Why
choose an eyelid specialist? By
Dr Vickie Lee, Oculoplastic Surgeon
Today every area of the body has
its own experts and the eyelids are no exception. This is a very
delicate and complex area that requires a special set of skills.
Oculoplastic or ophthalmic plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists
(specially trained eye doctors) who have reached a high level of proficiency
in dealing with eyelids. They start with many years of training as
an eye surgeon. They then undergo advanced training, specialising
in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the delicate and complex
anatomy and function of the eyelids and the surrounding structures.
This includes the tear duct system and the orbit (the bony cavity
around the eye).
Can other surgeons do eyelid surgery?
One has to make a distinction between eyelids and eyes.
There are a number of different surgeons who perform cosmetic
eyelid surgery, including plastic surgeons, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)
surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons. However only oculoplastic surgeons
are trained to manage the complications that involve the eye itself.
Therefore oculoplastic surgery sets the correct balance between a
great aesthetic outcome and safeguarding the vision and comfort of
your eyes. It makes a great deal of sense to entrust an operation
involving your eyelids and eyes to a surgeon who concentrates in this
field all day long.
What can go wrong with eyelid surgery?
The eyelid is a very complex and sensitive structure.
Remember that the eyelids nurture and protect the eye and are not
merely a facial adornment. Even minor complications from eyelid surgery
can cause blurred vision; watery or dry gritty eyes; incomplete
eyelid closure; corneal abrasions (scratches to the surface of the
eye); bruising or bleeding behind the eye; wound infection; a sunken
appearance when too much tissue has been removed; asymmetry and scarring.
Many of these complications can also affect the vision in the eyes.
It is the oculoplastic surgeon’s first priority to avoid these
complications and to treat them appropriately if they occur.
What types of surgery can an oculoplastic surgeon
perform?
An important part of the oculoplastic surgeon’s
function is to undertake a thorough assessment of what can be achieved
– and to manage the patient’s expectations. The surgeon
can recontour and lift the eyelids (ptosis correction and blepharoplasty),
correct malpositioned eyelids (in ectropion/entropion), removed benign
or malignant eyelid lesions, assess and treat watering and irritable
eyes, and deal with the effects of thyroid eye disease. In cases where
the eye has been lost, an oculoplastic surgeon can improve the appearance
of the eye socket so that the false eye has a more natural look.
Delicate and skillful work on the eyelids will safeguard
the eyes themselves, as well as achieve improvements that blend into
the face in a totally natural way.
Credentials
