Oculoplastics

Blepharoplasty removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyelids. On the upper lids, sagging skin can create a heavy, tired look and, when it is significant enough, can even droop far enough to interfere with your upper field of vision.

On the lower lids, the same procedure can smooth puffiness and bags that make the eyes look older than you feel.

Because upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be both a cosmetic and a functional procedure, your surgeon will discuss whether your concerns are primarily about appearance, vision, or a combination of the two. That conversation helps shape a plan that fits your goals.

Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. It happens when the muscle responsible for lifting the lid becomes weakened or stretched, which can occur with age, after an injury or previous surgery, or in some cases be present from birth. A drooping lid can partially cover the pupil, limit your vision, and contribute to a perpetually tired expression.

Ptosis repair tightens or reattaches the lifting muscle so the eyelid rests at a more natural, open position. While it may look similar to blepharoplasty from the outside, it addresses a different underlying cause, and the two are sometimes performed together for the best result.

Entropion and ectropion describe eyelids that no longer sit correctly against the eye, usually as a result of the tissue loosening over time. With entropion, the eyelid turns inward, so the lashes rub against the surface of the eye and cause irritation, redness, and tearing. With ectropion, the eyelid turns outward and pulls away from the eye, leaving it exposed, dry, and prone to watering.

Both conditions can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may harm the surface of the eye. Repair involves tightening and repositioning the eyelid so it once again rests in its proper place, relieving the symptoms and protecting the eye.

Growths can develop on or around the eyelids for many reasons. Many are harmless, such as cysts or styes, while others may be suspicious and need to be evaluated more closely, since skin cancers can occur in this area.

Removing a growth from the eyelid takes particular care, because the eyelid is both delicate and essential to protecting the eye.

Our surgeons remove these lesions and, when necessary, reconstruct the eyelid so that it continues to close, blink, and protect the eye properly while maintaining a natural appearance. When there is any concern about a growth, tissue can be sent for analysis so you have clear answers about what it is.

Tears normally drain from the surface of the eye through a small duct system that empties into the nose. When part of that system becomes narrowed or blocked, tears have nowhere to go, leading to constant watering and sometimes irritation or infection in the corner of the eye.

Tear duct procedures are designed to restore normal drainage, whether by opening a narrowed passage or creating a new route for tears to flow. Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate approach based on where the blockage is and what is causing it.

The position of your brows has a strong influence on the appearance of your upper eyelids and your overall expression.

As the brow gradually descends with age, it can add heaviness to the upper lids and, in some cases, contribute to a reduced field of vision.

Brow procedures gently lift and reposition the brow to a more youthful and functional position. They can be performed on their own or combined with upper eyelid surgery when addressing both areas together will give a more harmonious result.

Because oculoplastic surgeons specialize in the fine, delicate tissue of the face, they are well suited to removing growths beyond the eyelids as well. This includes moles, cysts, and other lesions on the surrounding facial skin. Our surgeons focus on removing these lesions thoroughly while keeping scarring to a minimum and preserving the natural contours of your face, with reconstruction of the area when it is needed.