FAQs

A: An oculofacial plastic surgeon is an eye surgeon (Ophthalmologist) who has received additional training to treat everything surrounding the eyes. They may also be called an Oculoplastic Surgeon, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, or an Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. To become an oculofacial plastic surgeon, you must receive an undergraduate degree, a medical degree, complete a 1-year internship, complete a 3-year ophthalmology residency, and then a 1 to 2-year Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Fellowship. Some of the conditions treated by an oculofacial plastic surgeon include droopy eyelids, puffy eyelids, watery eyes, muscle spasms around the eyes, eyelid injuries, eyelash problems, eye socket tumors, eye socket infections, skin cancer on the eyelids, and more.

A: The exact cause of watery eyes will vary from person to person and will be sorted out during your appointment. The exact name for this medical condition is epiphora. Some of the most common causes of epiphora include dry or irritated eyes. Sometimes when the eyes are dry or irritated, your body will try to produce more tears to moisturize the eyes. Loose eyelids. If your eyes cannot blink correctly, tears cannot move from where they are made to the tear drain. If the drainpipe that leads into your nose is blocked, your tears will have nowhere else to go other than running down your cheek.

A: Mohs is the name of a procedure used to treat skin cancer. The procedure is performed by a board-certified Dermatologist with additional specialized training in Mohs surgery. The full name of the procedure is “Mohs Micrographic Surgery,” and it was developed by general surgeon Frederic Mohs in 1938. During the surgery, thin layers of skin are removed until all skin cancer has been removed. Once this is complete, the area is reconstructed. Oculoplastic surgeons are involved in Mohs surgery when performed on the eyelids or parts of the face.

A: Ptosis is when the upper eyelid rests in a drooping position. This causes the eyelashes to sit too low over the iris (the colored part of the eye). This can be caused by the muscles that help open the eye becoming weak. Some patients experience ptosis as they age, while others may have experienced it since they were born. Surgery to correct ptosis can be performed by an oculofacial plastic surgeon and is one of the most common procedures Dr. Vargason performs.

A: Brow ptosis is a common cause of tired or droopy eyelids. The brow is like a curtain rod that holds the upper eyelid in place. If the curtain rod is too low, then the curtain (upper eyelid) becomes saggy. When the eyebrow has descended from its normal anatomical position and begun to sag or droop, this can impact your vision and be aesthetically displeasing. It is often caused by age, injury, or damage to the forehead lifting nerve. A brow lift can be performed to treat ptosis. This can help restore your vision and alleviate cosmetic concerns.

A: Dermatochalisis is excess upper eyelid skin. This can create the appearance of a tired or drooping eyelid and may even impact your vision. It can also be used to describe excess lower eyelid skin. In order to treat this, an upper eyelid lift can be performed.

A: There are three primary reasons your eyes can look tired. This includes droopy eyebrows, extra eyelid skin, and droopy eyelids caused by age or muscle weakness. Surgery can be used to correct tired eyes. We offer browplasty to correct drooping brows, upper blepharoplasty to correct extra eyelid skin, and ptosis repair for drooping eyelids.