The medical field has many branches. We know that physicians may have a particular area of expertise to exercise their skills: the bone doctor, the heart doctor, the eye doctor. We’ve heard of them, but how about the eyelid doctor? Believe it or not, some surgeons specialize in eyelids only! These are called oculoplastic surgeons, and in this blog, we will discuss some of the main features of this wonderful specialty.
First, it is relevant to understand that creating a medical specialty for a specific organ or system becomes necessary when the anatomical area in question is so complex that it requires specific training to master it. This point is especially true for surgical specialties. In reality, oculoplastic surgeons are subspecialists. They are first trained as eye surgeons or ophthalmologists, and subsequently, they receive additional surgical training in eyelid surgery.
So why do the eyelids require a specialized surgeon? This is mainly because of their intricate and complex anatomy and the array of delicate tissues that work in unison to protect the ocular surface. The eyelids are made up of skin, muscle, mucosa, and many other tissues that physiologically integrate to create smooth movement. Eyelids not only protect the eye, but they are also vital for keeping the cornea lubricated– without which we would be blind – protect us from the sun, clear debris, and push tears through the tear duct.
Not only so, but the eyelids are also essential in portraying beauty and attractiveness in each individual. This means that oculoplastic surgeons are faced with two significant tasks: maintaining the functionality of the eyelids amid disease and enhancing a person’s appearance by rejuvenating the eyes.
Reconstructive vs. cosmetic eyelid surgeons in Costa Rica
Oculoplastic surgeons consequently treat eyelid conditions that are functional and recover the youthful appearance of the eyes. The first task is categorized under reconstructive eyelid surgery. Examples include the diagnosis and treatment of eyelid skin cancer, treatment of eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelid), and correction of misdirected eyelashes, to name a few.
The other side of oculoplastic surgery deals with cosmetic improvement of the eyes’ appearance. Procedures that belong to this area are cosmetic blepharoplasty, removal of under-eye bags, and cheek lift, among others.
An interesting feature of eyelid surgery is that most procedures done for functional purposes also require cosmetic improvement. For example, a person with a droopy eyelid may seek an oculoplastic surgeon to improve vision in that eye. However, by raising the droopy eyelid, they will inevitably look better. This aspect is the beauty of our specialty.
We are the eyelid specialists in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is known for offering some of the best medical options in Latin America. Oculoplastic surgery is no exception. Dr. Gomez has brought world-class eyelid surgery to this country by using state-of-the-art surgical techniques that he acquired in Europe and the USA.
At Arte Facial, we are always excited about helping our patients with their functional and cosmetic eyelid needs.
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