Oculoplastic Surgery and Aesthetics: Why You Should Choose an Oculoplastic Surgeon

June 30th, 2022
eye surgeon performing eye surgery

At Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas, we know how important it is for our patients to access the eye care they need or desire. In some cases, it may be medically necessary or cosmetically preferable to receive plastic surgery on the delicate areas surrounding your eye. Oculoplastic surgery may be the ideal solution if you wish to address concerns impacting your eyelids, eyebrows, orbital areas, tear duct system, or cheeks.

Our oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Adriane Schiano, and supporting eye care team are proud to perform specialized oculoplastic surgeries and reconstructive procedures on eligible candidates. Follow along below to learn more about oculoplastic surgery and how we can help you look and feel your best!

What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?

closeup of womens eyes

Oculoplastic surgery is a branch of ophthalmology, specializing in treating medical issues of the eye or those surrounding the eye. Many professionals also refer to it as ophthalmic plastic surgery. Surgery may be an excellent choice for individuals suffering from painful eye disorders, vision-impairing issues, injuries, or health concerns. It is also a perfect option for people who wish to achieve a lifted, youthful, or more vibrant appearance around the eye or eyelids.

What Does an Oculoplastic Surgeon Do?

Oculoplastic surgeons train extensively, completing medical school, an internship and residency in ophthalmology or ophthalmic plastic surgery, and a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery. Since they have a deep knowledge of the eye, its structures, facial structures and surrounding facial tissues, they can evaluate and treat diseases or conditions affecting the eyes and area around the eyes. They have also trained and explicitly practiced oculoplastic surgery. They use the most advanced technologies and develop the skilled hand necessary for intricate work around the eye. As such, they can perform precise, upper facial plastic surgery so that patients receive functional, aesthetically pleasing results. Additionally, oculoplastic surgeons can specialize in non-surgical treatments such as injectables, chemical peels, and resurfacing procedures.

Plastic vs. Oculoplastic Surgery

Since oculoplastic surgeons perform plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery on the eye, you may wonder about the difference between plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. The main difference is that oculoplastic surgeons train exclusively to understand the complex functions and connections of the eye. Plastic surgeons may complete general plastic surgery education and training or select a specific specialty within plastic surgery, similar to how oculoplastic surgeons concentrate on the eye. Since plastic surgeons do not have dedicated knowledge of how to work around the eye, it is best to choose an oculoplastic surgeon for treatment in this area. You will receive a more accurate, thorough assessment and treatment plan, and you will also undergo a safer, more precise surgery. Feel confident knowing that your eye’s functionality and appearance are in trusted, skilled hands.

Oculoplastic Procedures & Treatments

Our patients have many different medical and cosmetic needs, which is why our Kleiman Evangelista eye care team is proud to offer a variety of oculoplastic procedures and treatments. We can address any concern, issue, or preference safely and effectively.

We will set up a consultation for you, whether you wish to receive a treatment plan for medical issues or cosmetic reasons. At this appointment, Dr. Adriane Schiano will discuss your concerns, evaluate your eye, determine your eligibility for certain procedures, and present your treatment options. She will take her time to explain each treatment, the benefits and risks, and the expected results so that you can make a confident and informed decision. Depending on the complexity of your surgery, you may require a pre-operative appointment or further tests before your procedure.

Oculoplastic & Cosmetic Procedures

Our oculoplastic and cosmetic procedures include eyelid lifts, lower eyelid repositioning, orbital tumor surgery, brow lifts, forehead lifts, double eyelid surgery, cosmetic ptosis, Botox and injections and fillers. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day and recovery is typically quick. If you are interested in any of these procedures, contact our team to find out more.

1. Eyelid Lifts (Blepharoplasty)

ocuplastic surgeon prepping for eye surgery

Eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, can minimize the appearance of puffy eyes and drooping eyelids. These conditions can interfere with vision and contribute to an aged appearance. Our qualified and experienced oculoplastic surgeon will make tiny incisions in the eyelid crease, removing loose skin and extra fat. After, she will tighten the eyelid muscles and suture the incisions. She can also carry out lower blepharoplasty if you face a similar condition on your lower eyelid rather than your upper lid.

2. Lower Eyelid Repositioning

Lower eyelid repositioning may be a good option if you suffer from hollowing in the lower inner corner of your eye. The eye surgeon will move your fat tissue from your lower eyelid and reposition it to fill the depressed area. Your final result will be a plumper, firmer appearance.

3. Orbital Tumor Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery can also treat and manage orbital issues such as thyroid disorders, eye disorders, tumors, and injuries or traumas. In the case of an orbital tumor, it is essential to trust a highly skilled and knowledgeable eye surgeon. Our expert team will plan the orbital surgery, provide general anesthesia, execute the tumor removal precisely and safely, and perform any reconstruction carefully.

4. Brow Lift

A brow lift, or eyebrow lift, can correct moderate to heavy sagging eyebrows. Our oculoplastic surgeon can perform this procedure in a variety of ways. For a non-surgical option, you may wish to receive Botox or fillers. If you choose to pursue a surgical procedure, we use different techniques depending on your particular eyebrows and sagging. Our eye surgeon will provide local anesthesia and create incisions at or behind the hairline. Then, they will lift the skin and muscles and remove any extra skin.

5. Forehead Lift

A forehead lift is similar to a brow lift, except it has a different goal. While a brow lift will improve the appearance of your eyelids and eyebrows, a forehead lift will even out and smooth the forehead. If you suffer from lines in your forehead that droop, this cosmetic surgery may be a good option.

6. Double Eyelid Surgery

before and after double eyelid surgery

Double eyelid surgery creates an eyelid crease for people who lack a natural fold or crease. Some people may be unhappy with their eye shape or experience pain and irritation because of the monolid. Our eye surgeon will create small incisions along a pre-planned line and remove excess skin and fat tissue during the surgery.

7. Cosmetic Ptosis

When you have a droopy eyelid leading to visual obstruction, cosmetic ptosis can help. Our expert surgeon can perform an upper eyelid lift as corrective surgery. You may think that ptosis repair and blepharoplasty sound quite similar, and you would be correct; however, cosmetic ptosis repair also involves repositioning the eyelid height to open and close properly.

8. Botox

before and after botox injections around eyes

Botox injections can considerably reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, forehead lines, facial spasms, and certain eye disorders. Our oculoplastic surgeon will inject Botox into specific muscles around the eye, inducing a paralyzing effect. If you experience issues with these muscles moving or tensing, you will experience three to six months of benefits. Likewise, the skin around your eye will be firmer and have a youthful appearance.

9. Injections and Dermal Fillers 

Do you suffer from sunken eyes, loose eyelid skin, under-eye bags, dark circles, deformities around the eyes, or drooping eyelids? A cosmetic procedure can help. Select injections & fillers can restore volume, firmness, and elasticity while retaining a natural, refreshing look.

Conditions Treated with Oculoplastic Surgery

When you come to Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas, our eye care team can assess and treat any eye-related condition. Our experienced specialists can treat various issues that may affect your vision, your health, and your appearance. The most common conditions we treat with oculoplastic surgery include ptosis, entropion, ectropion, eyelid growths, brow ptosis, blepharoptosis, obstructed tear ducts, tumors, eyelid disorders and injuries.

1. Ptosis

Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid drops incredibly low, often causing visual obstruction and irritation to the eye. In most cases, it occurs due to nerve damage, muscle damage or weakness, or eyelid swelling. We can treat ptosis with a cosmetic ptosis procedure.

2. Entropion

entropion and ectropion of lower eyelid

Entropion is when your lower eyelid turns inwards. As the lower eyelashes will rub against your eye directly, it can be uncomfortable, painful, and cause injury or infection. Our oculoplastic surgeon can treat entropion with Botox, stitches to turn the eyelid outwards, or surgery to remove excess eyelid tissue.

3. Ectropion

Ectropion is when your lower eyelid loses elasticity and turns outwards. If it is a moderate to severe case, surgery may be necessary. Our eye surgeon will remove a small amount of tissue from the eyelid, tighten the muscles, and stitch the eyelid back together.

4. Eyelid Growths

man with growth on eyelid

If you have eyelid growths such as cysts, tumors, skin tags, or papilloma, it is important to have a professional perform the delicate surgery and remove them safely. Depending on the type of growth, the size, and the location, we can perform different excision methods.

5. Brow Ptosis

Brow ptosis is similar to ptosis, except it impacts the entire eyebrow rather than only affecting the eyelid. Similarly, it can cause vision impairment and discomfort. Our eye doctor can help you look and feel better with a brow lift, also called ptosis surgery.

6. Blepharoptosis

blepharoptosis of upper eyelid

Blepharoplasty is similar to ptosis, to the point where the terms are interchangeable. To treat blepharoptosis, we can perform a blepharoplasty procedure or an eyelid lift. We can also do a lower eyelid blepharoplasty if you suffer from lower blepharoptosis, where your lower eyelid is puffy or droopy.

7. Obstructed Tear Ducts

An obstructed tear duct may occur due to injury, infection, inflammation, or a thin membrane at birth. Some of these cases may require surgical intervention to unblock the drainage path or construct a new passage.

8. Tumors

Tumors, or abnormal growths, may grow behind or in the eye socket. It is essential to have any tumors or growths removed by a professional. In some cases, removal may require the reconstruction of some eye regions.

9. Injuries

woman with patch over eye injury

Trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding tissues may require repair and reconstruction. Our qualified oculoplastic surgeon can ensure your surgery meets functionality and appearance needs.

Make an Appointment

Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas is here to help you restore, rejuvenate, reconstruct, or repair any eye concern, issue, or insecurity you may have. Book a consultation to learn more about our comprehensive care for oculoplastic patients!