Oculoplastics (Eyelid Surgery)
When it comes to eye problems, we often tend to think of areas like the lens, cornea and retina. But some common eye complaints are caused by issues outside the eye such as droopy eyelids, in-turning or out-turning eyelids, eyelid lumps and bumps, problems with tear ducts, and issues involving the eye socket. This is where Sapphire Eye Care can help. Our oculoplastic surgeons are specialised Ophthalmologists who perform a range of eyelid and facial operations to treat and improve conditions around the eyes.
![Closed eye showing eyelid relating to Oculoplastics (eyelid surgery) at Sapphire Eye Care](https://sapphire-eyecare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Banner-Oculoplastics@2x-1920x860.jpg)
Definition of Oculoplastics (Eyelid Surgery)
What Is Oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics is a specialist form of eye care that deals with all the structures around the eye, including the eyelids, the lacrimal (or tear) system and orbit (the bone cavity around the eye).
Various problems can affect these structures, and to some extent they are becoming more common; many more people are having eyelid surgery, for example, as the general population ages.
Oculoplastic surgeons (also known as ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons, or oculo-facial surgeons) are eye doctors who have been specially trained to treat these important structures around the eye, not to be confused with cosmetic surgeons.
The procedures they use range from simple eyelid malpositions to more complex reconstructions involving the eyelids and the surrounding forehead, temporal and cheek areas. Oculoplastic surgeons are experts at understanding the delicate anatomy and function of the eyelids and their surrounding structures. The goal of oculoplastic surgery is to correct either functional or cosmetic problems, and in some cases both.
At Sapphire Eye Care, we understand that the decision to undergo oculoplastic surgery is significant.
That’s why we ensure our approach is personalised and attentive, matching you with the best treatment for your specific condition and doing so in weeks compared to months or even years through the public sector. Our oculoplastic surgeons are not just skilled in advanced techniques but are also deeply committed to achieving results that are both functionally and aesthetically pleasing while making no compromise on quality.
By choosing Sapphire, you’re selecting a team that prioritises safety, patient care, cutting-edge treatment options, and a seamless patient experience. Your trust in us is reciprocated by our promise to deliver excellence in oculoplastics, enhancing your quality of life and wellbeing.
![An ophthalmology surgeon and nurse preparing for eye surgery](https://sapphire-eyecare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/aside-cataract@2x.jpg)
Treatments
Oculoplastics Treatments With Sapphire
Oculoplastic surgery provides treatment for a number of different problems. The most common ones include:
(drooping upper eyelids)
(in-turning or out-turning eyelids)
(cosmetic surgery for eyelids)
Eyelid ptosis
This is a condition where one or both of the upper eyelids hangs lower over the eye than it should. Sometimes this is a minor cosmetic issue; if it progresses, however, it can affect a patient’s visual field, and may also cause a brow ache. There are many reasons why it might happen, and an oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the exact cause and recommend the appropriate treatment during a consultation. In some cases this will mean surgery, which is often performed as a day case under local anaesthetic. During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the upper lid. The eyelid tissues are then adjusted to lift the lid back to its natural height.
Ectropion/Entropion
Ectropion and entropion are conditions where the lower (or sometimes upper) eyelid turns outwards (ectropion) or in towards the eyeball (entropion). It commonly happens to patients as they get older, due to age-related stretching of the tissues that support the lid. There are other possible causes, and an oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess these and provide an appropriate management plan. Although surgery is often required for ectropion and entropion, it can be done as a day case under local anaesthetic. During the operation, the surgeon makes incisions either to the skin of the lower lid just below the eyelashes, or inside the eyelid. Through these incisions, the structures of the eyelid are repositioned so the eyelid returns to its natural position.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for plastic surgery that corrects problems with the eyelids. It can be used to reduce excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids either for aesthetic reasons, or if the excess skin is having an effect on your peripheral vision (visual field). An oculoplastic surgeon should be the first choice for anyone considering cosmetic surgery to the eyelids, as they are best placed to make a full assessment of the eyelids and eyes to advise the correct treatment. They are able to properly assess the surface health of the eyes and the function of the eyelids, prior to plastic surgery.
Watery eyes
Watery eyes can be due to either an excessive production of tears or a problem with tear drainage, and they can cause quite a lot of distress. An oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the reason for the watering and provide an appropriate management plan to treat the problem. Though simple treatments can make a big difference to patients with a watery eye, occasional surgery may be helpful. On assessment, your oculoplastic surgeon will be able to advise when and what type of surgery would be suitable.
Eyelid lumps and tumours
Many types of benign lumps can affect the eyelids, as well as some types of cancer. If you’re worried about a lump and want to have it properly looked at, the oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the situation, offer a diagnosis and then provide treatment if necessary. Removal of benign eyelid lumps is often not possible on the public system, but it can be done privately. It is often a quick, consultant room -based procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic.
Facial palsy
Facial palsy is a condition where the nerve that supplies the muscles on one side of the face is damaged. An oculoplastic surgeon is often involved because it affects the ability of the eyelids to close, which puts the eye at risk of exposure. The oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the extent of the damage to eyelid function and advise on appropriate management. This may involve simple conservative measures such as lubricating eye drops, though it could also require surgery.
Eyelid ptosis
(drooping upper eyelids)
This is a condition where one or both of the upper eyelids hangs lower over the eye than it should. Sometimes this is a minor cosmetic issue; if it progresses, however, it can affect a patient’s visual field, and may also cause a brow ache. There are many reasons why it might happen, and an oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the exact cause and recommend the appropriate treatment during a consultation. In some cases this will mean surgery, which is often performed as a day case under local anaesthetic. During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin of the upper lid. The eyelid tissues are then adjusted to lift the lid back to its natural height.
Ectropion/Entropion
(in-turning or out-turning eyelids)
Ectropion and entropion are conditions where the lower (or sometimes upper) eyelid turns outwards (ectropion) or in towards the eyeball (entropion). It commonly happens to patients as they get older, due to age-related stretching of the tissues that support the lid. There are other possible causes, and an oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess these and provide an appropriate management plan. Although surgery is often required for ectropion and entropion, it can be done as a day case under local anaesthetic. During the operation, the surgeon makes incisions either to the skin of the lower lid just below the eyelashes, or inside the eyelid. Through these incisions, the structures of the eyelid are repositioned so the eyelid returns to its natural position.
Blepharoplasty
(cosmetic surgery for eyelids)
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for plastic surgery that corrects problems with the eyelids. It can be used to reduce excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids either for aesthetic reasons, or if the excess skin is having an effect on your peripheral vision (visual field). An oculoplastic surgeon should be the first choice for anyone considering cosmetic surgery to the eyelids, as they are best placed to make a full assessment of the eyelids and eyes to advise the correct treatment. They are able to properly assess the surface health of the eyes and the function of the eyelids, prior to plastic surgery.
Watery eyes
Watery eyes can be due to either an excessive production of tears or a problem with tear drainage, and they can cause quite a lot of distress. An oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the reason for the watering and provide an appropriate management plan to treat the problem. Though simple treatments can make a big difference to patients with a watery eye, occasional surgery may be helpful. On assessment, your oculoplastic surgeon will be able to advise when and what type of surgery would be suitable.
Eyelid lumps and tumours
Many types of benign lumps can affect the eyelids, as well as some types of cancer. If you’re worried about a lump and want to have it properly looked at, the oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the situation, offer a diagnosis and then provide treatment if necessary. Removal of benign eyelid lumps is often not possible on the public system, but it can be done privately. It is often a quick, consultant room -based procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic.
Facial palsy
Facial palsy is a condition where the nerve that supplies the muscles on one side of the face is damaged. An oculoplastic surgeon is often involved because it affects the ability of the eyelids to close, which puts the eye at risk of exposure. The oculoplastic surgeon will be able to assess the extent of the damage to eyelid function and advise on appropriate management. This may involve simple conservative measures such as lubricating eye drops, though it could also require surgery.
Pricing
Treatment Pricing
Please see below as a guide of prices for oculoplastic surgery with Sapphire. For a full list of pricing, please refer to our pricing page.
Need help? Simply get in touch with our team.
Prices from:
Upper blepharoplasty
£4,250
Lower blepharoplasty
£4,450
Upper and lower blepharoplasty
£6,600
Excision of lesion of canthus
£1,450
Excision of lesion of eyelid
£1,110
Curettage/cryotherapy of lesion of eyelid
£1,110
Puncto-canaliculoplasty
£1,200
Biopsy of lesion of eyelid
£1,110
Blepharoplasty of upper lid - unilateral
£2,000
Blepharoplasty of upper lid - bilateral
£4,000
Blepharoplasty lower eyelids - bilateral
£4,100
Blepharoplasty upper and lower - bilateral
£6,000
Correction of lower lid ectropion without graft/flap
£2,500
Correction of lower lid ectropion with graft/flap
£2,700
Correction of entropion - lower lid
£2,300
Correction of entropion - upper lid, including flap or graft
£2,500
Correction of ptosis of eyelid - complex - unilateral
£3,100
Correction of ptosis of eyelid - complex - Bilateral
£4,600
Excision/biopsy of conjunctival lesion
£1,100
Suture of eyelid (laceration) (as a sole procedure)
£1,250
Total reconstruction of eyelid – unilateral
£2,700
Graft of skin to canthus
£1,600
Graft of skin to eyelid
£1,600
Tarsorrhaphy
£1,200
Brow lift unilateral
£2,000
Resources
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Frequently asked questions
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