Oculoplastic surgery involves the management of the eyelid, tear ducts and re-constructive surgery around the eye, forehead, cheek and nose area. There are many types of conditions that can affect this part of the eye and its surrounds.
An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist who has undertaken further specialist training in plastic surgery specifically in these areas. Your oculoplastic surgeon’s primary focus is the health and safety of your eyes but they also have unique skills as plastic surgeons
Dr. Georgina Kourt specialises in eyelids, tear ducts, reconstructive surgery and the use of prosthetics and implants. Dr. Robert McDonald also performs surgery on eyelids.
Eyelid lesions and lumps
These may either be benign lesions causing cosmetic concerns or more suspicious changes that may require a biopsy.
Tumours
The most common skin tumour around the eyes is a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Surgical treatment to remove the tumour requires specialist oculoplastic expertise to reconstruct the eyelid to return its normal appearance and function.
Tumours can also occur within the eye. This may require management with enucleation (removal of the eye).
Positions of the eyelid
A drooping lower eyelid (ectropion), a turned in eyelid (entropion) and drooping upper eyelid (ptosis) can cause unwanted symptoms. This means your field of vision can be diminished, you may experience dry or watering eyes, unwanted facial unevenness (asymmetry) and altered appearance.
Trauma can also affect the mechanical alignment of the eyes and surrounding structures, which can be managed by surgery.
Baggy Eyes (too much skin)
This is a common condition that can affect both men and women and is generally due to the ageing process. It can cause heavy eyelids and visual field obstruction, or it may be a cosmetic concern involving either the upper or lower eyelids. Removal of eyelid skin (blepharoplasty) and lifting of the brow (meloplasty) can be performed as a day procedure. Our experienced oculoplastic surgeons can restore the ageing eyelid in both function and appearance with very satisfying results.
Tear Duct Blockage
A blocked tear duct can cause persistent eye watering or sometimes a chronic eye infection. Dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the rebuilding of the tear duct and can be performed as a day procedure to restore drainage to the eye.