
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists with a specialty in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues. These tissues include the eyelids, eyebrows, orbits (bone surrounding the eyes), lacrimal (tear) system, forehead, cheeks, and face. Oculofacial plastic surgery can be used to improve the appearance of the face or eyelids, which may have been marred by lesions or scarring, or to restore normal function to the periorbital area. Oculofacial plastic surgeons are experts in their field, with only about 500 such surgeons worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists with a specialty in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues. |
| Specialization | Oculofacial plastic surgeons specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, orbit (bony cavity surrounding the eye), and adjacent facial tissues, including the eyebrows, forehead, and cheeks. |
| Procedures | Procedures include eyelid surgery, facial surgery, fat grafting, injectable fillers, skin rejuvenation, endoscopic surgery, and treatments for tearing management. |
| Patient Benefits | Oculofacial plastic surgery can enhance appearance, restore normal function to the periorbital area, and treat conditions such as eyelid abnormalities, orbital disorders, and facial trauma. |
| Expertise | Oculofacial plastic surgeons are highly trained and skilled, with extensive experience in eye and eyelid surgery. There are only about 500 such surgeons worldwide. |
| Locations | Oculofacial plastic surgery centers are located in various places, including Northern Virginia, Johns Hopkins, and Casey Eye Institute. |
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What You'll Learn
- Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists with additional training in plastic surgery
- They specialise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbit
- Oculofacial surgery can be used to improve the appearance of the face and eyelids, removing scarring and lesions
- It can also be used to restore normal function to the periorbital area, removing the eye or reconstructing the socket
- Oculofacial surgeons can treat conditions such as eyelid abnormalities, orbital disorders, and facial trauma

Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists with additional training in plastic surgery
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are highly specialised ophthalmologists with additional training in plastic surgery. They are experts in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues, including the eyelids, eyebrows, orbits (bones surrounding the eyes), lacrimal (tear) system, forehead, cheeks and face.
Oculofacial surgery can be sought for aesthetic reasons, such as reducing wrinkles or enhancing facial features. It can also be medically necessary, for instance, in the case of eyelid abnormalities, lesions or growths on the eyelids, or following Mohs surgery for skin cancer. Oculofacial plastic surgeons can also treat orbital disorders, such as inflammation, tumours or thyroid eye disease.
The field of oculofacial plastic surgery is relatively small, with only around 500 practitioners worldwide. These surgeons undergo rigorous training, including a two-year post-residency fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery limited to the structures surrounding the eye. They must also pass written and oral examinations and submit a scientific thesis of original research.
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are equipped with state-of-the-art techniques for cosmetic procedures, including facial surgeries, fat grafting, injectable fillers, and skin rejuvenation. They also utilise advanced technologies, such as endoscopic surgery, which provides a precise view of the surgical area, and intra-operative navigation systems for enhanced precision and effectiveness.
The expertise of oculofacial plastic surgeons is invaluable in restoring both form and function to the periorbital region, improving patients' quality of life and helping them achieve their aesthetic goals.
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They specialise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbit
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who specialise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, lacrimal system (tear ducts), and orbit (bones and anatomic structures behind the eyeball). They are experts in facial reconstructive and plastic surgery, with some surgeons also performing research to develop new treatments for eye problems and more effective surgical techniques.
Oculofacial plastic surgery is a highly selective subspecialty of ophthalmology, with only around 15 surgeons trained per year through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). This involves two years of additional training beyond ophthalmology residency, focusing solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system.
Oculofacial plastic surgeons treat a range of diseases and injuries affecting the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures. This includes conditions such as blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking or squeezing of the eyes), exophthalmos (abnormally protruding eyes), and eyelid abnormalities like ptosis (drooping eyelids), entropion/ectropion (eyelid turning in or out), and lesions or growths on the eyelids. They also perform reconstructive surgery after skin cancer removal, effectively removing cancerous tissue while preserving healthy tissue surrounding the eyes.
In addition to medical treatments, oculofacial plastic surgeons offer cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance facial features and improve appearance. This may include blepharoplasty to tighten the skin of the upper and lower eyelids, neurotoxin injections like Botox to smooth out wrinkles, and dermal fillers to restore youthfulness to the face. These procedures can be utilised to achieve aesthetic goals and improve quality of life.
Oculofacial plastic surgery requires a high level of precision due to the delicate nature of the eye region. Surgeons in this field combine the microsurgical techniques of ophthalmology with the aesthetic and reconstructive aspects of plastic surgery to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
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Oculofacial surgery can be used to improve the appearance of the face and eyelids, removing scarring and lesions
Oculofacial surgery is a specialised field of ophthalmology that deals with the management of deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, tear ducts, eye sockets, and the adjacent face. It is often medically necessary, but many people also opt for surgery for cosmetic reasons. Oculofacial surgery can be used to improve the appearance of the face and eyelids, removing scarring and lesions, and can also be used to treat a range of conditions.
Oculofacial surgery can be used to correct eyelid abnormalities, including drooping eyelids (ptosis), eyelid turning inward (entropion), and outward (ectropion). Entropion is caused by reduced muscle tone or scar tissue, which forces the eyelashes onto the eye, causing irritation and potential damage. Similarly, ectropion is caused by reduced muscle tone or scarring, which prevents the eyelid from protecting the eye, leading to dryness and irritation. Oculofacial surgery can correct these issues, improving the appearance and health of the eyelids.
The procedure can also address excess skin and bagginess around the eyes, a common issue with ageing. By removing the excess skin through a blepharoplasty or lid lift, oculofacial surgery can reduce the "baggy" appearance, making individuals look more alert and well-rested. This procedure can also restore lost function and improve peripheral vision, which may be affected by heavy eyelids.
Oculofacial surgery can also treat benign or malignant growths on the eyelids or face. By removing these lesions, surgeons can improve the appearance and health of the affected area. Additionally, oculofacial surgery can be used to treat trichiasis, a condition where eyelashes grow towards the eye, potentially causing corneal scarring and vision loss.
Oculofacial surgeons work closely with patients to improve their quality of life and achieve their desired goals. The procedures can range from medically necessary reconstructive surgery to cosmetic interventions, all aimed at enhancing the functionality and appearance of the eyes and surrounding facial structures.
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It can also be used to restore normal function to the periorbital area, removing the eye or reconstructing the socket
Oculofacial plastic surgery is a transformative medical and surgical treatment that can improve a patient's quality of life. It can address a range of issues, including cosmetic concerns, ageing, and functional problems. Oculofacial surgeons are specialists in ophthalmology, with additional training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, including the periorbital area.
The periorbital area, or eye socket, can be affected by various conditions that may require surgical intervention. One such intervention is the removal of the eye, also known as enucleation or evisceration. This procedure involves the replacement of the eyeball with an implant, typically made of materials like silicone, plastic, or porous implants such as Medpor (porous polyethylene), hydroxyapatite, or bioceramic. The implant is about the size of a marble and is placed behind the conjunctiva tissue in the socket to restore lost tissue volume.
The muscles controlling eye movement are then sutured to the implant, allowing for some movement of the prosthesis and creating a more natural appearance. While vision cannot be restored in the removed eye, the implant provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing restoration of the eye socket. The extraocular muscles can be attached to the implant to aid in socket movement and prevent implant migration.
Following eye removal surgery, orbital implants and eye conformers are used to shape the socket for a prosthesis. Eye conformers, or thin plastic shells, are placed in the socket during the healing process to maintain its shape and reduce swelling. Ocular prostheses are custom-made artificial eyes that are fitted after the initial surgery. They restore a natural appearance and allow for the opening and closing of the eyelids.
In addition to eye removal, oculofacial surgeons can perform reconstructive procedures to address issues such as eyelid abnormalities, eyelid and facial spasms, and orbital disorders like inflammation, tumours, or thyroid eye disease. These procedures can improve both function and aesthetics in the periorbital area, enhancing patients' quality of life.
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Oculofacial surgeons can treat conditions such as eyelid abnormalities, orbital disorders, and facial trauma
Oculofacial plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) who specialise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, eye sockets, tear ducts, and the face. They are qualified to treat a range of conditions, including eyelid abnormalities, orbital disorders, and facial trauma.
Eyelid abnormalities are a common area of treatment for oculofacial surgeons. This can include cosmetic procedures to address excess upper lid skin (dermatochalasis), bulging lower lids, and "fallen" eyebrows. Oculofacial surgeons also treat more serious eyelid conditions, such as eyelid sagging and puffiness (blepharoptosis), eyelid turning in or out (entropion/ectropion), lesions or growths on the eyelids, and eyelid retraction, where the upper eyelid is too high or the lower eyelid is too low.
Oculofacial surgeons also manage orbital disorders, including inflammation, tumours, and thyroid eye disease (TED). TED is a condition that causes inflammation of the eye muscles or fat, leading to enlarged eye sockets. This can result in bulging eyes, eyelid retraction, and dry eyes. Oculofacial surgeons offer rehabilitative surgeries to address the symptoms of TED and improve patients' quality of life.
In addition to treating eyelid and orbital conditions, oculofacial surgeons can also address facial trauma and disorders. This includes reconstructive surgery following facial injuries and treatment for facial nerve palsy, a nervous system disorder that affects the movement of facial muscles and can change the appearance of the face. Oculofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform delicate surgeries in the eye region, ensuring that patients' vision is not affected.
Oculofacial plastic surgery can be medically necessary, such as in the case of reconstructive procedures, or cosmetic, aimed at enhancing a patient's appearance. It is a specialised field that requires extensive training and qualifications. Oculofacial surgeons undergo rigorous examinations and are highly experienced in treating the delicate structures surrounding the eyes.
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Frequently asked questions
An oculofacial plastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist with a specialty in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues.
Oculofacial plastic surgeons perform procedures to restore a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially if the face or eyelids have been marred by lesions or scarring. They can also restore normal function to the periorbital area.
Oculofacial plastic surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery to correct eyelid sagging and puffiness, neurotoxin injections (e.g., Botox), dermal fillers, eyelid and facial reconstruction, correction of eyelid abnormalities, and management of orbital disorders.
You should consult an oculofacial plastic surgeon if you require medically necessary care or want to enhance your appearance through cosmetic procedures.
It is estimated that there are only about 500 oculofacial plastic surgeons worldwide, with only about 20 ophthalmologists selected for training in this field each year.










































