Frequently Asked Questions About OCULOPLASTY

The ophthalmologist who is exclusively dedicated to treating the periocular area is the right specialist to take care of this delicate area of the face, since, in addition to providing the most appropriate aesthetic solution, he or she provides a deep knowledge of the ocular anatomy and its functionality in the protection of the eye and vision. For this reason, going to an oculoplastic surgeon is essential for eye plastic treatments to achieve excellent and safe results for the patient.

The type of treatment to keep this chronic disease under control will depend on the severity of the case.

In milder cases, it is recommended to perform a very careful and regular hygiene of the eyelids, in order to eliminate the excess bacteria and fat that accumulates on their edges. In the most severe cases, topical treatment with antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be required to alleviate the discomfort it causes.

In any case, it is advisable to treat this problem appropriately to prevent the development of other pathologies such as stye and chalazion.

These two types of eyelid disorder are very common in any age group. They are often confused as they look similar. However, their origin and the way they are approached are different.

A stye is a small, red, usually painful lump that grows at the base of the eyelash (external stye) or on the inside of the eyelid (internal stye). The basic treatment in the acute phase of the infection consists of adopting proper hygiene of the eyelids and eyelashes by means of soapy solutions and applying heat. In addition, the ophthalmologist may recommend an antibiotic ointment with corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories.

Chalazion is a cyst-like inflammatory lesion of hard consistency that appears on the upper or lower eyelid as a result of obstruction of the meibomian glands, which are sebaceous glands found inside the eyelids. Unlike a stye, its origin is not infectious and is usually painless to the touch. Chalazions usually resolve spontaneously, but when they become recurrent, the ophthalmologist may recommend the application of heat to the affected area, food supplements with omega 3, and topical anti-inflammatory treatments and antibiotics.

In addition to correction for cosmetic reasons, it is advisable to resort to blepharoplasty when excessive drooping of the upper eyelids interferes with the patient’s vision or when the discomfort caused by eye bags causes dry or tired eyes.

When this type of situation arises, the use of this surgical technique, which is the most common in oculoplasty, is justified for strictly therapeutic reasons. As it is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, it facilitates subsequent recovery.

This alteration of the normal position of the eyelid, also known as eyelid ptosis, is usually solved by oculoplastic surgery. In more moderate cases, the objective is to tighten the eyelid lift muscle that is drooping, to achieve symmetry of both eyelids. On the other hand, when this pathology is more serious, the surgical technique will be aimed at repositioning and strengthening the levator muscle.

In this way, a problem that has an unsightly effect of tiredness or sleepiness, sometimes very pronounced, is solved and this malposition of the eyelid is also prevented from affecting the patient’s visual field.

Before considering surgery, the ophthalmologist should assess how the growth of this tissue in the eye (pterygium) is progressing.

When it is in a very incipient phase, treatments are usually used to reduce inflammation and lubricants that improve the patient’s sensations. If the pterygium grows until it invades the pupil area, compromising the patient’s vision, and causing aesthetic discomfort, surgery to remove it is the most indicated solution.

The surgery consists of completely removing this pathological tissue and replacing it with a conjunctival autograft (transplantation of the conjunctiva itself), fixing it in its place with absorbable sutures, or even with biological adhesives that eliminate the need for these sutures. This treatment is outpatient, painless and is performed under local anesthesia. After a few weeks, the appearance of the eye returns to normal.

The tear ducts are the drainage system of the tear, that is, its natural exit to the outside of the eye.

The tear film on the surface of the eyes is an indispensable component for the maintenance of vision. If there is an alteration in the tear film, patients mainly suffer from tearing, but also burning, irritation or even blurred vision.

Among the most frequently asked questions about oculoplasty is about the obstruction of the tear duct, which manifests itself through the difficulty of removing the tear, whose functions of protection, hydration and lubrication of the eyeball are essential in the visual system. This difficulty is due to the alteration in its natural drainage system.

The main symptoms derived from this pathology are constant tearing, which can be quite annoying and uncomfortable for the patient depending on the amount of tear produced and the degree of obstruction of the tear duct, discharge (rheum), eye redness and even infections in the lacrimal sac.

To satisfactorily eliminate the wrinkles that manifest themselves in the upper half of the face by gesticulation and show off a more rejuvenated appearance without the need for surgery, treatment with Botox® (botulinum toxin) can be used. This aesthetic treatment allows the patient to recover toned and smooth skin, revitalizing the expression of their face.

One of the most frequently asked questions about oculoplasty is whether it is a simple application technique and indeed it is, as well as fast and without the need for anesthesia. It is performed in the consultation by injecting a medication composed of a natural protein, which acts by inhibiting muscle contraction in a controlled and temporary manner. By relaxing the treated muscle, it is possible to reduce the appearance of wrinkles that add years to the look, while preserving facial expressiveness.

The results of Botox infiltration become evident within a few days and are maintained for a few months. After this time, the skin returns to its original state. For this reason, it is recommended to repeat its application, always in moderation, and following the indications of the ophthalmologist specialized in oculoplasty.