Oculoplastic & Facial Plastic Surgery

The Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at the Moran Eye Center specializes in the evaluation and management of both cosmetic and functional abnormalities which affect the eyelids, eyebrows, cheeks, orbital tissues, bones and tear drainage system.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons at the Moran Eye Center are board certified ophthalmologists who have completed additional and very specialized training in plastic surgery of the eyes and their surrounding structures.

Our oculoplastic and facial plastic surgeons understand the complex workings of the vision system and its subtle relationship to cosmetic enhancement procedures.

Where is the line between cosmetic surgery to improve ones appearance and surgery to repair an injury or physical impairment? Moran ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons move back and forth across that line on a regular basis, often times accomplishing both goals during the same surgical procedure. As in the story that follows, while healing a patient in pain from Graves' Disease our surgeons often improve appearance at the same time.

"Functional" plastic and reconstructive surgery involves repairing the multitude of problems that affect the basic functions of the eye, which result in optimal vision. Eyelids, burns, tumors, injuries and more can all require functional reconstructive and plastic surgery on and around the eye. On the other hand, many patients choose elective surgery, not to repair the eye or enhance vision but to bring about what they perceive as an improved and/or younger appearance. Often these procedures do not require an overnight stay in the hospital.

We also work closely with other departments and divisions including: Otolaryngology, Neuro-Radiology, Neurosurgery, Dermatology, and the Craniofacial team concerning extensive multi-disciplinary problems of the orbit and facial region.

Here are examples of several common conditions treated by oculoplastic surgeons:

Ptosis (Pronounced “Tosis”)

Is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may affect one or both upper eyelids. When the level of the upper lid margin falls, it can interfere with the upper field of vision. Symptoms include a decreased ability to keep the eyes open, eyestrain, and eyebrow fatigue from the increased effort needed to raise the eyelids.

The out-patient surgery for ptosis is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no need for an overnight stay.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)

Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, ectropion, and entropion repairs are other out-patient surgeries with similar recovery times.

This procedure reduces excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids. The overlapping skin often interferes with normal vision and has to be corrected to regain a functional visual field. During the out-patient procedure, excess skin and fat is removed. Typically, the incision is barely visible and fades over time. The physician often recommends blepharoplasty if a significant improvement in the visual field can be achieved.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Reduces excess fat and skin in the lower eyelids.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid margin turns inward. The lower lashes rub against the eye, causing irritation, scratchiness, tearing, and redness. Typically, surgery is recommended to correct the problem.

Doctors

Bhupendra C. K. Patel, M.D., FRCS, FRC
David A. Weinberg, M.D., FACS

Services

• Ptosis-eyelids that droop
• Brow lift-eyelid rejuvenation
• Excessive tissues of the eyelids
• Botox and facial wrinkles
• Eyelid bumps and tumors
• Periocular skin cancer-skin tumors around the eye
• Orbital tumors
• Eyelid malpositions
• Injuries to the soft tissues or bones around the eye
• Thyroid eye disease
• Blepharospasm and squeezing disorders on the eyes
• Facial nerve palsy
• Eyelash abnormalities
• Congenital lacrimal obstruction-tearing in children
• Dacryocystorhynostomy (DCR)-creating a new tear drain
• Entropion-eyelids that turn in
• Ectropion-eyelids that turn out
• Thyroid eye disease-protruding, irritated eyes
• Enucleation and evisceration-loss of an eye
• Artificial eye and anophthalmic socket disorders
• Graves' eye disease
• Dry eyes and tearing problems
• Temporal artery biopsies

Some of the more common problems treated surgically include droopy brows, droopy lids, redundant upper and lower eyelid skins, furrows on the forehead and around the eyes, and congenital disfigurements such as:

• Facial burns
• Domestic violence
• Auto accidents
• Gunshot wounds
• Lacerations
• Congenital disfigurements
• Bite wounds

We have direct and immediate access to the following services at the University of Utah Hospital:

• MRI and CT
• Color doppler imaging of the eye and orbit

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