold packs can be applied over the affected area to alleviate these symptoms. Wrap the cold packs in a clean cloth or towel to protect your skin and eyes.
Restricting Activities: Avoid activities that could increase blood pressure for about three weeks, such as vigorous exercise or lifting heavy objects. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume these activities.
Alcohol and Medication: Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 1 week following the surgery. Additionally, you may need to stop taking certain medications as directed by your surgeon temporarily.
Care During Bathing: Be cautious when bathing, especially during the first week after surgery, to avoid disturbing the surgical site. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on properly cleaning the area around your incision. Swimming is not advised for at least two weeks.
Sleeping Position: To help reduce swelling, sleep with your head elevated using a few pillows for about one week after the surgery.
Follow-up Care: Schedule a follow-up visit with your surgeon within 7 days after your surgery. If you had stitches, they might be removed during this appointment.
Returning to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to work and social activities approximately two weeks after surgery. However, this timeline can vary based on the type of surgery performed and individual recovery rates.
Eye Sensitivity: For the first few weeks after surgery, you may notice increased tearing, sensitivity to light and wind, and possibly blurring. If your eyes feel sore or sensitive, a cold compress can provide relief.

Follow all the specific instructions your oculoplastic surgeon provides to ensure your recovery is as quick and effective as possible. Our surgeons will tailor their advice to suit your particular needs and the details of your procedure.

Do Not Hesitate to Call Your Doctor If

It’s essential to watch your recovery after oculoplastic surgery closely. Should you have any concerns or notice anything unusual, please contact your doctor immediately. We are here to support you through your healing process, and it’s crucial to contact us if you encounter any of the following:

Persistent Discomfort or Pain: If your discomfort or pain becomes severe and does not ease with analgesia.
Signs of Infection: Look for any increase in swelling, redness or fluid draining from your eyelid or surgical area.
Healing Issues: If the incision isn’t healing as expected or the wound opens up
Changes in Vision: In case your vision worsens at any point after the surgery.

Oculoplastic Surgery Cost

The cost of oculoplastic surgery can vary widely due to the diverse range of procedures available within this specialised field. Before any decision is made on treatments or surgery, the oculoplastic surgeon makes a thorough specialist oculoplastic and facial clinical assessment at consultation. The options are presented with a full report with information about the proposed course.

Each treatment is tailored to address specific medical or cosmetic issues, involving delicate eyelid surgery, intricate reconstructive work, aesthetic enhancements around the eye area and face, or the orbit and tear ducts. Because of this variety, providing a precise cost estimate without a detailed assessment of an individual’s unique needs is challenging.

Most oculoplastic surgeries are carried out daily under local anaesthetics at Clinica London. Some orbital and lacrimal procedures require more profound anaesthesia and complete advice will be given.

Please contact us for a detailed initial oculoplastic consultation. During this meeting, our expert oculoplastic surgeons will assess your specific condition, discuss your goals, and provide a clearer understanding of the potential costs involved.

Miss Jane Olver

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Oculoplastic (Eyelid) & Lacrimal Specialist
Medical Director
A dedicated Oculoplastic Eyelid surgeon, blepharoplasty, ptosis and Adult strabismus (squint) specialist

Ms Michelle Ting

Consultant Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Ophthalmologist specialising in oculoplastic (eyelid), lacrimal, orbital and facial surgery.