Oculoplastics & Cosmetic Surgery

An Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon (or Oculoplastic Surgeon) is an ophthalmologist who has completed rigorous additional training in plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques as it relates to the eye and surrounding structures. For example the eyelids, Lacrimal (tear) System, the Orbit (the bone cavity) and the adjacent facial structure.

When choosing a surgeon to address these areas of concern, please look for a surgeon who is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While board certification and fellowship cannot guarantee a perfect result, these credentials do identify a surgeon as one who has met specific and stringent training requirements.

Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is designed to remove excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.  The procedure can correct drooping upper lids that tend to sag with time and the puffy bags below the eyes.  The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes and can be performed in the center using local anesthesia.  Stitches can be removed after three or four days.  Blepharoplasty can be done as a single procedure, or in conjunction with other facial surgery such as a facelift or a browlift.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing

Also known as "laser peel," laser skin resurfacing usually takes less than 1½ hours (sometimes just a few minutes) depending on the size of the area being treated.  The procedure uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at controlled levels of penetration.  

The procedure removes areas of damaged or wrinkled skin often caused by prolonged sun exposure.  Laser resurfacing can minimize the appearance of fine lines around the mouth and the eyes and is also effective in treating facial scars and skin areas with uneven pigmentation.

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Botox (Allergan)

Botox is a protein that weakens muscles that wrinkle the skin.  It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to reduce "worry lines", "crow's feet" and "frown lines".  The procedure is quick and usually done in an examination room. 

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Cancer Surgery

Ninety percent of all basal cell skin cancers occur on the head and neck, and approximately 10% of these will involve the eyelids. Squamous cell skin cancer less frequently affects the eyelids. These neoplasms are related to sun exposure and ultraviolet light damage to skin and are more common in fair haired, blue eyed patients. A "typical" basal cell cancer will have a raised, "pearly," firm border and a central depression. Fine superficial blood vessels will be present on its surface and the patient may complain of bleeding or crusting from the lesion. Many basal cells do not fit this characteristic appearance, and any enlarging mass around the eyelids should be evaluated and biopsied.

Skin cancers around the eyelids are best treated by excision with frozen section and microscopic examination of the tumor margins to ensure complete removal. Often times the tumor may extend significantly beyond its apparent visible margins. Following removal, reconstruction to establish  a cosmetic and functional eyelid is carried out with the use of various procedures including donor grafts of skin, cartilage, and mucous membrane, skin-muscle flaps, and various "sharing" procedures from the opposing eyelid.

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Tear Drainage Surgery

Under normal conditions, the eye must have a regular bath of tears to prevent the eye from drying out, causing discomfort, infection, and even ulceration. However, when the normal drainage system of the eye becomes blocked, there are problems also associated with excessive tearing.

The human eye has a natural drainage system that is quite evident when we cry. The tears drain into the nose thru a system of ducts. If these ducts become blocked, the tearing of the eye becomes excessive and flows over the lids. Occasionally these blocked ducts can become infected because of the stagnant tears. In this situation a painful swelling occurs in the inner corner of the eye, and a serious infection can develop. This situation may require an operation to drain the infection, dilate the duct and reestablish a normal flow of tears. In some cases a new duct must be created.

Occasionally the tear duct obstruction will be beyond the normal repair techniques mentioned above. When this happens, it becomes necessary to create an artificial tear duct behind the inner corner of the eye using a small Pyrex (glass) tube called a Jones Tube. This procedure however is reserved as a last option, but does work well under these conditions.

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Trauma Surgery

If you have been the victim of an accident that resulted in injury to your eye socket, lids, or your eye itself, Island Eye has a team of experienced Oculoplastic surgeons who can restore the appearance and function of your eye, lids, and orbit.

 

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