Oculoplastics surgery and procedure guide

Choose the right path for your individual needs.

At Practice Plus Group we offer fast access to high-quality oculoplastics surgery via self-pay, insured and NHS routes.

Oculoplastics surgery is available at the following hospitals and surgical centres

Oculoplastics covers a wide range of surgical procedures that deal with the eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts and face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and its associated structures.

What is oculoplastics surgery?

Oculoplastics, also known as Oculoplastic surgery is a term used to describe various surgical procedures on the eye and surrounding structures. These can include the eyelids, tear ducts, eye sockets and parts of the face. These procedures can take place for a number of reasons including lower eyelid blepharoplasty, eyelid repair and reconstruction.

What are the most common oculoplastic procedures?

As mentioned above, there are various different oculoplastic procedures. The most common are:

  • Entropion repair: This corrects eyelids that fold inwards
  • Ectropion repair: This corrects eyelids that turn outwards
  • Ptosis repair: This corrects drooping of the upper or lower eyelid
  • External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): This restores the flow of tears
  • Removal of suspicious lumps (precancerous or cancerous lesions).

When should I seek treatment for my eyelid problem?


If you have any concerns about your eyelids or vision, visit an optometrist or GP and they can refer you to our service for treatment.

What does oculoplastic surgery involve?

Treatment will depend on the surgery taking place. This can range from injections to orbital reconstruction.

Eyelid surgery: This surgery takes place by making a series of incisions following the natural lines of the eyelid. After the incision is made, the skin is separated from the underlying tissue to remove the excess fat, skin or muscle. Sutures are then placed into the eyelids and the incisions are closed. The lower eyelid may not require sutures depending on the technique used.

Tear duct surgery: A small incision through the nose or through the skin will be made on the inside corner of your eye and your nose. A new tear drain opening is created from the blocked sac directly into the nose. A stent may be left in the new tear drain temporarily to keep the duct open. In some cases, the obstruction remains blocked and a permanent artificial drain is placed behind the corner of the eyelids.

How long is oculoplastic surgery and treatment?

Depending on the treatment required, is how long the treatment takes. Eyelid surgery may take anything from 20 minutes to two hours.

What are the results of oculoplastic treatment?

The aim of oculoplastic surgery is to address any lid abnormality, to improve function, improve tear drainage and / or to relieve any discomfort.

What are the risks and complications of oculoplastic treatment?

Surgical treatment is very safe and risks are very small. You will have the opportunity to discuss any risks with your consultant prior to agreeing on any treatment plan.

Pre-operative assessment:

A pre-operative assessment is our opportunity to ensure that the procedure for which you have been referred is right for you. We’ll explain your treatment to you and makes sure that you are well enough to go ahead with it. It is also your opportunity to meet the team who will care for you and to ask any questions.

A look inside Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

News and blogs

You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.

Ways to pay

5000

Thumbs-up icon

treatments carried out a month

Outstanding

Star icon

or 'good' ratings by CQC

100%

Checkmark

clean record for hospital acquired infections

99%

Thumbs-up icon

of patients recommend Practice Plus Group

Get in touch