Oculoplastics surgery and procedure guide

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At Practice Plus Group we offer fast access to high-quality oculoplastics surgery via self-pay, insured and NHS routes.

Private oculoplastics at a glance

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Oculoplastic surgery involves surgical procedures to the eyelids, tear ducts, eye sockets, and surrounding facial structures. It is designed to improve function, comfort, and appearance. Common treatments include repairing drooping or misaligned eyelids, removing lesions from the eye, and correcting tear duct blockages.

Oculoplastics surgery is available at the following hospitals and surgical centres

Oculoplastics covers a wide range of surgical procedures that deal with the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts and face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and its associated structures.

What is oculoplastics?

Oculoplastics is a specialist area of eye surgery that focuses on the eyelids, tear ducts, eye socket and surrounding areas of the face.

These structures are small, delicate and closely linked to how the eye works. Problems in this area can affect your comfort, appearance, tear drainage and, in some cases, your vision.

Oculoplastic surgery may be used to:

  • improve eyelid position
  • treat drooping eyelids
  • correct eyelids that turn inwards or outwards
  • help tears drain normally
  • remove suspicious eyelid lumps or lesions
  • support eye comfort and protection
  • treat some changes linked to thyroid eye disease.

Some oculoplastics procedures are carried out to improve function. Others are designed to improve the appearance of the eye area. Your consultant will explain whether surgery is suitable for you and what results you can reasonably expect.

What conditions can oculoplastics treat?

Oculoplastics can be used to treat a range of conditions affecting the eyelids, tear ducts, and structures around the eye.

Entropion

Entropion is when the eyelid turns inwards. This can cause the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye leading to irritation, watering, redness, discomfort and, in some cases, damage to the front of the eye.

Entropion surgery can help reposition the eyelid so it sits more naturally against the eye.

Ectropion

Ectropion is when the eyelid turns outwards. This can stop the eyelid from providing the eye with enough protection and may cause watering, dryness, irritation, or repeated eye infections.

Oculoplastics surgery can help tighten or reposition the eyelid to improve comfort and tear control.

Ptosis

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid which can affect one or both eyes. Some people notice a cosmetic change, while others find the eyelid starts to interfere with their vision. This is especially noticeable when reading, driving, or looking upwards.

Ptosis repair surgery aims to lift the eyelid into a better position.

Blocked tear ducts

Tear ducts help drain tears from the eye into the nose. If a tear duct becomes blocked, it can cause:

  • persistent watery eyes
  • sticky discharge
  • swelling near the inner corner of the eye
  • repeated infections.

Tear duct surgery may be recommended in the event a tear drainage problem is causing these symptoms.

Eyelid lumps and lesions

Most eyelid lumps are harmless, but some may need to be assessed or removed. This is especially true if they:

  • change in size
  • bleed
  • affect the shape of the eyelid
  • have suspicious features.

Your consultant can examine the area and advise whether removal or further testing is needed.

When should I seek treatment for an eyelid, tear duct, or eye socket problem?

You should seek advice from an optometrist, GP, or eye specialist if you have symptoms that are affecting your vision or everyday life.

You may benefit from an oculoplastics assessment if you have:

  • a drooping eyelid that affects your vision
  • an eyelid that turns inwards or outwards
  • eyelashes rubbing against the eye
  • persistent watery eyes
  • repeated eye infections linked to tear drainage
  • a lump or lesion on the eyelid
  • eye changes linked to thyroid eye disease
  • discomfort, irritation, or dryness caused by eyelid position
  • swelling around the eye that does not settle
  • changes in the appearance or position of the eye.

You should seek urgent medical help if you have:

  • sudden changes in vision
  • severe eye pain
  • severe or rapidly developing swelling
  • a bulging eye
  • double-vision that comes on suddenly
  • signs of infection around the eye.

What happens at your oculoplastics consultation?

Your consultation is an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals with a specialist. Your consultant will examine your eyes and the surrounding structures before recommending the best course of action for you.

Your assessment may include:

  • checking your eyelid position and movement
  • assessing how well your eyelids close
  • looking at the surface of the eye
  • checking tear drainage
  • examining any eyelid lumps or lesions
  • discussing thyroid eye disease symptoms (if needed)
  • reviewing your general health and current medication
  • explaining whether surgery is suitable.

Your consultant will also explain the likely benefits, possible risks, recovery time, and the expected outcome of any recommended procedure.

What does oculoplastic surgery involve?

The exact procedure will depend on the condition being treated. Some procedures are short and straightforward, while others are more complex.

Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery usually involves making small incisions in natural skin creases or carefully selected areas around the eyelid. Your consultant may remove, tighten, or reposition tissue to help the eyelid sit correctly.

This type of surgery may be used for entropion, ectropion, ptosis, or other eyelid problems.

Tear duct surgery

Tear duct surgery may be recommended when tears cannot drain properly because of a blockage. A common procedure to correct this is called dacryocystorhinostomy (often shortened to DCR).

DCR surgery creates a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and the inside of the nose. This allows tears to bypass the blocked part of the tear duct. A small temporary tube or stent may sometimes be used to keep the new drainage channel open while it heals.

Removal of eyelid lumps or lesions

If you have a lump, cyst, or suspicious lesion on the eyelid, your consultant may recommend having it removed.

Surgery for thyroid eye disease

For some people with thyroid eye disease, surgery may be considered once the condition has become stable. The type of surgery depends on the symptoms and structures affected.

Treatment may focus on improving eyelid position, helping the eyes close more comfortably, reducing exposure of the eye surface, or addressing changes around the eye socket. Your consultant will explain whether surgery is suitable and whether you need input from other specialists.

How long does oculoplastic surgery take?

The length of surgery depends on the procedure you are having.

While the more minor eyelid procedures are relatively short, the complex treatments such as tear duct or orbital surgery will take longer.

Your consultant will give you a clearer idea of how long your procedure is expected to take during your consultation.

Is oculoplastics surgery painful?

Most oculoplastics procedures are carried out with anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. The type of anaesthetic used will depend on the procedure and your individual needs.

Following surgery, it’s normal to feel some soreness, tightness, swelling, or bruising. This is usually temporary and can often be managed with simple pain relief and aftercare advice from your clinical team.

Recovery after oculoplastics surgery

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery you have. Your clinical team will explain what you can expect before you go home.

After surgery, you may have:

  • bruising or swelling around the eye
  • mild soreness or tightness
  • watery eyes
  • temporary blurred vision
  • stitches that need to dissolve or be removed
  • eye drops or ointment to use at home.

You may be advised to avoid rubbing the eye, lifting heavy objects, swimming, strenuous exercise, and wearing eye make-up for a short period after surgery.

Your consultant or nurse will explain when you can resume normal activities.

What results can I expect?

The aim of oculoplastics surgery is to improve the function, comfort, and position of the eyelids, tear ducts, or surrounding eye structures.

Depending on the procedure you need, treatment may help to:

  • reduce irritation or discomfort
  • improve eyelid position
  • improve tear drainage
  • reduce watering caused by blocked tear ducts
  • protect the surface of the eye
  • improve vision affected by a drooping eyelid
  • remove suspicious or troublesome eyelid lumps
  • improve the appearance of the eye area.

Your consultant will explain what is realistic for your condition and the specific treatment being recommended.

What are the risks of oculoplastics surgery?

As with all types of surgery, there are some risks. Your consultant will explain what these are before you decide whether to go ahead.

Possible risks may include:

  • bruising
  • swelling
  • bleeding
  • infection
  • scarring
  • dry or watery eyes
  • temporary blurred vision
  • asymmetry
  • recurrence of the original problem
  • the need for further treatment.

While serious complications are uncommon, it is important to follow your aftercare advice closely and contact your clinical team if you have concerns during recovery.

Private oculoplastics waiting times

If you are paying for your own treatment or using private medical insurance, Practice Plus Group can offer fast access to oculoplastics consultations and treatment.

Private treatment may be suitable if your symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life and you want clear pricing, consultant-led care and a shorter wait for assessment.

For patients paying for themselves, the waiting time is typically just 4-6 weeks following the initial consultation. Insured patients are seen for treatment at a time that suits them.

Ways to pay for oculoplastics surgery

There are several ways to access oculoplastics treatment at Practice Plus Group.

Self-pay

Self-pay treatment allows you to fund your own care without private medical insurance. You will receive clear information about your guide price and treatment pathway before going ahead.

Private medical insurance

If you have private medical insurance, you may be able to use it to cover some or all of the costs of your oculoplastics treatment. You should contact your insurer to confirm your cover and whether authorisation is needed.

Payment plans

Payment plans may be available to help spread the cost of treatment. The team can explain your options when you enquire.

NHS treatment

Some patients may be able to access oculoplastics treatment through an NHS route, depending on referral criteria, clinical need and local availability.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

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treatments carried out last month

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Oculoplastics surgery FAQs

Not yet found the information you’re looking for? Perhaps our oculoplastics FAQs can help!

What is oculoplastics?

Oculoplastics is a specialist area of eye surgery that treats conditions affecting the eyelids, tear ducts, eye socket and surrounding facial structures.

What does oculoplastics surgery treat?

It can treat problems such as drooping eyelids, eyelids that turn inwards or outwards, blocked tear ducts, eyelid lumps, and some eye changes linked to thyroid eye disease.

What are tear ducts?

Tear ducts are small drainage channels that carry tears from the surface of the eye into the nose. If they become blocked, they can cause watering, discharge, or repeated infections.

What is tear duct surgery?

Tear duct surgery is used to help tears drain more normally. The procedure creates a new pathway between the tear sac and the inside of the nose.

Can oculoplastics help with thyroid eye disease?

Oculoplastics may help some people with thyroid eye disease, particularly if the condition has affected eyelid position, eye comfort, eye closure, or the structures around the eye. Your consultant will advise whether surgery is suitable.

What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?

Symptoms can include dry or gritty eyes, watering, swelling around the eyes, bulging eyes, eyelids pulling back, light sensitivity, double vision and discomfort when moving the eyes.

Is oculoplastics surgery cosmetic or medical?

It can be either. Some procedures are performed to improve comfort, vision, tear drainage, or eye protection. Others may also improve appearance. Your consultant will explain the purpose of your treatment.

Where is oculoplastics surgery available?

Oculoplastics surgery is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations: 

– Devizes
– Emersons Green
– Rochdale.

How long does recovery take after oculoplastics surgery?

Recovery depends on the procedure. Some people return to normal activities fairly quickly, while others may need more time for swelling and bruising to settle. Your clinical team will give you procedure-specific aftercare advice.

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