Oculoplastic Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Oculoplastic Surgery?
An oculoplastic surgeon, an eye doctor with special training in surgery around the eyes, usually performs it. In some cases, doctors who specialize in head and neck surgery perform these procedures. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An oculoplastic procedure is a type of surgery done around the eyes. You may have it to correct a medical problem or for cosmetic reasons. Oculoplastic surgeons repair problems with the eyelids, the tear drainage system, and the bones and other structures around the eyeball.
Why a doctor might recommend it
These procedures treat many conditions. Examples include these.
- Droopy upper eyelids, called ptosis.
- Eyelids that turn inward, called entropion, or outward, called ectropion.
- Eye problems caused by thyroid disease, such as Graves disease.
- Skin cancers or other growths in or around the eyes.
- Tear duct problems.
- Injuries to the eye or eye area.
- Birth defects of the eyes or orbit, the bone around the eyeball.
Cosmetic reasons include extra upper lid skin, bulging lower lids, and "fallen" eyebrows.
How to prepare
Your surgeon may give you instructions before surgery. You may need to do the following.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you should stop any medicines that thin your blood. You will get a list of these medicines.
- See your regular health care provider to make sure it is safe for you to have surgery.
- Stop smoking and using tobacco 2 to 3 weeks before and after surgery. This aids with healing.
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery.
Your eye surgeon needs to know if you take aspirin or blood thinners, or if you have a bleeding problem.
What happens during it
The surgery may take place in a hospital, an outpatient facility, or the surgeon's office. Depending on your surgery, you may have local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area so you do not feel any pain. General anesthesia puts you to sleep during surgery.
In ptosis surgery, the surgeon shortens the eyelid muscle to strengthen it. This helps lift the droopy lid. In blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes excess eyelid skin.
Recovery
For most procedures, you will be able to go home the same day you have surgery. You may have some pain, bruising, or swelling after surgery.
- You may need to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure for about 3 weeks. These include exercise and lifting heavy objects.
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 1 week after surgery.
- Prop your head up with pillows to sleep for about 1 week after surgery to help prevent swelling.
- See your surgeon for a follow-up visit within 7 days after surgery.
- You may notice more tears, more sensitivity to light and wind, and blurring or double vision for the first few weeks.
Risks and side effects
Like any surgery, eyelid surgery has possible risks and complications. Your ophthalmologist will discuss these with you. Contact your surgeon right away if you have pain that does not go away after taking pain relievers. Also contact your surgeon right away for signs of infection. These include more swelling and redness, and fluid draining from your eye or incision. Contact your surgeon right away if an incision is not healing or is separating, or if your vision gets worse. Some blurring or double vision is expected in the first few weeks. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
Eye doctors called ophthalmologists usually do oculoplastic procedures. They have special training in plastic or reconstructive surgery.
Common questions
Is oculoplastic surgery only cosmetic?
No. It can correct a medical problem or be done for cosmetic reasons. For example, ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, can limit side or straight-ahead vision.
When can I go back to work after oculoplastic surgery?
Most people can return to work and social activities about 2 weeks after surgery. The time can vary, depending on the type of surgery you had.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Oculoplastic procedures
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Ophthalmology Subspecialists
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Eyelid Surgery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
