Eyelid & Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery refers to a wide range of surgical procedures performed on the eyelids, tear (lacrimal) ducts and around the eye socket (orbit).

Common conditions that are treated by oculoplastic surgery include eyelid lift or reduction (blepharoplasty), excision of eyelid lesions and tumours (eg. skin cancers), their associated reconstructive surgery, correction of malpositioned eyelids such ectropion and entropion, droopy eyelids (ptosis correction), and watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts.

An ophthalmologist with oculoplastic subspecialist qualifications is a specialist eye surgeon who also has had further dedicated training in eyelid, lacrimal and orbital surgery. Due to the close proximity of these structures to the eye itself and their potential impacts on vision, an eye surgeon with subspecialist oculoplastic training is the ideal specialist to diagnose and manage such conditions.

Dr Edwin Figueira is a Sydney-trained ophthalmologist who dedicates his clinical and surgical work purely to the subspeciality of oculoplastic surgery. In addition to his private practice, Dr Figueira also offers oculoplastic surgery in the public hospital and teaches the next generation of eye doctors in eyelid, lacrimal and orbital surgery at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. Dr Figueira performs a wide range of oculoplastic surgery including minimal incision eyelid surgery, and many of these can be performed comfortably and conveniently in our procedure room at Eastwood Eye Specialists, whilst others require a hospital admission.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction surgery)

Excess eyelid tissue (known as “dermatochalasis”) occurs due to natural ageing that causes heavy, droopy skin especially on the upper eyelids. This causes sagging and heaviness of the eyelids leading to its aesthetic effect of ageing. In addition to this cosmetic concern, dermatochalasis can often result in functional reduction in a person’s field of vision. Blepharoplasty surgery is performed to remove this excess skin, fat (or both) from the eyelids, resulting in improved vision, comfort and a more youthful contour and appearance.

Blepharoplasty surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with or without sedation. It can be performed safely either at the purpose-built procedure room at Eastwood Eye Specialists, or as a day surgery admission to a private hospital. The procedure is painless and there is quick recovery after the procedure. The surgical incision for the procedure is hidden in the natural upper eyelid skin fold and hence is not visible.

Eyelid tumour removal & reconstructive surgery

Skin cancers (such as Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma) and other lesions commonly occur on eyelids and skin around the eyes. Such tumours require surgical removal to allow definitive pathologic diagnosis (excisional biopsy) and also curative local resection with clear surgical margins to ensure no future cancer recurrence.

Following periocular tumour removal, reconstructive eyelid plastic surgery is performed using skin flaps or grafts to restore function and achieve the ideal cosmetic appearance.

Eyelid Malposition Surgery

Dr Edwin Figueira has extensive experience and expertise in the surgical treatment of eyelid malposition such as ectropion and entropion. Ectropion refers to out-turning of the lower eyelid. Entropion is a condition where there is turning inwards of the eyelid. Both conditions cause troublesome symptoms such as irritation and watering of the eyes. Oculoplastic surgery is performed to reposition the affected lid. The procedure is painless and most patients can go home on the day of surgery. Minimal incision eyelid surgery offered by Dr Figueira ensures the smallest scar possible which should be barely noticeable in most cases.

Ptosis (droopy eyelid)

Ptosis refers to abnormally low or drooping of the upper lid. It can result in reduced field of vision, difficult reading, headaches, eye fatigue, and abnormal “chin up” tilted head position. There are various different causes of ptosis and depending on its cause, the treatment can also vary drastically. Dr Figueira has extensive experience in diagnosing the underlying cause of ptosis.

Many forms of ptosis can be successfully corrected surgically. Ptosis surgery is performed to elevate the affected lid(s) to the desired height, with a symmetrical contour and improved appearance, as well as improved visual field.