Oculoplastic surgery FAQs

Oculoplastic surgery includes procedures that focus on the eyelids, eye socket, tear duct system and the surrounding areas.

Oculoplastic surgery is performed to improve the function and appearance of the eyelids, eye sockets, and surrounding structures. Common reasons for surgery include thyroid eye disease, drooping eyelids, eyelid malposition, facial nerve palsy, blepharospasm, dry eyes and tumours or lesions in the eye area. It also includes cosmetic eye lifts. Dr Parker also performs eyelid lifts.

Dr Parker will give you specific instructions to prepare for the surgery. You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements, and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

The type of anaesthesia used for oculoplastic surgery depends on the procedure being performed and your medical history. For in-office procedures, local anaesthetic is used. Most procedures in hospital are performed using ‘twilight sedation’. Dr Parker will discuss the options with you. Read more about in-office vs. in-hospital procedures.

The length of an oculoplastic surgery procedure depends on the complexity of the procedure. Minor procedures can be completed in less than an hour, while more complex surgeries may take several hours.

After oculoplastic surgery, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several days. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Dr Parker will give you specific instructions on aftercare and how to manage any discomfort.

The timeline for resuming normal activities varies depending on the type of procedure performed. In general, you should avoid strenuous activity for several days and avoid any activities that could cause injury to the treated area.

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after surgery. Where possible, Dr Parker makes incisions in areas that are hidden or concealed to minimise visible scarring.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with oculoplastic surgery. These risks may include watery eyes, double vision, bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in vision and loss of vision. Dr Parker will discuss the risks of your procedure with you before booking your surgery.

How long the results of oculoplastic surgery last depends on the type of procedure performed and your individual healing process. In general, the results of surgery can last for several years or longer, depending on the specific procedure performed.

For some procedures, Dr Parker may recommend that you wear an eye patch or bandage after surgery to protect the treated area and promote healing.

This depends on the procedure. Parker will advise you whether it is safe to wear contact lenses again after surgery. For some procedures, you may need to avoid wearing contact lenses for several weeks.

Yes, you will need to come back for one or more follow-up appointments with Dr Parker so he can remove any sutures, monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.

If you experience complications after surgery, such as severe pain, bleeding, or changes in vision, you should contact Dr Parker immediately.

Yes, oculoplastic surgery can be performed on children. Dr Parker will evaluate your child's individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

You may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery. Blood thinning medications are usually stopped prior to surgery. Dr Parker will discuss your individual requirements at the time of booking.

Dr Parker will give you specific instructions on what to eat or drink before surgery. For in-office procedures you don’t need to fast. If you’re having a general anaesthetic in hospital you will normally be given instructions to avoid eating for 6 hours before the surgery. You can drink clear fluids up to 2 hours before.

The length of time you will need to take off work depends on the type of procedure you’re having and your individual healing process. For most procedures you should allow a week off work, depending on the size of the procedure and the amount of bruising. Dr Parker will advise you on when it is safe to return to work.

Yes, oculoplastic surgery can be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift, to achieve a more comprehensive result.

The cost of oculoplastic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure being performed and whether it can be reimbursed by Medicare or your private health insurance. Dr Parker will give you an estimate of the cost during your consultation. If your procedure is performed in hospital — and it is not a cosmetic procedure — you may be able to claim on your private health insurance. Dr Parker advises his patients to check with their insurer before the surgery.

All these surgeons are medical professionals who specialise in different aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Here are the differences between them:

1. Cosmetic Surgeon: There is no formal recognition of cosmetic surgery as a specialty, which means that any registered medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery. However, some cosmetic surgeons have completed additional training or have specific qualifications in cosmetic surgery. A cosmetic surgeon typically performs a wide variety of procedures throughout the whole body.
   
   
2. Plastic Surgeon: Plastic surgery is recognised as a specialty, and plastic surgeons are required to undergo extensive training and pass rigorous exams to become certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Plastic surgeons may perform a wide range of procedures throughout the whole body, including reconstructive surgery for congenital defects, trauma, cancer and burns, as well as cosmetic surgery procedures.
   
   
3. Specialist Ophthalmologist with oculoplastic surgery expertise: Oculoplastic surgery is a subspecialty of ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists are accredited by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). Ophthalmologists specialising in oculoplastic surgery undergo additional training and are accredited by ANZSOPS in Australia. They only perform plastic surgical procedures related to the eye and surrounding areas, such as eyelid surgery, tear duct surgery, and eye socket surgery, including the upper and mid face. Specialist ophthalmologists with oculoplastic surgery expertise do not perform cosmetic surgery procedures unrelated to the eyes.