Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
The first signs of aging usually take place around the eyes. With injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, subtle changes can be corrected quickly. A patient may be considering the long-term benefits of oculoplastic surgery for concerns related to loose, sagging skin. We perform oculoplastic procedures for functional or cosmetic improvement at the Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center.
The term oculoplastic surgery describes the different procedures involving the eyelids and area around the eyes, the orbit of the eye, or the tear ducts. Eyelid surgery is popular and conducted more than 100,000 times a year. This surgery can not only rejuvenate a patient’s appearance but also improve their vision.
At Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center, Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer consults with her patients to discuss their goals and the way in which a particular oculoplastic procedure can enhance the structure of the eyelid. She has confidence in adopting a customized strategy to fit every patient’s individual needs while adhering to high quality, evidence-based standards of medical and surgical care.
Patients may be a good candidate for the oculoplastic surgery if they are in good general health and would like to enhance the looks of their eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Pfeiffer performs an intensive examination to verify 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 done for functional or cosmetic reasons. This procedure removes the extra or loose skin of the upper eyelid to restore the crease of the natural lid. 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 – Ptosis repair is performed to correct a droopy eyelid. This surgery is different than upper blepharoplasty because it shortens or otherwise repairs a stretched or elongated levator muscle, the muscle of eyelid opening.
Ectropion Repair – Ectropion is an eyelid condition that affects the lower eyelid, making it roll outward away from the eye. The affected eyelid might also sag, exposing the eye and resulting in dryness. Untreated ectropion can cause chronic redness, pain, irritation, and tearing. Prolonged exposure may 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 be related to the eyelid’s natural aging or breakdown in the strength of certain eyelid muscles. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes rub the surface of the eye, causing redness, discomfort, and sensitivity to wind and light. Untreated entropion could trigger excessive tearing or mucous discharge. The cornea might also be scratched and scarred over time.
Eyelid Growths and Skin Cancers – The fragility of the skin around the eyes makes this area particularly susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV light through sunshine and tanning beds can degrade the looks of the eyelids and might also cause skin cancer. Growths on the eyelid, especially those that bleed or become inflamed, should be evaluated immediately. Skin cancer may be identified by taking a biopsy of tissue from the growth. Then, the lesion can then be removed using a precise surgical technique that attempts to restore as much as possible of the eyelids’ natural contours. In some instances, growth or skin cancer removal is followed by reconstruction of the eyelid.
Tearing Disorders – Tears are important for the eye’s function and health. The lacrimal gland and meibomian glands are involved in producing the necessary layers of fluid to keep a healthy tear film. Patients may experience tearing due to a variety of conditions, including blockage of the natural ear drain, eye irritation or dryness, or eyelid ectropion. An oculoplastic surgeon can investigate these causes, and some may require surgery to correct.
Benefits of Going to 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 that an oculoplastic surgeon undergoes leads to a thorough understanding of the intricate details of the eyelids, eye structure, and the area of the face that surrounds the eyes. The amount of training an oculoplastic surgeon undergoes enables Dr. Pfeiffer to perform delicate procedures with a great deal of precision.
Patients undergoing an oculoplastic procedure with Dr. Pfeiffer, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, personally appreciate the natural-looking results achieved with their eyelid procedure. In general, the eyes look more open, more vibrant, and all-around more youthful after surgery.
If you’re interested in oculoplastic surgery, consider visiting with Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer. She sees patients in Key Whitman’s Frisco, Dallas, North Arlington, and Rockwall locations. For more information, visit www.keywhitman.com.
