Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive, and Orbital Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery is plastic surgery isolated to the areas around the eyes: the eyelids, orbit (bones behind the eye) and lacrimal (tear drain) system. An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist who performs cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on the eyelids, orbit (bones and anatomic structures behind the eyeball) and lacrimal (tear drain) system. The field of oculoplastic surgery combines the precision and microsurgery of ophthalmology with the aesthetic and reconstructive concepts of plastic surgery. Oculoplastic surgery is a small, highly selective subspeciality of ophthalmology. Approximately 15 oculoplastic surgeons are trained per year through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). These fellowships involve two years of additional training beyond ophthalmology residency focusing solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, orbit and lacrimal system.

Oculoplastics Brochure (PDF)

TYPICAL EYELID DISORDERS TREATED INCLUDE:

• ptosis (drooping eyelids)
• congenital malformations
• trauma (lacerations)
• tumors (skin cancer)
• malpositions such as entropion (turned in eyelid) and ectropion (turned out eyelid)
• styes (chalazia)
• blepharospasm
• eyelash abnormalities

ORBITAL PROCESSES MANAGED INCLUDE:

• thyroid (Graves) eye disease
• orbital inflammatory syndromes
• tumors
• fractures
• enucleation (removal of the eye) and care of the anophthalmic socket (eye socket)

LACRIMAL PROBLEMS CARED FOR INCLUDE:

• nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear duct)
• punctal malposition or stenosis (abnormal tear drain)
• lacrimal system trauma
• tumors
• unexplained tearing

For more information on any of the above conditions and disorders, please visit geteyesmart.org, the official eye health information website from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery

The oculoplastic service specializes in the comprehensive evaluation of cosmetic concerns around the eyes and offers numerous non-invasive, minimally invasive and surgical treatments for periocular rejuvenation. As with all patients, the utmost care is taken to provide a professional and confidential evaluation with an individual treatment plan geared towards achievement of a natural aesthetic result.

TYPICAL REASONS FOR COSMETIC CONSULTATIONS INCLUDE:

• drooping, or tired, upper eyelids
• excess eyelid skin
• eyelid bags
• wrinkles
• post-cosmetic eyelid surgery complications

POSSIBLE TREATMENT OPTIONS:

• Blepharoplasty
• Botox
• Eyelash Enhancement (Latisse)
• Facial rejuvenation with fillers (i.e. Dysport, Restylane, Radiesse)
• Botox is the most commonly utilized procedure for improving aesthetic concerns of the face. Botox is particularly useful in decreasing unwanted lines and wrinkles on the face. It is affordable, easily tolerated and typically the results are outstanding. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we perform Botox injections each day, and it has quickly become our most common aesthetic procedure.

Why choose Weill Cornell Medicine Ophthalmology

The Oculoplastic Surgery Service at Weill Cornell Medicine provides the evaluation and treatment for pediatric and adult diseases that affect the eyelids, tear ducts and orbit. When necessary, a multidisciplinary approach is utilized that may include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons and ocularists. The Oculoplastic Surgery Service looks forward to welcoming you to our state-of-the-art Ophthalmology Department at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center.

• Weill Cornell physicians only administer Botox® produced by Allergan, the only legal and FDA-approved source for Botox® in the United States
• Botox® and other products are never over-diluted with saline solution, as over-dilution will reduce treatment effects and will not last long
• All treatments and procedures are performed by our board-certified physicians, who will work with you directly to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your cosmetic and medical needs