Oculoplastic, not paper

The term oculoplastic surgery encompasses a range of procedures done around the eye. These procedures are typically performed by an ophthalmologist specializing in plastic or reconstructive surgery. Oculoplastic operations usually target the upper or lower eyelids but can also include the eye’s tear duct system.

Like the fountain of youth

There are many benefits to having oculoplastic surgery. Perhaps the most evident is the return of a more youthful appearance. Skin tends to lose elasticity with time, causing the tissue to droop down and reveal signs of aging. By removing excess skin around the eyes, patients can go back to looking the way things were earlier in life.

Time to wake up

Saggy skin above the eye can give the illusion of tiredness if the eyes always seem half closed. Somewhat similarly, excess skin may also appear under the eye in the form of bags and dark circles. These bulges may project a tired appearance even when fully awake. Eliminating unnecessary skin often leads to a happier, more vibrant-looking face.

What does your forehead say about you?

Droopy eyelids often cause patients to raise the brow line in order to see better. While perhaps an unconscious gesture, the repeated motion can cause lines or wrinkles to develop along the forehead. Upper eyelid surgery can clear away the obstruction so individuals no longer have to open wide to see clearly.

A real confidence booster

An individual’s looks can undoubtedly play a role in overall mental health. Patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery can turn a negative self-perception into a positive one, leading to a better state of mind. This added confidence can come out in interactions with others and allow for a more joyful livelihood.

Don’t get in my way

All that said, the benefits of oculoplastic surgery extend far beyond cosmetic purposes. Excess skin or sagging eyelids can also affect an individual’s ability to see by blocking the field of vision. In these cases, the surgeon removes obstructions or lifts the eyelids to restore clear sight.

These are my conditions

A number of medical conditions affect the area around the eye and require surgical intervention. Ectropion occurs when the eyelid turns outward and no longer touches the eyeball. The gap created can be a source of irritation for patients and prevent tears from covering the eye properly. Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid, causing the eyelashes to contact the eye. Eyelashes can damage the eye’s surface layer, creating ulcers or scar tissue.

What happens after the fact?

Oculoplastic procedures are common and normally done in an outpatient setting. Depending on the operation, patients can expect to be under the knife anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours. Soreness, swelling, and bruising are parts of the recovery process that fade away with time. Scarring is usually minimal after surgery and rarely noticeable, thanks to well-placed incisions by the physician.