What is Oculoplastic Surgery?
The term oculoplastic surgery (sometimes called ophthalmic plastic reconstructive surgery or oculofacial surgery) describes the specialised branch of plastic surgery of the facial structures around the eye and includes both reconstructive and cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery.
Oculoplastic surgeons are specifically trained in both ophthalmology (eye surgery) and plastic surgery for the eyelid region of the face. They therefore become expert with eye conditions and their management. Unlike general plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons do not offer surgery on any other parts of the body e.g. breast enlargement.
Since oculoplastic surgeons only deal with problems of this area, they treat the largest number of cases in this region and are therefore the most familiar with the specialised anatomy and physiology of the eyelid region and its relationship to the eye.
It is because of this expertise that oculoplastic surgeons are therefore referred complex cases e.g. failed/unsuccessful previous surgery, revisional blepharoplasties by other surgeons both in the NHS and in private practice.
Mr Cheung is a member of the British Oculoplastic Surgeons Society (www.bopss.org), a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (www.rcophth.ac.uk), a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (www.rcsed.ac.uk) and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (www.aao.org).
Examples of some of the highly complex eyelid surgery perfomed by oculoplastic surgeons like Mr Cheung
Before (left) and after (right) pictures of a patient who underwent correction of drooping right upper lid (eyelid ptosis) due to contact lens wear related stretching of the main tendon involved in lifting the eyelid. Her left upper was too high due to previous problems related to her having thyroid eye disease, and she complained the left upper lid looked staring.
This elderly gentleman has a severely drooping left upper lid (eyelid ptosis) and a pulled out left lower lid (ectropion). The drooping left upper lid is due to age related stretching of the main tendon involved in lifting the eyelid. The pulled out lower lid is due to age related descent of the cheek (left).
5 days following complex oculoplastic surgery. This gentleman underwent simultaneous correction of both eyelid deformities. A flap of excess skin was moved from the upper lid to the lower lid to reduce the amount tension on the lower lid. At the same time the upper lid tendon was tightened at the same time to lift up the upper lid (middle).
Same patient 6 weeks later after all the postoperative swelling had been allowed to settle (right)
Why have Oculoplastic Surgery?
Functional oculoplastic surgery vs. cosmetic/aesthetic oculoplastic surgery
Most patients who undergo oculoplastic surgery under the NHS (or under private insurance schemes) undergo what is is known as functional or reconstructive oculoplastic surgery, for example for droopy eyelids, watery eyes, eyelid cancers. This is because these conditions are considered important and debilitating enough that the Department of Health considers that their treatment should be covered by the NHS and should therefore be free at the point of treatment.
As our society continues to live longer and longer due to a combination of better healthcare, nutrition and lifestyle; increasingly both men and women of all ages are seeing their appearance as an important factor in how they feel about themselves. Nowadays, it is common for people to feel younger and more active than their parents or grandparents did at the same age. For many people, the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a natural choice to improve their quality of life. Most surgery which is considered purely cosmetic is not covered by the NHS or by private insurance schemes and is self funded by the patient. However they see the costs as a worthwhile and lasting investment which continues to contribute to their happiness and psychological well being.
Most cosmetic oculoplastic surgery is termed rejuvenation surgery i.e to reverse/delay the changes due to ageing.
As with most cosmetic surgery, this surgery is not absolutely necessary to your health and should therefore be considered very carefully before embarking on it.
Is it for me?
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, you should examine your own reasons very carefully first. You should develop realistic expectations of what to expect and decide in your own mind what changes you wish your surgeon to perform. Before embarking on surgery, your surgeon should be sympathetic and understanding to your wishes but also advise you on what can be realistically, and more importantly safely, achieved.
Cosmetic surgery by itself is not a panacea for major life problems or interpersonal relationship issues. However if performed well, successful cosmetic plastic surgery, by improving your appearance and how you see yourself, can often boost both your self esteem and confidence.
For further information on how to choose your oculoplastic surgeon, visit www.bopss.org.
In 2004, the different UK Royal colleges/societies, which represent the different specialities of surgeons who offer cosmetic surgery, jointly drafted recommendations to help their patients. To download their recommendations click here
The Department of Health website also has very useful pages for patients considering cosmetic surgery click here
Next>>