Special skills for special areas

What is an oculoplastic surgeon?

An oculoplastic surgeon (or an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon) is a surgeon who has first been trained as an ophthalmologist (or an eye surgeon or ophthalmic surgeon). The surgeon has received the specialised training required to diagnose and manage a wide range of disorders affecting the eyes and has acquired the skills needed to perform highly delicate surgery on the eyes. The surgeon has then received additional highly specialized training (often referred to as subspecialist fellowship training) in oculoplastic surgery which provides the skills required to perform both cosmetic surgery (also referred to as blepharoplasty) and functional/rehabilitative surgery around the eyes. This specialist knowledge and training is essential when performing very delicate surgery relating to the upper and lower eyelids and other structures around the eyes e.g. the tear drainage pathway.

Why seek the skills of an oculoplastic surgeon?

The eyelid and other areas around the eye are delicate structures that need special understanding and care. Very often the problem at issue is not just cosmetic but interferes with visual function, comfort and well-being. It therefore makes sense to entrust such work to a specialist who has completed years of additional training in plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes and their surrounding facial structures.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery represents a significant portion of an ophthalmic plastic surgeon’s work. As cosmetic eyelid surgery can affect the eyes, oculoplastic surgeons are best qualified to:

• Examine patients to determine their suitability for such surgery e.g. patients who have a tear film abnormality may suffer severe dry eye symptoms after such surgery
• To exclude previously undiagnosed eye disorders which such surgery could adversely affect e.g. a shallow anterior chamber with a risk of acute glaucoma
• Perform the surgery

Although cosmetic eyelid surgery has traditionally been performed by plastic surgeons many patients, opticians/optometrists, and referring doctors are recognizing the enormous advantages offered by suitably trained and experienced oculoplastic surgeons who specialise in a special area.

For information about lumps and bumps on the eyelid click here