Dallas County Living Well Magazine May/June 2020 | Page 4

OCULOPLASTIC
SURGERY
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
T
he first signs of aging usually take
place around the eyes. With inject-
ables such as Botox ® and dermal fill-
ers, subtle changes can be corrected
quickly. A patient may be considering
the long-term benefits of oculoplastic surgery
for concerns related to loose, sagging skin.
We perform oculoplastic procedures for functional or cos-
metic improvement at the Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center.
The term oculoplastic surgery describes the different proce-
dures involving the eyelids and area around the eyes, the
orbit of the eye, or the tear ducts. Eyelid surgery is popular
and conducted more than 100,000 times a year. This sur-
gery can not only rejuvenate a patient’s appearance but
also improve the vision.
At Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center, Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer con-
sults with her patients to discuss their goals and the way in
which a particular oculoplastic procedure can enhance the
structure of the eyelid. She has confidence in adopting a
customized strategy to fit every patient’s individual needs
while adhering to high quality, evidence-based standards
of medical and surgical care.
Patients may be a good candidate for the oculoplastic sur-
gery if they are in good general health and would like to
enhance the looks of their eyes. During your consultation,
Dr. Pfeiffer performs an intensive examination to verify that
your objectives can be achieved with eyelid surgery.
Types of Oculoplastic Surgeries:
BLEPHAROPLASTY - Upper and lower blepharoplasty
procedures are some of the most common oculoplastic pro-
cedures performed today. Upper blepharoplasty may be
done for functional or cosmetic reasons. This procedure re-
moves the extra or loose skin of the upper eyelid to restore
the crease of the natural lid. Upper blepharoplasty may
also be performed to remove tissue that has dropped into
the field of vision. Lower blepharoplasty repositions fat and
skin in a manner that decreases or eliminates the appear-
ance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
PTOSIS REPAIR - Ptosis repair is performed to correct a
droopy eyelid. This surgery is different than upper blepha-
roplasty because it shortens or otherwise repairs a stretched
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DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2020
or elongated levator muscle, the muscle of eyelid opening.
ECTROPION REPAIR - Ectropion is an eyelid condition
that affects the lower eyelid, making it roll outward away
from the eye. The affected eyelid might also sag, exposing
the eye and resulting in dryness. Untreated ectropion can
cause chronic redness, pain, irritation, and tearing. Pro-
longed exposure may also wear down the corneal surface.
ENTROPION REPAIR - Entropion is an eyelid condition
that affects the upper or lower eyelid, making it roll inward.
This condition may be related to the eyelid’s natural ag-
ing or breakdown in the strength of certain eyelid muscles.
When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes rub the sur-
face of the eye, causing redness, discomfort, and sensitivity
to wind and light. Untreated entropion could trigger exces-
sive tearing or mucous discharge. The cornea might also be
scratched and scarred over time.
EYELID GROWTHS AND SKIN CANCERS - The fragil-
ity of the skin around the eyes makes this area particularly
susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV light through
sunshine and tanning beds can degrade the looks of the
eyelids and might also cause skin cancer. Growths on the
eyelid, especially those that bleed or become inflamed,
should be evaluated immediately. Skin cancer may be iden-
tified by taking a biopsy of tissue from the growth. Then,
the lesion can then be removed using a precise surgical
technique that attempts to restore as much as possible of the
eyelids’ natural contours. In some instances, growth or skin
cancer removal is followed by reconstruction of the eyelid.
TEARING DISORDERS – Tears are important for the
eye’s function and health. The lacrimal gland and meibo-
mian glands are involved in producing the necessary layers
of fluid to keep a healthy tear film. Patients may experience
tearing due to a variety of conditions, including blockage
of the natural tear drain, eye irritation or dryness, or eyelid
ectropion. An oculoplastic surgeon can investigate these
causes, and some may require surgery to correct.