What is Oculoplasty?
Oculoplasty is a branch of ophthalmology that focuses on plastic surgery procedures relating to the eyes, as well as the structures that surround it. This pertains to cosmetic or reconstructive surgery on areas around the eyes, such as the eyelids and orbit (eye socket). Droopy upper eyelids, tumors around the orbit, and thyroid disease, are some of the conditions that may require oculoplastic surgery.
What type of surgeries does Dr. Loeffler perform?
Eyelid Procedures
- Blepharoplasty – Surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
- Ptosis Repair – Elevating droopy eyelids.
- Evaluations of eyelid laxity, lagophthalmos (improper eyelid closure), and malposition.
Orbital Procedures
- Surgeries for Graves’ disease – Thyroid eye disease
- Evaluation and repair of fractures
- Treatment and management of orbital tumors.
- Orbital fracture repairs.
Facial Procedures
- Brow Lifts
- Botox for facial wrinkles and blepharospasm
Common Types of Oculoplasty Procedures
Brow Lifts
A brow lift is generally performed to correct sagging eyebrows, as well as to reduce forehead creases. Surgery elevates the brow tissue, and reduces ‘frown’ lines. A brow lift is often combined with blepharoplasty to achieve more dramatic results.
Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)
Droopy Eyelids or eyelid ptosis, is a condition in which the major muscle responsible for elevating the eyelid weakens, or becomes loose. The condition can be mild or severe, and may affect one or both eyes. In children, ptosis may be due to the abnormal development of the muscle in the upper eyelid. But in adults it is usually due to aging, or trauma to the eye.
Excessive Tearing
The lacrimal and eyelid glands produce tears that are needed to protect the eyes and keep it moist. However, abnormal tearing can block the tear ducts. This is a fairly common condition and may be due to medications and allergies, but in some instances aging can also contribute to it.
Bulging Eyes (Exophthalmos)
Exophthalmos is a condition in which the eyes bulge or protrude out of their normal position. The disorder is often caused by a growth behind the eye or an eye infection. Conditions that affect the thyroid, such as Graves’ disease, can also cause bulging eyes. Symptoms include blurry or double vision, as well as inflammation and dryness.
Wrinkle Reduction
As you age, skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and this inevitably leads to the wrinkling of the skin. However, lifestyle habits such as smoking, lack of exercise, and excess sun exposure can all make the skin age faster. Laser skin resurfacing, botox and dermal filler injections, as well as medical skin care products, are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Skin cancer also affects the eyelids, and Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. This type of cancer is generally localized and does not spread to other parts of the body. Treatment involves surgery to excise the tumor, after which the area is reconstructed.
Dr. Loeffler’s advanced training in eyelid plastic and reconstructive surgery makes him especially qualified to diagnose and treat eyelid cancers. Dr. Loeffler works alongside an expert team to treat eyelid cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery, which is a very specialized treatment option. This method carefully removes the tumor in order to minimize skin loss.