Oculoplastic surgery, also known as ocular plastic surgery, treats aesthetic and functional pathologies of the eye.
Oculoplastic surgery deals with the pathology of the periocular area, which includes:
- palpebral alterations: blepharitis, ptosis, palpebral tumors and dermatochalasis.
- orbital disorders: thyroid orbitopathy and intraorbital tumors.
- tear duct disorders: dacryocystitis and tear duct obstruction.
Most of the oculoplastic surgery interventions performed by specialists in Ophthalmology are reconstructive, since they aim at restoring the normal functionality of the structures surrounding the eyeball. This type of surgery is indicated to correct alterations in the position of the eyelids and/or reconstructions of the eyelids after the removal of tumors and obstructions of the tear duct, which can cause persistent tearing or repeated infections.
There are other more aesthetic surgeries such as blepharoplasty and the use of botulinum toxin and other fillers such as hyaluronic acid. This type of oculoplastic surgery is performed to improve the changes produced by aging in the periocular area, such as skin redundancy, deepening of furrows and increase of bags and dark circles, among others.
Why undergo oculoplastic surgery?
Any abnormality of the eyelids, orbit and/or tear duct is a frequent reason to undergo oculoplastic surgery. Facial rejuvenation is another frequent reason for consultation, as the techniques used are becoming less invasive and offer a much more natural result.