What is Oculoplastic and What is Oculoplastic surgery?

Health Basics

In recent times with the advances of science and medicine, different specialties and subspecialties have emerged to meet the specific needs of our population. Medicine is becoming increasingly specialized. Therefore, it is likely that you must have recently heard people speak of “oculoplastic” or “oculoplastic surgery.” You are most likely wondering, “What is a oculoplastic or what is oculoplastic surgery?”

Well, today in our blog we will dedicate some time to elucidate what each thing is. To begin with, the correct term would be an oculoplastic surgeon, and this term describes the eye doctor who specializes in diseases and surgeries of eyelid, lacrimal system (tear duct) and orbit (eye socket). In other words, to become an oculoplastic surgeon, the person must graduate first from medical school. Once licensed to practice medicine and surgery, the doctor receives specialized training in medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the eye (ophthalmology). In general, the specialization in ophthalmology lasts 3-4 years depending on the training program of each country. Upon completion of microsurgery and treatment of eye diseases, the new ophthalmologist will undergo additional training for 1-2 years in the treatment and surgeries of the eyelid, tear duct and orbit.

Now that we understand what an oculoplastic surgeon is, it is easier to try to understand what is oculoplastic surgery. Basically, oculoplastic surgery is a specialty within ophthalmology that focuses on the treatment of diseases and both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, the lacrimal duct and orbit. Examples of the ailments in oculoplastic, lacrimal and orbital surgery are: palpebral ptosis (droopy eyelid), malposition of the eyelids (ectropion / entropion), obstruction of the tear duct system, basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid, facial paralysis, blepharospasm, benign and malignant tumors of the orbit (eye socket), trauma to the eyelid, tear duct and orbit, fracture of the orbit, thyroid eye disease, among others. Oculoplastic surgery also encompasses medical and surgical treatments with a cosmetic / aesthetic approach such as upper eyelid blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) and lower eyelid bag removal, eyebrow lift, mid-face lift. , application of Botox and fillers in areas around the eyes among many other therapeutic options.

In summary, an oculoplastic surgeon is a super specialist who could be considered as the plastic surgeon of the eyes and the surrounding tissues. Now that we explained what an oculoplastic surgeon and what oculoplastic surgery is, Dr. Chun Cheng Lin Yang is an experienced eyelid, lacrimal and orbit specialist (oculoplastic surgeon) in Costa Rica at your service. Dr. Lin Yang has been serving his patients for more than 14 years in private practice of oculoplastic surgery. He made possible the accreditation of oculoplastic, lacrimal and orbital surgery by the Costa Rican college of physicians and surgeons. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Lin Yang you can contact us via WhatsApp or by calling +506 6084-3238 / +506 2289-8137 / +506 2208-8322, or write to us at info@doctorparpados.com

What is surgery of the bags under the eyelids?

Surgery

One of the most common problems that we notice in the mirror over time is the appearance of bags under the eyelids. This gives us a tired look and we start to wonder if these are dark circles or are these really bags? What causes these? How can we treat these bags?

What are the bags under the eyelids? The bags are usually fatty tissue that lies behind an anatomical structure called the orbital septum. This structure maintains the fat that we have in the orbit or eye socket that serves as protection for the eyeball.

What produces the bags? We now know that the bags are the protrusion of fatty tissue from the eye socket toward the lower eyelid, giving the appearance of bags or sacs. The cause can usually be of family origin, aging, or even disease.

How are the bags treated? The treatment of the bags can be temporary or permanent. Temporary or non-permanent treatment is based on placing hyaluronic acid-type intradermal fillers in areas around the bags under the eyelids to give a uniform visual effect and to conceal the bag. This effect tends to last as long as the body takes to absorb or metabolize the filler, on average about 6 months. The definitive or permanent treatment is with surgery. Blepharoplasty is surgery of the lower eyelids that eliminates the bags through a small incision at the pink tissue (the conjunctiva), between the internal side of the eyelid and the eyeball, leaving no scar on the skin of the lower eyelids. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty delivers permanent results, since the fat that produces the bags is removed.

Now that we explained what the bags under the eyelids are and the solutions for them, what are you waiting for? Take the first step to stop looking tired!!!

In Costa Rica, Dr. Lin Yang is an oculoplastic surgeon, an eyelid specialist, with extensive experience in treating eyelid bags and dark circles. Schedule your appointment. Dr. Lin Yang can recommend the best option for treating your bags under the eyelids. You can contact us at +506 6084-3238 / +506 2289-8137 / +506 2208-8322 or write to info@doctorparpados.com, it will be a pleasure to assist you.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Surgery

It is very common that when talking about cosmetic surgery, the word blepharoplasty frequently pops up in conversations between interested people. However, do they really know what a blepharoplasty is?

Today we will discuss blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is the medical term that refers to eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. Generally, when talking about blepharoplasty, the population has the connotation that the surgical procedure is for cosmetic purposes and that they are on the upper eyelids only. However, blepharoplasty can be carried out for functional or reconstructive reasons and on the lower eyelids as well.

Now that we defined blepharoplasty, what does it consist of? In a simplified form, a blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids is a surgery that an incision in the natural crease of the eyelid is made and excess skin from the upper eyelid is removed. Then, sutures are placed in the constructed surgical wound.

Although it sounds simple, a blepharoplasty is a one of the most delicate and precise surgeries. Remember that the eyelids are essential in the identity of our expression, and more importantly, the eyelids are paramount to our visual health.

Therefore, to have the best cosmetic and functional result when you are considering blepharoplasty, you should go to the eyelid specialist, the oculoplastic surgeon.

In Costa Rica, Dr. Lin Yang is an eyelid surgery specialist with extensive experience in blepharoplasty. You can contact us and schedule your appointment by phone or WhatsApp at +506 6084-3238 / +506 2289-8137 or write to us at info@doctorparpados.com.

What is a stye or hordeolum or Chalazion? How can you tell what is what?

Uncategorized

It is very common that out of nowhere a red and even painful “little bump” could appear on the margin or on the eyelid itself. It is not unusual that people would tell you: “you have a stye.” Some will even tell you that you have a “chalazion.” It’s so confusing!!! Is it stye or is it chalazion? And what is a stye? And what is a chalazion? Let’s start by defining each one.

Stye (or hordeolum) is a lesion at the level of the eyelid that is frequently associated with a bacterial infection. As it is an infection, it is usually red, this might be tender and slightly warm on palpation. There is a high probability that the infection will spread to the entire involved eyelid. This can originate from the base of the eyelashes or on the eyelid itself. That is why it is common to hear the term internal stye, or external stye.

An external stye, related to an infection in the eyelash follicle.
An internal stye, related to the infection of oil producing glands on eyelid.

• External stye refers to an infection in the eyelash follicle, it looks like an infected pimple on the edge of the eyelid.

• Internal stye refers to an infection of one of the oil producing glands on the edge of the eyelid, this is often related to blepharitis (infection of the eyelashes).

As noted, the differentiation between a stye and a chalazion is very technical, and definitely requires an assessment by a specialist in the field. An ophthalmologist could be very helpful, and perhaps even better; the expertise of an oculoplastic surgeon.

A chalazion, in the deep part of the eyelid, relatively big size.

Chalazion is a lesion in a deeper location of the eyelid, and usually occurs due to the occlusion of some of the oil-producing glands that are located on the margin of the eyelid, behind the eyelashes. This occlusion may or may not be infected. Most of the time, the chalazion can start as an internal stye. It is usually not painful, and it may look a little red and grows over time. This growth can produce a mass effect against the eyeball, leading to blurred vision.

The initial treatment of a stye is the cleaning of the eyelids and eyelashes. The application of warm means or compresses could make the pores of the eyelashes and those of the oil-producing glands in the margin of the eyelids (glands of meibomian) open and drain the remains of inflammation. When the style does not resolve in 3 days with external measures, it is best to consult the eyelid specialist. Depending on the degree of infection, it is likely that the treatment could range from topical to even oral antibiotics. In the case of chalazions, the therapeutic options could be from a simple steroid shot to the affected gland to surgery (curettage). The eyelid specialist can recommend the best option.

In Costa Rica, Dr. Lin Yang is an eyelid specialist with extensive experience in conditions in this area. Contact us to schedule your appointment. Tels:+506 6084-3238 / +506 22898137

What is Entropion?

Uncategorized
Entropion is the in-turning of the lower eyelid. This causes constant eye irritation, redness and tearing. If not treated properly, eye sight could be in danger.
Patient with right lower eyelid entropion

In the last blog, we talked about ectropion, a condition of eyelid malposition. Entropion is another position condition that the eyelid may suffer. We know that the eyelids are essential structures for the protection of our eyeball. Any problem that the eyelid suffers will directly affect the capacity and quality of vision. Entropion is a condition, less common than ectropion, in which the margin of the eyelid is inverted into the eye (the eyelid “rolls-in” against the eyeball), placing the eyelashes in direct contact with the eye causing severe discomfort.

Most patients with entropion experience a great amount of tearing, foreign body sensation, irritation and redness of the eye. If entropion is not treated promptly, aside from the irritation symptoms, the eye can suffer from a mild corneal abrasion to a severe ulcer. If not treated properly, both the symptoms and consequences caused by entropion can affect life quality and become disabling, due to the fact that it might cause blindness.

In the lower eyelid there is a muscle called the eyelid retractor that keeps the lower eyelid upright or its vertical position. When this muscle loses its site of adhesion in the tarsus (hard part of the eyelid), the eyelid cannot stay in the upright position. The counter balance effect of lower eyelid retractor toward the orbicularis muscle (the superficial set of muscle, responsible in blinking) is lost. Consequently, the eyelid along with its lashes “rolls-in” towards the eyeball with every blink, causing the annoying symptoms of tearing, rubbish sensation, eye irritation and redness among others. The most common cause of disinsertion of the eyelid retractor is aging. Over time, tissues stretch tend to lose their support sites. Although other causes of entropion could be trauma, eyelid tumor, eyelid and/or previous eye surgery, frequent eyelid spasms and frequent rubbing of the eyes.

Regardless of the cause, the definitive treatment for entropion is surgery. There may be circumstances in which a patient cannot undergo surgery or simply does not want surgery as a treatment. For this group of patients, there are temporary measures such as the use of artificial tears frequently during the day and the use of these tears in presentation of gel at night before bedtime. If abrasion or ulcer forms in the cornea, therapeutic contact lens can be placed and topical antibiotic initiated. Fillers can be used transiently to keep the eyelids in their anatomical position while waiting for surgery. Remember that depending on the type of filling used, the duration of the effect can last from 6 to 12 months. In summary, the important thing regarding entropion is an accurate and timely diagnosis for the correct treatment. And this can be achieved by consulting with an oculoplastic surgeon.

Corrective ectropion surgery in Costa Rica
To definitively eliminate the annoying symptoms of entropion (tearing, redness of the eyes, foreign body sensation), surgical intervention is the only solution. The eyelid specialist (oculoplastic surgeon) performs the corrective operation by means of an almost imperceptible incision under the eyelashes in the lower eyelid to re-insert the eyelid retractor muscle to its usual site in the tarsus, returning the anatomical eyelid verticality without altering its contour with the desired cosmetic result.

Corrective entropion surgery is an out-patient procedure, without the need for hospitalization. It is carried out under local anesthesia with a light touch of sedation. This procedure has a prompt recovery. Under normal conditions, the patient can expect mild to almost unnoticeable inflammation and bruising around the eyelids that resolves in a week. Usually, corrective surgery takes 30 to 45 minutes. The stitches are removed one week after surgery. And most importantly, entropion surgery is NOT painful.

In Costa Rica, Dr. Lin Yang is an oculoplastic surgeon with extensive experience who can offer you the definitive treatment to correct the entropion, returning the functionality to your eyelid with the best cosmetic appearance. He uses minimally invasive and safe techniques, with rapid recovery. Solve the entropion once and for all. You can call us at 2208-8322 / 2289-8137 or write to info@doctorparpados.com to schedule your appointment. It will be a pleasure to assist you.

What is Ectropion?

Health Basics, Surgery
Ectropion is the out-turning of the eyelid. This causes constant foreign body sensation, tearing and redness of the eye. Untreated ectropion can cause severe visual consequences.
Patient with a severe ectropion of lower eyelid.

The eyelids are essential structures for the protection of our eye. That is why the quality of our vision is directly related to the health of our eyelids. The position of the eyelids is critical in protecting the eye. The eyelids may suffer from position problems or malposition. The two groups of eyelid malposition are entropion and ectropion.

Ectropion is a very common condition in which the margin of the eyelid is turned away from the eye (the lid is not in contact with the eye), leaving the surface of the eyeball exposed and vulnerable to irritation. Most ectropion patients experience redness of the eyes and the margin of the eyelids, foreign body sensation, tearing, and irritation. In severe cases, the symptoms can be disabling and affect the patient’s quality of life. Ectropion is a frequent cause of tearing confused witht tear duct obstruction. The common causes of ectropion can be divided into three groups: involutional, cicatricial, and neurological.
* Involutional (aging): As we progress in age, all the tissues of our body, including our face, tend to become lax and the eyelids are no exception. Basically, the lower eyelid becomes lax and ectropion may occur. Therefore, it should not surprise us that this group is the most frequent cause.
* Cicatricial (scaring): The healing of the skin of the eyelids can cause retraction of the eyelids away from the eyeball. This scarring may be due to trauma, resection of a lesion or tumor in the eyelid, sun damage and post aesthetic or cosmetic eyelid surgery.
* Neurological: Although to a lesser extent, conditions such a stroke or a tumor can cause facial nerve palsy. Since the facial nerve is responsible for the innervation of the orbicularis muscle, which makes blinking and maintaining the position of the eyelid possible, ectropion can be a result of this cause.

Regardless of the cause, surgery is the definitive treatment to cure ectropion. There may be circumstances in which a patient cannot undergo surgery or simply does not want surgery as a treatment. For this group of patients, there are temporary measures such as use of artificial tears in the presentation of drops frequently during the day and in the form of gel before bedtime. Intradermal fillers can be used transiently to raise the eyelids to its anatomical position while waiting for surgery. Remember that depending on the type of fillers, the effect can be from 6 to 12 months. In summary, the important thing with ectropion is an accurate and timely diagnosis for the right treatment.

Corrective ectropion surgery in Costa Rica
In order to eliminate the annoying symptoms of ectropion such as tearing, redness of the eyes, foreign body sensation, surgery is the solution. An operation that oculoplastic surgeons perform is called canthopexy or canthoplasty. Canthopexy alone or associated with other techniques can solve most of the causes of ectropion. There are different surgical approaches in resolving ectropion. Probably, the best known operation is the tarsal-strip procedure. This is a simple and painless technique that returns the eyelid to its normal anatomical position without affecting its contour.

Surgical treatment for ectropion caused by scarring is of greater complexity and difficulty. The oculoplastic surgeon recurs to the use of skin graft plus canthoplasty. For this group of patients, more than one surgery is necessary to achieve the adequate eyelid position.

Corrective ectropion surgery is an outpatient procedure, without the need for hospitalization, and this can be performed under local or local anesthesia plus sedation. In general, the patient can expect mild inflammation and bruising around the eyelids that resolves in a week or 10 days. Usually, corrective surgery that does not require skin grafting takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure that requires skin grafting probably requires more time and the recovery takes a little longer.

In Costa Rica, Dr. Lin Yang is an oculoplastic surgeon with extensive experience who can offer you the definitive treatment to correct ectropion, giving back the functionality to your eyelid with the best cosmetic result. He approaches this condition with innovative and minimally invasive techniques, with rapid recovery. And most importantly, corrective ectropion surgery is NOT painful. Eliminate ectropion once and for all. You can call us at 2208-8322 / 2289-8137 or write us through info@doctorparpados.com to schedule your appointment.

Is ophthalmic plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery or oculofacial surgery the same?

Health Basics, Surgery

Yes, is the answer to this question. You may wonder what is oculoplastic surgery or oculofacial surgery or ophthalmic plastic surgery? Basically, oculofacial surgery, ophthalmic plastic surgery and oculoplastic surgery are synonyms. Oculoplastic surgery is a sub-specialty of ophthalmology that includes surgeries or treatments for diseases of the eyelids, eyebrows, cheeks and tissues around the eyes. In addition, oculoplastic surgery encompasses the conditions and treatments of the tear duct (the tear drainage system) and the orbit (the space that protects the eye, what commonly is known as the eye socket). Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists (eye surgeons/ specialist) with additional training to perform surgeries and treat eyelid conditions. It is practically a plastic eye surgeon, and there the term ophthalmic plastic surgery. Having the knowledge and training so specialized in the management of tissue problems around the eyes and face, they are also known as an oculofacial surgeon. It is important to remember that the oculoplastic surgeon performs cosmetic and aesthetic and reconstructive treatments and surgeries of the eyelids. From the wide range of surgeries performed by the oculoplastic surgeon, we can highlight:

• Blepharoplasty: Frequently known as eyelid lift. With the passage of time or hereditary reasons, the eyelids descend and give the person a tired and older appearance. More importantly, the vision can be compromised due to obstruction of the superior and central visual field. Blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic / aesthetic or functional reasons. This surgery involves removing excess skin (and fat when necessary) and contouring the shape of the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is applicable to both the upper and lower eyelids.

• Ptosis (blepharoptosis) repair surgery: The levator muscle is responsible for the opening of the upper eyelids. This muscle’s function may be decreased and the eyelids droop, blocking the central and superior field of vision. Among the causes of eyelid ptosis are trauma, tumors, neuromuscular disease or aging. Corrective surgery can be performed to restore the functionality of the eyelid.

• Ectropion or entropion repair surgery: The eyelids may suffer from malposition (entropion or ectropion). Basically, the eyelids can turn towards/invert (entropion) or away/everted (ectropion) from the eyeball, causing symptoms of eye irritation, tearing and even corneal ulcer formation. Surgery involves repositioning the affected eyelid to its usual position to eliminate the bothersome eye symptoms.

• Eyelid reconstructive surgery: Whether due to trauma, previous plastic surgery, tumor or neuro-vascular disease, the eyelids may be affected and lose their functionality. Eyelid reconstructive surgery is to restore the functionality of the eyelids with the appropriate cosmetic appearance.

Remember that an oculoplastic surgeon is the plastic surgeon of the eye, a super specialized specialist in microsurgery or surgery of precision in critical areas of the face and eyelids. Consider consulting with one when thinking about a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure in your face or eyelids.

You can contact us at +506 2208-8322 and +506 22898137, or emailing us at info@doctorparpados.com , or through our social medias. It will be a pleasure to assist you.

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