At Vistar, we are experts in all areas of eye health, whether physically inside the eye or around the eye. Oculoplastic surgery, which focuses on the care of the eyelids and other structures around the eye, is an important service we are proud to offer at Vistar.

What is the difference between plastic surgery and oculoplastic surgery?

Oculoplastic surgery is plastic surgery that is focused on the unique structures of the eye socket, eyelids, and facial structures around the eyelids.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery involves the reconstruction, restoration, or alteration of skin and musculoskeletal tissues. Plastic surgery may be performed on all parts of the body, including the head and neck, chest, abdomen, back, and extremities. Two main categories of plastic surgery are reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstructive plastic surgery aims to reconstruct a part of the body to restore or improve function, while cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on changing or enhancing appearance.

Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery is a highly specialized combination of ophthalmology and plastic surgery. Oculoplastic surgery is also referred to as oculofacial surgery and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. These names are used interchangeably. Just like general plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery may be reconstructive or cosmetic – and is often both.

Oculoplastic surgery focuses on structures around the eyeball, including the soft tissues and bones behind the eyeball, the eyelids, the forehead, and the face. Oculoplastic surgeons treat a variety of conditions that can affect these structures. Patients may see an oculoplastic surgeon to discuss drooping upper or lower lids, watery eyes, skin cancers around the eyelids, and injuries. Eye socket conditions such as thyroid eye disease and tumors or cancers behind the eyeball are also treated by oculoplastic surgeons.

Two of the most common surgeries performed by oculoplastic surgeons are blepharoplasty and ptosis repair – both considered “lid lift” procedures for droopy upper lids. Blepharoplasty treats patients who have excess or saggy upper lid skin that folds over the eyelashes. Ptosis repair treats patients whose upper lid margin (the edge of the eyelid along the lash line) has drooped over the pupil because of a weak or slipped eyelid-lifting muscle. Patients with droopy upper lids can lose vision from their eyelids covering their line of sight. Other patients may be cosmetically bothered by the appearance of their upper lids. Whether surgery is performed for vision issues or cosmetic concerns, an oculoplastic surgeon is equipped to achieve the best possible results that maximize the appearance and the function of the eye in the safest possible way.

Oculoplastic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures to treat patients with cosmetic and functional problems. Popular treatments like BOTOX®, Xeomin®, Juvederm®, and Volbella® not only address fine lines, wrinkles, and aging areas of the face but can be used to help restore function to patients with a variety of functionally debilitating conditions. Oculoplastic surgeons may also offer skin care treatments that can enhance the appearance of facial skin while being safe and effective around the eye.

Oculoplastic surgery uniquely combines the microsurgical skills of ophthalmologists with the soft-tissue and aesthetic skills of plastic surgeons. Talk with your Vistar Eye Center doctor if you have questions about oculoplastic surgery or the conditions it can help. Whether a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, we are dedicated to your eye health, and we’re here to help you enjoy all of life’s greatest moments to their fullest.