Choosing an Oculoplastic Surgeon

By Soheila Rostami, MD

Oculoplastic surgery includes the combination of ocular (eye) and plastic surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons must have a great deal of knowledge and experience regarding all aspects of the eye and eye surgery, as well as the anatomy of the face, brows, and the extremely complex structure of the eyelids. They are specially trained to deal with the delicate complexities of cosmetic and functional facial and eyelid enhancements, removal of facial moles and lesions, excision of skin cancers, and reconstructive eyelid procedures after accidents or trauma.

What Surgeries Does An Oculoplastic Surgeon Do?

Upper Eyelids – Remove excess skin, muscle and/or fat to correct eyelid heaviness or tired look.

Lower Eyelids – Remove fat and/or tighten skin to correct bulges, puffiness, or shadows.

Frown Lines – Minimize the lines through injection of substances like Botox or collagen.

Crows Feet and Wrinkles – Reduce through Restylane, Botox, laser resurfacing, chemical peel, or skin care treatment.

Small Blood Vessels or Blemishes – Correct by using a special type of laser.

Eyebrows – Lift droopy brows through small incision surgery or Botox.

Sun Damage – Maximize skin care to minimize the effects of photo aging (sun damage).

When choosing an oculoplastic surgeon to perform your eye surgery, there are many factors that you will want to take into consideration

Experience.

Comprehensive skills.

Ability to deal with complications.

State-of-the-art equipment.

Personality, style, and an expert staff.

Make sure your surgeon is qualified to perform your eye surgery. Ask about the techniques in which the doctor has been trained. Your surgeon should have the skills to perform more than one type of surgery. Your surgeon needs to be able to offer you the best surgery available for your condition. Additionally, your surgeon needs to have the skills to perform any enhancements to your eyes that may be required after your initial surgery.