An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist with advanced, board-certified training in surgery of the upper face and eye region. Unlike general plastic surgeons, oculoplastic specialists focus on delicate tissues—eyelids, brows, tear ducts, and the orbit—to restore vision, comfort, and youthful appearance. If you’ve noticed droopy lids, blocked tear ducts, or want precise cosmetic refinement around your eyes, understanding what an oculoplastic surgeon does will help you choose the right expert for your needs.
Training and Expertise of an Oculoplastic Surgeon
After medical school, an oculoplastic surgeon completes an ophthalmology residency followed by two additional years of fellowship in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. This intensive training covers:
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Eyelid anatomy and reconstructive techniques
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Orbital (eye socket) surgery for tumors and fractures
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Lacrimal (tear-drain) system procedures for chronic tearing
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Cosmetic refinements, including Botox®, fillers, and skin resurfacing
Their narrow focus on the upper face and periorbital area makes them uniquely qualified to handle functional and aesthetic concerns around the eyes.
Common Functional Conditions Treated
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid) Repair
Eyelid ptosis occurs when the levator muscle weakens, causing the lid to obstruct your field of vision. Oculoplastic surgeons correct this via:
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Anterior approach: An incision in the upper-lid crease to tighten or reattach the levator muscle, with dissolvable sutures.
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Posterior approach: Tightening the muscle from the inside of the eyelid—no visible skin incision required.
Eyelid Malpositions (Entropion & Ectropion)
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Entropion: Inward-turning lids that irritate the eye surface.
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Ectropion: Outward-turning lids causing dryness and tearing.
Each is repaired by precise repositioning of tendons and muscles to restore normal eyelid function.
Tear-Drain (Lacrimal) Surgery
Chronic tearing or infections may indicate blocked tear ducts. Procedures like dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) create a new drainage pathway to relieve tearing and prevent recurrent infections.
Eyelid and Eyebrow Rejuvenation Procedures
Upper Blepharoplasty
Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed through a hidden crease incision, smoothing lids and widening your field of vision. Fine sutures dissolve within two weeks, leaving virtually no scar.
Eyebrow Lift
Mild drooping can be addressed through the same blepharoplasty incision. For more significant descent, techniques include:
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Direct brow lift: Small incisions above the brows to remove a strip of skin.
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Endoscopic forehead lift: Hidden hairline incisions allow an endoscope to lift tissues without visible scars (cosmetic, typically self-pay).
Cosmetic Enhancements Around the Eyes
In addition to surgery, oculoplastic surgeons may offer non-surgical treatments:
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Botulinum toxin (Botox): Smooths dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.
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Dermal fillers: Restores youthful volume to hollows and tear troughs.
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Chemical peels and laser resurfacing: Improve skin texture and pigment irregularities.
These are often combined with surgical procedures for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
Now that you know what an oculoplastic surgeon does, you can choose between eyelid, brow, or tear-drain concerns, whether functional or cosmetic. Their specialized expertise ensures safe, precise outcomes tailored to your goals.
Schedule a consultation with our oculoplastic team at Barnet Dulaney Perkins today to discuss your needs and discover which treatments are right for you.