OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY
What is oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics, also known as oculoplastic surgery, is an umbrella term for a number of surgical procedures on the eye and the surrounding structures, including the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts, and parts of the face.
Oculoplastic surgeons are specialised ophthalmologists, who have undergone additional fellowship training. Some surgeons from certain other specialties, such as plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be trained in some procedures that fall under oculoplastics.
Types of Oculoplastic Treatments
Depending on the issue and whether the treatment is for cosmetic or medical purposes, there are two approaches for oculoplastics:
Non-surgical treatments: They include laser skin treatments, chemical peel techniques, home skin care regimens, and facial filler injections with the intention of reducing facial wrinkles.
Surgical treatments: They consist of a wide range of procedures, including eyelid surgery for removing excess skin, muscle or fat, eyelid reconstruction for eliminating eyelid tumors, eyebrow and forehead lifting, facial rejuvenation, and implants.
It also involves commonly performed oculoplastic treatments which correct eyelids that fold inward or outward and procedures that correct drooping of the upper or lower eyelid. In addition, oculoplastic surgery includes procedures addressing tear ducts which restores the flow of tears, also, orbital surgery for managing eye disorders and traumas.
How Is Oculoplastic Surgery Done in Iran?
Most oculoplastic surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia and some with intravenous sedation. Depending on the type of surgery, an oculoplastic surgeon starts with making one or some small incisions in different areas of either face, eyebrow or skull. For instance, eyelids surgery is done through lines of eyelids. Tear duct surgery is done through the nose or in the corner of the eye. In the next step, the surgeon may separate the skin from the underlying tissue to remove the excess fat, skin or muscle. In case of tear duct surgery, a small opening is created from the blocked tear nasal duct, directly into the nose.
For eyebrow and forehead lifting, the incisions are made in the scalp to remove the excess fat. For facial lift, the incision is made around the ear for accessing the muscle, then the skin is lifted and the underlying muscle and connective tissue are repositioned and tightened.
The situation is more complicated for orbital surgery. Occasionally, large incisions are needed and may result in visible scars. Engaged or damaged tissues are removed as necessary or repaired carefully while eye function and vision are preserved. After the positioning and alignment were done in all sorts of oculoplastics, if needed, the sutures or metal clips are placed.
Recovery:
The necessary time to recover from oculoplastic surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and can vary for each person. Generally, the recovery takes about 7-14 days. You may experience some level of pain, discomfort, bruising, and swelling during the recovery time. Your vision may be blurry for the first few days after the surgery. In general, the recovery is usually not extensive. Oculoplastic surgeries are free of complications, and most patients have reported little discomfort.
Post-operative Care
Post-surgery care depends on the type of oculoplastic procedure that the patient undergoes. He or she will be provided with sufficient instructions to follow at home. However, the following instructions are necessary after the surgery:
Relaxation and enough rest for the first few days after the surgery,
Applying cold compresses on the eyelids when advised by the surgeon,
Minimal activity to help with the healing and minimizing the swelling, bruising, discomfort, and post-operative complications, and
Avoiding exercising or heavy lifting for at least one week after the surgery.
Cost in Iran:
Because some of the oculoplastic surgeries are quite expensive, it is important that the patient be thoroughly explained to about the benefits of the treatment. Oculoplastic surgery in Iran costs around $1,500-$4,000, depending on the type of surgery and patient’s condition. This fee includes cost of anesthesia, clinical fees, the operating room, preparations costs, medication needed during and after the procedure and finally post-op appointments bills.
