What is an Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons are Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) who have specialized in eyelid and facial plastic surgery. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are also known as Oculoplastic Surgeons and Oculo-facial Surgeons. Oculoplastic Surgeons are trained to do many different types of eyelid and facial surgery, ranging from simple eyelid malpositions to more complex reconstruction involving the eyelids and surrounding forehead, temporal and cheek areas. They understand the delicate anatomy and function of the eyelids and their surrounding structures. As well as the eyelids, they specialize in the lacrimal (tear) system, the orbit (bone cavity around the eye), adjacent periocular (around the eyes) and facial structures and the forehead and cheeks.

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons assess the surface health of the eyes and function of the eyelids prior to eyelid plastic surgery. As dedicated eyelid plastic surgeons, an oculoplastic surgeon routinely does surgeries in these areas, and recognizes potential problems. They are trained to manage the complications or eyelid and facial plastic surgery, which can involve the eye itself.

Common procedures Dr. Ramstead performs are:

• Blepharoplasty (“lid lift” or “eyelid tuck”)
• Ptosis
• Browplasty
• Entropion and Ectropion
• Periocular cancer removal and reconstruction
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (endonasal and external)
• Gold weight insertion
• Periocular and facial botulinum toxin