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Treatments & Services

Oculoplastics, Orbital and Cosmetic Surgery

Oculoplastics combines advanced training in ophthalmology with specialization in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Oculoplastic surgery is performed on children and adults to correct or treat disorders – from the most common to the rarest – of the eyelids, tear production and drainage (lacrimal) system, brows, the area of the face adjacent to the eye, and the bones around the eye.

Our oculoplastic surgeons, also known as eye plastic or oculofacial surgeons, also perform cosmetic surgery and procedures [see: Cosmetic Facial Services] that seek to enhance the appearance of patients.

Ted Wojno, MD, James and Shirley Kuse Professor of Ophthalmology, is the director of Oculoplastics at Emory Eye Center. A thought leader in the field, Dr. Wojno is board certified in ophthalmology and is the author or co-author of more than 80 articles in medical journals including Ophthalmology Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cornea, Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, American Journal of Rhinology, Laryngoscope, and the American Journal of Surgical Pathology.

Reconstructive Surgery and Procedures

As with cosmetic eyelid surgery, reconstructive procedures can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia and are most often outpatient procedures.

Because of the delicate nature of the surrounding tissues, there will often be bruising and swelling present for one to two weeks following surgery. Ice, pain medications and lubricants are important components of the post-operative care regimen. Sutures are usually removed seven days after the surgery.

Procedures correct deformities caused by:

  • Ptosis: droopy upper eyelids in children and adults
  • Entropion: the inward turning of the eyelids (usually lower)
  • Ectropion: the outward turning of the eyelids
  • Retraction of the eyelids caused by birth defects or thyroid diseases, such as Graves' disease
  • Skin cancer or injuries
  • Artificial eyes

Lower Lid Procedures

For lower-lid procedures, the lids are typically elevated and tightened with canthoplasty (surgery to the area where the upper and lower lids meet) to re-suspend them and reduce symptoms of redness and irritation from corneal exposure.

Tear Duct Surgery

Tear duct surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) or Jones tube placement (artificial tear duct), is performed to repair a blockage of the tear duct that can cause excessive watering or recurrent infections. This condition is commonly caused by a previous infection or trauma or may occur with aging. This surgery is highly successful and long-lasting.

Orbital Surgery

This is surgery within the bony portion of the eye socket to reposition the bones or remove tumors that may occur within the socket. A procedure called orbital decompression is used to correct the appearance of protruding eyes often caused by Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism. The bony socket is expanded to accommodate the swelling and extra tissue deposited behind the eye. The surgeons work closely with the patient's endocrinologist to determine the best conditions for the procedure.

Physicians