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What is Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery, sometimes called oculoplasty, oculoplastics, or ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, refers to a wide range of procedures that involve the eye and related structures, like the eyelids, brows, sockets, and tear ducts using specialized experiencea and microsurgical training. These areas are extremely complex and there are delicate structures that are critical to preserving eyesight and maintaining optimal aesthetic appearance.
Dozens of procedures from ptosis repair surgery that corrects drooping eyelids to evisceration, one of three eye removal procedures, fall under the umbrella of oculoplastics. These surgeons also administer injectables, like Botox® and fillers, around the eye. Oculoplastic surgery can be used to reconstruct, rejuvenate, or both. It can be used to treat a variety of eye conditions or it can be purely cosmetic.
What are the most common oculoplastic procedures?
When it comes to cosmetic eye surgery, the most common oculoplastic procedure is the blepharoplasty. This is a form of plastic surgery commonly referred to as an eyelid-lift. Blepharoplasty seeks to remove excess skin and contour fat from the upper or lower lid, skin and fat that often comes about from aging and contributes to a “baggy” appearance. Brow lifts are also often associated with oculoplastic surgery and can be separate or complement a blepharoplasty.
Other common procedures include repair of ptosis (droopy eyelid), ectropion (eyelid turned outward), entropion (eyelid turned inward), and blocked tear ducts.
Specialized training and expertise
Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologic micro-surgeons that have completed additional training in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on and around the eyes. The most highly respected accredited fellowship for oculoplastic surgeons is the American Society of Ophthalmic and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). This highly selective fellowship only has fewer than 30 spots each year. Dr. Liu completed her training at an ASOPRS accredited fellowship at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute.
Why go to an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
A general plastic surgeon is someone that covers the entire body. They may be involved in a number of procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, buttock augmentation –maybe all in the same week! An oculoplastic surgeon specializes only in the face and Dr. Liu believes that focusing only on cosmetic facial procedures helps her patients achieve the best results by keeping up to date with the latest treatments and surgical research.
All of Dr. Liu’s training has been for the face and the areas around the eyes. Her training included both functional and cosmetic surgery, and at UCLA she performed a wide range of surgeries from the most complicated trauma and emergency surgeries to cosmetic procedures for a variety of VIP celebrity patients.
Patients who have conditions that require surgery to address the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes and face are ideal candidates for oculoplastic surgery.