Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery

Oculoplastic and orbital surgery is plastic surgery focused on the structures surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, orbit (bones of the eye socket), lacrimal system (tear duct system), forehead, and midface area. Because surgery in these areas can affect vision, ophthalmic plastic surgeons are best qualified to perform this delicate surgery.

The oculoplastic and orbital surgeons at UT Southwestern are seasoned ophthalmologists with years of experience in the latest plastic surgical techniques. Our oculoplastic surgery team treats conditions and injuries affecting the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures and also offers cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures to enhance the appearance. 

Expertise in Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery

The skilled oculoplastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center have years of specialized training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. Our team in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco are dedicated to comprehensive care, such as cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and nonsurgical procedures, for patients who need treatment for diseases or injuries to the eye, eyelid, and surrounding structures.

Each surgeon on the team is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). This select and prestigious society consists of about 500 members worldwide who have completed several years of specialized training.

Conditions We Treat

A variety of diseases and injuries can affect the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas. Some conditions we typically treat with oculoplastic and orbital surgery include:

• Dry eye, obstructed tear duct, and other problems with tear production
• Ectropion: Eyelids that turn out, exposing the inner surface
• Entropion: Eyelids that turn inward, causing the lashes to rub the eye
• Exophthalmos: Eyes that protrude abnormally, sometimes referred to as "bulging eyes." Some eyes naturally sit more forward, but it can also be associated with a condition such as thyroid eye disease, orbital cyst or growth, or sinus issues. 
• Eyelid cancer: Skin cancer cells or tumors that develop on or in the eyelid
• Eye injury or illness that affects the eye, eyelid, orbit, or other nearby structures
• Ptosis: Drooping upper eyelid

Our surgeons also offer cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures to rejuvenate the face and tighten and smooth facial skin. Some of the issues we can address include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging around the eyes
• Sun damage to the skin

Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery: Treatments

At UT Southwestern, our oculoplastic surgeons offer a variety of options in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco to treat and correct eye conditions and injuries, as well as cosmetic procedures to improve appearance.

Cosmetic Surgery

Our talented surgeons are skilled in the latest plastic surgery techniques to restore a more youthful appearance, such as:

• Blepharoplasty to tighten skin of upper and lower eyelids
• Eyebrow and forehead lift
• Midface lift

Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures

Patients can have outpatient, cosmetic procedures done in our offices, such as:

• Botox® injections
• Fillers such as Restylane®

Reconstructive Surgery

UT Southwestern oculoplastic and orbital surgeons perform surgery to correct and treat injuries and diseases of the eye, eyelid, and surrounding structures, such as:

• Blepharoplasty to correct abnormalities or repair injuries to the eyelids
• Pediatric ophthalmic surgery to treat congenital and pediatric eye conditions
• Surgery to correct ectropion and entropion
• Eyelid reconstruction after injury repair, surgery for eyelid tumors, or other eye surgery
• Lacrimal surgery for tearing and infections
• Orbital (eye socket) decompression surgery to treat Graves disease
• Orbital fracture repair and trauma
• Surgery after treatment for cancer in the orbital area
• Ptosis