Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery (or oculoplastic surgery) is a specialized area of ophthalmology that deals with the management of deformities and abnormalities of the:
- Eyelids
- Lacrimal (tearing) system
- Orbit (the bony cavity around the eye)
- Face and skin around the eye
The word plastic comes from a Greek word meaning to mold or give form. Ophthalmic plastic surgery is limited to the structures surrounding the eye. Since this type of surgery can affect the patient’s ability to see, ophthalmic plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform this delicate surgery, as well as to provide any care for the eye itself.
An ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon is an ophthalmologist (medical doctor and eye surgeon) who has completed additional training in plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes. Our highly-qualified surgeons have completed thorough training and passed rigorous testing.
Apple Hill Eye Center's Dr. Marc Hirschbein has specialized training and expertise in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery.
Conditions Treated
Surgery can be used to treat the following conditions:
- Ptosis (droopy eyelids)—occurs in both children and adults, caused developmentally, by trauma or by a neurological problem.
- Dermatochalasis—excess eyelid skin
- Ectropion—eyelids turning out
- Entropion—eyelids turning in
- Trichiasis—when eyelashes rub against the eyeball causing irritation
- Blocked tear ducts
- Tearing
- Dry eyes
- Eyelid irritation
- Skin cancers of the eyelid
- Trauma to the eyelids, tear ducts or bone cavity of the eye
- Thyroid eye disease
- Tumors growing around or behind the eyes
Surgical Techniques & Procedures
The highly trained surgeons at Apple Hill Eye Center provide a wide range of techniques to address your eye surgery needs. After a thorough assessment, your surgeon will choose the procedure offering the optimal results for you.
- Minimally invasive eyelid surgery
- Balloon dilation of the tear ducts
- Endoscopic tear duct surgery
- Biopsy-controlled tumor excisions
- Droopy eyelid surgery for children and adults
- Surgical implants for repair of the bone cavity or for an ocular prosthesis
Apple Hill also offers several different aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures to interested patients.
- No-stitch blepharoplasty (removing of excess fat) to reduce baggy lower eyelids
- Endoscopic brow lifts
- Laser eyelid surgery
- Laser resurfacing with the CO2 laser
- Botox treatments for wrinkles around the eyes
For more information on the surgical options available at Apple Hill Eye Center, please call us at (717) 741-6732.
