The earliest signs of aging typically occur around the eyes. Today, some subtle aesthetic flaws are easy to correct with injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers. For more significant loose or sagging skin, you may want to explore the long-term benefits that come from oculoplastic surgery.

Eyelid rejuvenation is a popular oculoplastic technique. More than 100,000 patients per year undergo eyelid rejuvenation, and many report feeling much more self-confident and satisfied with their appearance. There are numerous reasons to consider oculoplastic surgery since the eyes are the most expressive feature on the face and their central position among other facial features makes the eyes integral to general appearance.

What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?

At Key-Whitman Eye Center, we perform oculoplastic procedures for functional or cosmetic improvement. The term “oculoplastic surgery” describes various procedures address condition affecting the eyelids and area around the eyes, the orbit of the eye, or the tear ducts.

Candidates for Oculoplastic Surgery

Patients may be a good candidate for oculoplastic surgery if they are in good general health and would like to improve the appearance of their eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Pfeiffer performs a thorough examination to confirm that your objectives can be achieved with eyelid surgery.

Types of Oculoplastic Surgeries

• Blepharoplasty: Upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures are some of the most common oculoplastic procedures performed today. Upper blepharoplasty may be performed for cosmetic or functional reasons. This procedure removes the extra or loose skin from the upper eyelid to restore the natural lid crease. Upper blepharoplasty may also be performed to remove tissue that has dropped into the field of vision. Lower blepharoplasty repositions fat and skin in a manner that decreases or eliminates the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
• Ptosis repair is performed on the upper eyelids to correct the malposition of this part of the eye. Patients with the condition ptosis can experience obvious drooping of one eye due to the function of the levator muscle in the upper eyelid. This surgery is different than upper blepharoplasty because it shortens or otherwise repairs a stretched or elongated muscle.
• Ectropion Repair is an eyelid condition that affects the lower eyelid, making it roll outward away from the eye. The affected eyelid may also sag, exposing the eye and leading to dryness. Untreated ectropion can trigger chronic redness, pain, irritation, and tearing. Prolonged exposure can also wear down the corneal surface.
• Entropion Repair: Entropion is an eyelid condition that affects the upper or lower eyelid, making it roll inward. This condition may relate to the natural aging of the eyelid or breakdown in the strength of certain eyelid muscles. When the eyelid turns inward, tissue rubs the surface of the eye, causing redness, irritation, and sensitivity to wind and light. Untreated entropion may trigger excessive tearing or mucous discharge. The cornea may also be scratched and scarred over time.
• Eyelid Growths & Skin Cancers: The fragility of the skin around the eyes makes this area particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Exposure to UV light from sunlight and tanning beds not only affects the appearance of the eyelids, but it can cause to skin cancer, too. Growths on the eyelid, especially those that bleed or become inflamed, should be evaluated immediately. Skin cancer may be diagnosed by taking a biopsy of tissue from the growth. Then, the lesion may be removed using a precision surgical technique which attempts to preserve the natural contours of the eye as much as possible. In some cases, growth or skin cancer removal is followed by reconstruction of the eyelid.
• Tearing Disorders: Tears are vital to the function and health of the eyes. The lacrimal gland and meibomian gland are involved in producing the necessary layers of fluid to maintain a healthy tear film. A tearing disorder may lead to too much tearing or to dry eye syndrome, depending on the layer of the tear film that is lacking. Tearing disorders may be corrected with appropriate surgery to reduce irritation and reflex tearing.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients who undergo oculoplastic surgery in Dallas with Dr. Pfeiffer, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, typically appreciate the natural-looking results achieved with their eyelid procedure. In general, the eyes look more open, more vibrant, and all-around younger after surgery.

Recovery from Oculoplastic Surgeries

Post-operative recovery may vary depending on the type of oculoplastic surgery a patient has. Our team provides detailed instructions for post-operative care and is available to answer questions before and after surgery. Patients may expect bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort after oculoplastic surgery. In many cases, these normal side effects decrease substantially within 48 hours after the procedure. Post-operative instructions typically advise that patients avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least one week, possibly up to two weeks. Patients can have their stitches removed within a week of surgery.

Is There Any Pain During Recovery?

Pain is generally mild after oculoplastic surgery and may be manageable with over-the-counter NSAID medication. However, we may prescribe stronger painkillers for the first few days of your recovery, if necessary. Patients will be able to discuss recovery time in detail during the consultation visit before surgery.

Risks Associated with Oculoplastic Surgery

Any procedure that is performed on the eyes can change the appearance of this part of the face. Therefore, one of the risks of oculoplastic surgery is that the patient may not be satisfied with the results achieved through their procedure. We are careful to discuss what is possible with each surgical procedure, including limitations and what patients may expect.

Additional risks of eyelid surgery, though rare, include:

• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Ptosis
• Scarring
• Asymmetry

Benefits of Treatment from an Oculoplastic Surgeon

An oculoplastic surgeon such as Dr. Pfeiffer has obtained extensive training after completing medical school. This includes a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery. The clinical training an oculoplastic surgeon goes through leads to an in-depth understanding of the fine details of the eyelids, structure of the eye, and the region of the face that surrounds the eyes. The amount of training an oculoplastic surgeon goes through enables Dr. Pfeiffer to perform delicate procedures with a great deal of precision.

Why Choose Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center?

At Key-Whitman Eye Center, we consult with patients to discuss their goals and the way in which a particular oculoplastic procedure can enhance the structure of the eyelid. Dr. Pfeiffer believes in taking a personalized approach to fit each patient’s individual needs while adhering to the highest standards of medical care.