Oculofacial Plastic Surgery in South Africa

Oculofacial plastic surgeons perform reconstructive procedures such as repair of orbital and facial bone fractures, repair of droopy eyelids, removal of tumors on the face, and cosmetic procedures such as eyelid lifts, brow lifts, facelifts and laser resurfacing among others. Oculofacial plastic surgeons also undertake minimally invasive procedures such as Botox and fillers.

Structures around the eyes, as well as the eyelids, are critical, and closely related to one’s vision and ocular comfort. Congenital defects, injuries, aging changes, and tumors often cause pain, disfigurement, eye damage, and even eye loss. Variations in the eye’s appearance or the tragic loss of an eye due to injury or disease may affect one’s confidence and impair their self-image. Oculofacial Plastic Surgery seeks to reverse these changes and restore an individual’s self-esteem.

• Extra Upper Eyelid Skin and Fat - The eyes are the most expressive parts of the face. Aging changes the area around the eyes, falsely projecting an appearance of tiredness, anger, lack of interest, among other unappealing facial expressions. Droopy eyelid causes the thin eyelid skin to sag and may become so severe that it interferes with one’s vision. An upper blepharoplasty or “eyelid lift” is performed to rectify this condition.
• Lower eyelid bags - With age, lower eyelids may show the appearance of loose skin, bulging fat, and dark circles. Lower eyelid wrinkles make an individual look older than they are. Treatment of this condition includes lower blepharoplasty also known as an eyelid lift. The lower Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the lower eyelids, bringing a dramatic change in the face. The procedure is customized to suit every patient’s needs.
• Droopy Brows (Brow Ptosis) - Brows often sag as a result of age. It may be accelerated by several factors such as excessive sun exposure, tobacco use, allergies, repetitive eyelid rubbing, among other environmental factors. In a few isolated cases, sagging of the eyebrow is related to more serious medical problems or an issue with the nerve that is responsible for the movement of the forehead muscles. A brow lift may be accomplished using surgical or non-surgical means. Effects of a surgical approach tend to last longer.
• Malpositioned Lower Eyelids (Ectropion and Entropion) - Some people have eyelids that are turning outward or inward. This is often as a result of aging, stretched tissues, or scarring caused by injuries or previous surgeries. Skin and tendon repositioning are the common procedures applied by oculofacial plastic surgeons. In some rare cases, placement of skin, cartilage, or mucosal graft may be employed to correct this condition.
• Excessive tearing - There are several causes to watery eyes. These include dry eyes, irritation, and blockage of the tear duct. To remedy this condition, the underlying cause must be addressed. Minor cases can be remedied by a simple application of artificial tear drops, while complicated cases such as tear duct blockage may involve surgery of the tear duct.
• These are just but a few of the cases addressed by oculofacial surgeons. To avoid the risk of complications, one should employ the services of a board certified surgeon only.