Reconstructive and Aesthetic Eyelid Facial Plastic Surgery
Serving Baltimore, Lutherville and Towson, Maryland
- What are the types of oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery?
- Katzen's Oculoplastics Specialist
- Important Reconstructive and Aesthetic Eyelid Facial Plastic Surgery Links
Reconstructive and Aesthetic Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery is a specialized area of ophthalmology that deals with the management of abnormalities of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, the orbit (the bony cavity surrounding the eye), and the overall face.
Because of the very highly focused nature of their field, ophthalmic plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified among plastic surgeons to evaluate and surgically manage the greatly diverse conditions which affect the eyelids and orbits. Reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, for example, may be necessary following trauma, burns, or the removal of skin cancer. Abnormal positioning or contour of the eyelids may also require surgical intervention to restore the normal function or appearance of the eyelids. Conditions that involve orbital surgery include the correction of protruding or sunken eyes, the removal of sight-threatening orbital tumors and the repair of orbital fractures.
What are the types of oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery?
Ptosis: (pronounced "tosis") The medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may affect one or both upper eyelids. When the level of the upper lid margin falls, it can interfere with the upper field of vision. Symptoms include a decreased ability to keep the eyes open, eyestrain, and eyebrow fatigue from the increased effort needed to raise the eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty (eye lift): Reduces excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids. This overlapping skin often interferes with normal vision and has to be corrected to regain a functional visual field. During the out-patient procedure, the physician marks the incision sites (one incision on each eyelid), following the contour of the eyelid crease. Excess skin and fat is then removed, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. Typically, the incision is barely visible and fades over time. The physician often recommends blepharoplasty if a significant improvement in the visual field can be achieved.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Reduces excess fat and skin in the lower eyelids. The surgeon makes incisions (either inside or outside the lower lid) and excess fat is removed. Incisions made inside the eyelid are not visible; incisions outside the eye are barely visible and gradually fade.
Ectropion: The sagging and turning outward of the lower eyelid margin and lashes. An uncomfortable foreign body sensation results and can lead to tearing and eye irritation. Most cases of ectropion are due to age-related relaxation of the eyelid tissues.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelid margin turns inward. It often results from muscle spasm in the lid or from trauma-related scarring. The lower lashes rub against the eye, causing irritation, scratchiness, tearing, and redness. Typically, surgery is recommended to correct the problem.
Katzen's Oculoplastics Specialist
Katzen Eye Group is fortunate to have a fellowship trained Oculoplastic Surgeon on staff, which provides patients with the highest level of expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic eyelid and facial plastic surgery.
Are you a good candidate for Blepharoplasty Eyelid surgery?
If you're unhappy with the appearance of drooping, sagging eyelids, or have suffered facial trauma resulting in eyelid damage, please contact us today to schedule a free Blepharoplasty consultation.
