Oculofacial Plastic Surgery

What is Oculofacial Plastic Surgery?

Oculofacial plastic surgery, also known as oculoplastic surgery or eye plastic surgery, is a surgical sub-specialty of ophthalmology that deals with the medical and surgical management of abnormalities of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, orbit (bony eye socket), brows/forehead, mid-face, and the surrounding areas of the face.

Plastic surgery forms, molds, or reconstructs parts of the human body. Oculofacial plastic surgery is plastic surgery as it pertains to the area around the eyes and the face. The eyelids and surrounding areas are extremely delicate and complex structures that are vital to the preservation of vision and are important features of a normal facial appearance. Since surgery in this area can affect the health of your eyes and your ability to see, oculofacial plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform this delicate surgery and to provide the medical care that the eye itself may need.

dr lewen surgery | Top Miami Surgeon Gregory D. Lewen, MD

Facial plastic surgery

Eyelid surgery/blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty)
Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty)
Revision eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty revision)
Mid-face lift
Brow lift
Facial fat transfer
Scar revision
Xanthelasma (xanthelasma removal)

Reconstructive surgery (functional surgery)

Droopy eyelid surgery
Reconstruction after Mohs surgery
Ectropion/entropion repair surgery
Eyelid facial reconstruction and trauma
Lump/bump on eyelid
Surgery for tearing disorders
Surgery for advanced thyroid conditions

What is Facial Plastic Surgery?

As defined by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, cosmetic surgery is a sub-specialty of medicine and surgery that uniquely restricts itself to the enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. Facial plastic surgery is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it. A cosmetic surgeon is a doctor who has completed their specialty in a particular area (i.e., ophthalmology) and has gone on to receive additional continuing medical education and training in the emerging specialty of cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic plastic surgeons are dedicated to the art of cosmetic surgery. Their strong knowledge base, high level of training, and practical experience makes them among the most qualified to perform safe and proper cosmetic procedures.

dr lewen in dark scale performing surgery | Top Miami Surgeon Gregory D. Lewen, MD

Benefits

What Are the Benefits of Working with an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon?

An oculofacial plastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon and medical doctor) who has completed additional advanced training in plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes, face, and surrounding structures.

After college and four years of medical school, an oculofacial plastic surgeon must complete a one-year internship and a three-year residency in ophthalmology. After completing residency, two additional years are spent in advanced fellowship training in oculofacial plastic, orbital, and reconstructive surgery. Board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is required in order to complete fellowship training.

It is worth noting that the majority of general plastic surgeons complete five years of residency training, only two of which are devoted to plastic surgery. During these two years, the general plastic surgery resident must acquire skills in plastic and reconstructive surgery on all parts of the body. By contrast, oculofacial plastic surgeons spend two years concentrating only on the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding areas of the face. This gives the oculofacial plastic surgeon an unparalleled level of training and experience to deal with the complex issues involved in plastic surgery around the eyes.