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Oculoplastic surgery includes procedures that correct eyelid position, remove eyelid lumps or suspicious lesions, improve tear drainage, and address problems within the orbit. Many treatments are functional and medically necessary, but some can also be cosmetic.
Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect one or both eyes. It can create a tired appearance, but it can also reduce the upper field of vision. Some people lift their brows constantly to compensate, which can lead to forehead fatigue or headaches. Ptosis can be age-related, present from childhood, or linked to other medical causes, so careful assessment matters.
Dermatochalasis refers to loose or redundant eyelid skin, usually in the upper lids. It can feel heavy, contribute to brow strain, and in more significant cases interfere with vision, particularly in the upper and outer visual field. Many people also notice difficulty applying makeup or a sensation of lid skin resting on lashes.
When an eyelid turns inward (entropion), lashes and skin can rub against the cornea, causing grittiness, redness, tearing, and sometimes corneal damage if untreated. When the eyelid turns outward (ectropion), the eye surface can become dry and exposed, and the tear drainage opening may not sit in the right position, leading to watering and irritation.
Eyelid lumps are common and often benign, such as chalazia (blocked oil glands) or cysts. Some lesions, however, need closer assessment, particularly if they are growing, ulcerated, bleeding, causing lash loss, or not healing. Where appropriate, lesions can be removed and sent for pathology to confirm the diagnosis and guide follow-up.
Watery eyes can happen when tears do not drain properly, or when the eye is irritated and produces reflex tearing. Common causes include punctal narrowing (the small openings that drain tears), blockage further down the tear duct system, eyelid position problems, allergies, and dry eye disease. Treatment depends on identifying the cause, because surgery is helpful for true outflow obstruction but not for every type of watering.
Your appointment may include:
If a lesion looks suspicious, your specialist will discuss whether biopsy or removal is recommended and what that involves.
You may be asked to stop contact lens wear for a short period around surgery, depending on the procedure and eye surface health. On the day of surgery, avoid eye makeup, creams, and skincare products around the eyelids unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Clear instructions will be given before your procedure.
Ageing continues, and factors like skin quality, sun exposure, smoking, and medical conditions influence how long results last. Some procedures are long-lasting, but changes over time can mean that future treatments may be considered.
Aftercare matters just as much as surgery day. Follow-up visits, drop guidance, and access to support if symptoms change are key parts of safe recovery.
Most oculoplastic procedures involve mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Tightness, soreness, and irritation are common in the first few days, and dryness can occur while swelling settles. Pain that is worsening rather than improving should be reviewed.
Most bruising and swelling improves over 1 to 2 weeks, but fine swelling and scar maturation can continue for several months. The point at which you feel “socially presentable” varies, but many patients are comfortable being seen in public within about two weeks, depending on the procedure and bruising.
Incisions are usually placed in natural eyelid creases or along the lash line to reduce visibility. Scars typically fade over time, but individual healing varies. Sun protection and following wound care instructions help scars mature well.
Yes, when droopy eyelids or excess eyelid skin are blocking the pupil or upper visual field, surgery can improve functional vision. It can also reduce brow strain that people develop from lifting the forehead to see better. If vision changes are caused by other eye conditions, eyelid surgery may not address those, so assessment is important.
This depends on the procedure and healing. Makeup is usually avoided until incisions are healed and your surgeon confirms it is safe. Contact lenses may need to be paused for a period, especially if the eye surface is dry or irritated after surgery. You will be given specific timing based on your operation and recovery.
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