OCULOPLASTICS

We treat both cosmetic and functional abnormalities of the eyelids, eyebrows, and structures surrounding the eyes, including the tear drainage system and eye socket.

Functional oculoplastic repairs abnormalities that are causing visual impairment. For example, eyelids may droop so much that they restrict your vision, and heavy brows may force your eyelids down into your field of sight. Our surgeon carefully works to correct these abnormalities, helping to improve both your vision and overall look. While health insurance may help defray the cost of functional surgery, they will not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures. Our surgeon will conduct an evaluation of your unique needs and goals, which is the first step toward determining whether you have a functional condition and if insurance will help pay for surgery.

Cosmetic oculoplastic surgery, on the other hand, focuses primarily on altering your appearance. You might elect to have oculoplastic lower eyelid surgery to make the lids smoother, reduce puffiness, excess skin, and dark circles.

Some patients have a medical issue they would like to address while simultaneously improving their appearance. Combining cosmetic and functional procedures can reduce healing periods and achieve more noticeable results.
Man and a woman together on a beach

Pricing and FINANCING options

Medical Eye Center offers solutions to both short- and long- term treatment goals. Learn more about financing your procedures with low monthly payment plans.

At Medical Eye Center, we offer a wide variety of options that address both functional abnormalities and cosmetic concerns. In addition to surgical procedures, our Medical Spa provides skin care products, laser rejuvenation, and injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers to help you achieve a more refreshed, youthful look. During your consultation, we will address your functional concerns and help you determine which cosmetic treatments best fit your needs.

COMMON TREATMENTS

With each blink, tears drain into the lacrimal sac, travel down through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose. Sometimes an obstruction develops in this duct and tears cannot reach the nose. The blocked tears back up into the eye, causing an overflow of tears that may be troubling or embarrassing.

Symptoms of Excessive Tearing

  • Lid irritation
  • Matted eyelashes
  • Mucous or pus-like discharge from the tear duct

Possible Causes of Excessive Tearing

  • Dry Eye
  • Corneal Disease
  • Ectropion
  • Entropion
  • Blockage of the tear drainage system

Treatment of Excessive Tearing

A series of tests will be performed to help determine if you have a nasolacrimal obstruction. If our surgeon determines that your excess tearing is due to an obstruction, they may recommend a procedure called Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). DCR reconnects your tear drainage pathways to the inside of the nose so tears can drain properly.

Skin cancer is very common on the eyelid and adjacent facial skin. There are three important considerations when treating skin cancer around the eyes:

  1. Complete removal of the cancer
  2. Reconstruction and restoration of lid function
  3. A satisfactory cosmetic result

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

  • A firm, red bump or unusual patch of skin
  • A sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal
  • Unexplained loss of eyelashes
  • Newly acquired flat or elevated pigmented lesions that have irregular borders and growth
  • Persistent red eye or eyelid inflammation that does not respond to medication

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Complete surgical removal and oculoplastic reconstruction of the area may be required to remove the cancer. Due to the very delicate nature of the tissue surrounding the eye, it is crucial to have an expert involved in removing any lesions on the eyelid. Our surgeons have the expertise necessary to ensure proper lid reconstruction that will result in normal eyelid function and a satisfactory cosmetic result.

Most commonly seen on the lower eyelid, Entropion occurs when the edge of an eyelid turns inward and causes the lashes to rub against the eye. Left untreated, Entropion can cause chronic irritation, watery eye, damage to the clear part of the eye (cornea), eye infections, and vision loss.

Entropion Overview

Symptoms of Entropion

  • Eye or lid pain
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Redness of the eye
  • Itching, tearing and vision loss

Possible causes of Entropion

  • Aging and/or muscle weakness
  • Scars or previous surgeries
  • Inflammation or infection

Treatment of Entropion

Artificial tears and lubricating treatments can help relieve symptoms of Entropion, but surgery is often needed to correct it. During surgery, our surgeon can turn the eyelid outward to its normal position. If you have an inwardly turned eyelid, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Ectropion occurs when the edge of an eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) turns outward so that the inner surface is exposed. In most cases, tissue relaxation occurs as part of the aging process, but an Ectropion can also result from facial nerve paralysis, Bell’s palsy, trauma, or scarring from other facial surgical procedures. This condition exposes and dries the eye, often leading to irritation and excessive tearing. When left untreated, it can result in inflammation and damage to the eye.

Ectropion Overview

Symptoms of Ectropion

  • Dry eyes
  • Eye irritation
  • Excess tearing

Possible Causes of Ectropion

  • Tissue relaxation as part of the aging process
  • Facial nerve paralysis, Bell’s palsy, trauma, or scarring from other facial surgical procedures

Treatment of Ectropion

Correction of Ectropian usually involves surgery. Our surgeon can tighten the eyelid and/or repair of the supporting structures of the lid. If you have an outwardly turned eyelid, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Thyroid Eye Disease is a condition that can occur independently from systemic thyroid issues.

Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease

  • Appearance of protruding eyes
  • Restricted or painful eye movement and double vision
  • Red swollen eyes
  • Eyes too wide open
  • In severe cases, the inflammation of muscles around the eyes can result in compression of the optic nerve, causing visual disturbance

Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease

If you have Thyroid Eye Disease, you’ll need to be checked regularly to monitor the progress effects of the disease on your vision. Oral medications can be used to help quiet the inflammation that characterizes this disease. In some cases, steroid injections or surgical intervention may be necessary. Your physician will recommend being monitored every three 2-3 months during the “active” stages, and then every 6 months once stabilized.

Our surgeons have the expertise to evaluate and perform many Thyroid Eye Disease-related surgical procedures that can help restore proper visual function, comfort, and appearance.

Over time, gravity can cause the tissue of the brows to descend and become heavy, often forcing the upper lids downward creating the appearance of fatigue, anger or drooping upper lids. Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the forehead and brows to a more alert and youthful position. There are a variety of surgical options for brow lifts. They are often performed in conjunction with upper and/or lower eyelid surgery. At your consultation, we will explain the options in detail and recommend the procedure that’s best for you.

Brow Lift Improves

  • Drooping brows which cause an angry, tired, or sleepy expression
  • Range of vision for patients whose brows are drooping into their visual field
  • Forehead lines and wrinkles
  • Hooding of the eyelids caused by a drooping forehead

Insurance

If your vision is significantly impaired, a brow lift may be covered by insurance. If you do not meet your insurance company’s medical criteria, however, the procedure is considered a cosmetic surgery.

Financing is Available

If insurance doesn’t cover your brow lift procedure, you can learn about financing your procedure with low monthly payment plans.

Upper Eyelid Lift

As we age, the skin around our eyes loses its elasticity and it’s common for our eyelids to droop or sag. If excess upper eyelid skin hangs down over your eyelashes, it may interfere with your vision. We can remove the excess skin and fat along the upper eyelids, creating a natural, well-rested look. This procedure can also result in improved vision for many patients. An upper lid blepharoplasty may be done alone or it may be combined with other procedures such as a brow lift, lower lid blepharoplasty, or a laser procedure.

Upper Eyelid Lift Improves

  • Tired, angry, or sad appearance caused by excess upper eyelid skin
  • Range of vision for patients whose upper eyelids were drooping into their visual field
  • Forehead discomfort from muscles straining to lift sagging skin in the eyelid area
  • “Older” or “aged” appearance around the eye area
  • Ease of eye make-up application

Lower Eyelid Lift

A lower eyelid blepharoplasty treats lower lid “bags” or puffiness. RENEW at Medical Eye Center offers the most advanced cosmetic techniques to achieve a natural, well-rested look. We tailor this procedure to your specific goals. We may remove excess loose skin, tighten the ligaments and reposition the lower eyelid fat pads to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. This procedure can be done alone, or it can be combined with other procedures such as upper lid surgery and/or a brow lift. Troublesome lower eyelid wrinkles may be treated with a laser, either at the time of surgery or during a separate procedure.

Lower Eyelid Improves

  • The appearance of lower lid bags or puffiness
  • Excess skin and fine lines around the lower eyelids
  • General appearance, tone, and contour of the lower eyelids
  • Overall tired and aged appearance

Insurance

If your vision is significantly impaired, upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance. If you do not meet your insurance company’s medical criteria, however, the procedure is considered a cosmetic surgery. Lower lid blepharoplasty is always considered cosmetic, and is not covered by insurance.

Financing is Available

If insurance doesn’t cover your brow lift procedure, you can learn about financing your procedure with low monthly payment plans.

Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) is a medical term that describes a drooping upper eyelid. Ptosis can be present at birth (congenital ptosis) or may develop as we age (acquired or involutional ptosis). An ophthalmologist should examine children who are born with congenital ptosis because of the possibility of other associated eye problems. The degree of ptosis can range from mild to severe, and the type of surgery to treat ptosis treatment varies depending on how much the lids droop.

Acquired ptosis can be the result of a muscle injury or disorder, a nerve disorder, or, most commonly, it can develop with aging. Regardless of the cause, severe ptosis can obstruct vision and create a tired or aged appearance. We can tighten or repair the eyelid opening muscles to bring your eyelid back to its normal position.

 

Ptosis Surgery Improves

  • The upper part of your visual field and quality of your vision
  • Overall anatomical appearance of the eyelid
  • Symmetry of upper eyelids
  • Appearance of eyes that look tired or sleepy
  • Ability to sustain prolonged reading

Insurance

If your vision is significantly impaired, a Ptosis Repair may be covered by insurance. If you do not meet your insurance company’s medical criteria, however, the procedure is considered a cosmetic surgery.

Financing is Available

If insurance doesn’t cover your brow lift procedure, you can learn about financing your procedure with lowmonthly payment plans.

Book Your Treatment Today

Contact our Oculoplastic center anytime during normal business hours to schedule your consultation or to plan your next visit.

Oculoplastics FAQ

The first sign you may need eyelid surgery is if people start to ask if you feel tired, angry, or sad when you’re not. You may also notice that your eyelids are sagging or you seem to appear tired or older. You may have trouble holding your eyes up while reading in the late afternoon. The best way to know if you are a good candidate for eyelid or brow surgery is to have an examination with our surgeon.

Our surgeon will meet personally with you to examine and evaluate you. A qualified technician will work with you beforehand, performing various eye tests and measurements to assist in the evaluation. If surgery is recommended, our surgeon will explain the procedure from beginning to end. This explanation will include a customized surgical technique that would be most appropriate for your condition, and a step-by-step explanation of what the recovery will be like. You will then meet with the patient care coordinator, who will explain the scheduling details, insurance benefits, and the cost.

Sometimes. If your vision is restricted by your upper eyelids or brows and you meet your insurance’s specific medical criteria, insurance may pay for your surgery. If you want to learn more about insurance coverage or payment options for lid and brow surgery, please contact the Medical Eye Center to schedule an examination.

After any facial surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected. Most patients tolerate recovery from eyelid and brow surgery with over the counter Tylenol. At times, patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Patients sometimes use the prescription medication two to three days after surgery and then switch to Tylenol. It is uncommon for patients to report unmanageable pain after lid and brow surgery.

For upper eyelid surgery, the incision hides very nicely in the eyelid groove crease above the eye. Sometimes the outer edge is visible under the eyebrow. This is usually most noticeable in the first two months after surgery and will often soften and fade greatly over time. Women can use make-up to camouflage this area. Browlifts may be performed in several different ways, so the incision site will vary. If a brow lift is recommended, our surgeon will discuss your incision line placement in more detail during your evaluation. We also offer laser treatments to minimize the appearance of old or new scars.

It is very important to take it easy, rest and relax for the first week. Cold compresses for the first 72 hours help minimize bruising and swelling. Keeping the head elevated for the first few days also helps. Vigorous exercise should be avoided that first week as well. Many patients return to work in a few days. It may be an average of 7-10 days before most patients feel comfortable in social gatherings.

Our surgeons perform most surgeries in the Medical Eye Center’s specialty Surgery Center, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Medical Eye Center. Surgeries in our Surgery Center are performed under IV sedation by a certified registered nurse anesthetist and a local anesthetic. Often times, patients who do not require IV sedation may prefer to have the surgery performed in our clinical minor procedure room under oral sedation and local anesthesia. At your evaluation, we will discuss your options with you in more detail.

Restrictions will depend upon the procedure you have. You will be given post-procedure care instructions that are specific to your procedure. Please refer to that form for any restriction information.

We partner with local hotels that offer discounted rates for our patients. If you need accommodations we will be happy to assist you.

Non-invasive and non-surgical options including Botox, Dermal Fillers, and Laser Treatments may be good choices for patients who, for a variety of reasons, may not be ready for surgery. Learn more about the many alternatives to surgery at the RENEW at Medical Eye Center website.