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Dramatically Improve the Way You Look—And See

The quality of your vision is directly related to the function of the skin and structures surrounding your eyes. By combining ophthalmic and plastic surgery principles, oculoplastic surgery can not only improve the clarity and overall quality of your vision, but it can also improve your appearance, leading to a more rejuvenated appearance.

What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?

Oculoplastic surgery focuses on functional and reconstructive treatments for the eyelids, tear ducts, and ocular orbits, as well as cosmetic procedures for the eyelids, eyebrows, and face. As the regional leader in eye care, Wilmington Eye provides specialty care in oculoplastic surgery, as well as the nonsurgical management of many conditions affecting the tissues and structures surrounding the eyes.

Our oculoplastic surgeons also perform aesthetic procedures of the face with injectable treatments, such as BOTOX and Dysport, and facial fillers like Restylane, as well as laser and light procedures aimed at improving the pigment, tone and texture of your skin.

3 Common Forms of Oculoplastic Surgery

Eyelid Surgery Orbital Issues Tearing Issues

Improving Your Vision

If you feel that your eyelids are obstructing your vision, experience any growths or developments around your eyes or have a disruption in your body’s natural production of tears, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an oculoplastic surgeon. Problems with eyelid function and appearance or tear production can occur at any age, from birth until late into adulthood.

While eyelid procedures such as upper and lower eyelid lifts are some of the most common procedures performed by an oculoplastic surgeon, Wilmington Eye’s expert team of providers offer a range of oculoplastic procedures that include:

Blepharoplasty
Upper & lower eyelid lifts
Plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face and eyelids
Ocular orbits
Ptosis
Tear systems
Brow lifts
Forehead and mid-face lifts
Cancer reconstructions
Cosmetic lower eyelid surgery

Oculoplastics FAQ

What happens during my oculoplastic evaluation?

During an oculoplastic evaluation at Wilmington Eye, one of our skilled providers will help you understand your concern and determine what treatment option is best for you. With the latest diagnostic tools and the experience that comes with being the regional leader in oculofacial plastic surgery, we are committed to providing you with the care that you deserve.

Does surgery hurt?

We use a combination of local anesthesia as well as IV sedation to ensure that you are comfortable during your surgery. Most patients report feeling no pain at all during the procedure. However, soreness, achiness, dryness of the eyes, and a headache have been reported during the first few days following surgery. For minor procedures in the office, sedation is not necessary and postoperative discomfort is often controlled with Tylenol.

Will insurance cover surgery?

Most insurances, including Medicare, will cover oculofacial plastic surgery that meets their definition for causing functional impairment. Our doctors will help you determine if you meet these criteria. In situations where the concern does not meet insurance’s criteria, the procedures recommended are generally not covered by insurance and will require out-of-pocket fees. As always, consult with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage details.

How long will it take to recover from surgery?

There are many types of surgery performed by our oculofacial plastic surgery experts. The type of procedure primarily determines the amount of swelling and bruising after surgery. In addition, other medical conditions and medications also impact recovery. Your provider can provide you with more specific recovery expectations depending on these factors. Recovery can range from a few days to several weeks. The ability to return to normal daily activities typically occurs in one week.

How will my vision be affected after my surgery?

Every patient heals differently. Eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery will typically cause bruising and swelling of the eyelids which can last several weeks. Blurred vision typically improves as the swelling resolves. Ointment used on incisions can also get into the eyes and cause temporarily blurred vision. Increased eye dryness is common after surgery and can be addressed with over-the-counter artificial tears.

How long will I be in surgery?

Time in surgery depends on the actual procedure performed and can range from 30 minutes to several hours. Due to additional pre-operative preparation and a brief post-op recovery period, your entire stay at the surgical center will be approximately 2-4 hours.

Can I drive myself to and from surgery?

You will not be allowed to drive yourself home from the surgical center on the day of your surgery. You will receive sedation during surgery, which means that you cannot legally operate a car for 24 hours. Please arrange transportation to and from the surgery facility for your surgery date. A responsible adult must accompany you and stay at the facility during your surgery.

Will I have a scar after surgery?

Any surgery that involves a skin incision will leave a scar. However, with our highly trained surgeons, every effort will be made to minimize the visibility of the scar. A scar cream is available in our office and can be purchased following your first post-operative visit if recommended by your physician.

Are my results guaranteed?

The primary goal of oculofacial plastic surgery is usually to improve the function of the structures surrounding the eyes, but a secondary goal of surgery is to improve the appearance of these tissues. Most patients start out with some degree of asymmetry, and perfect symmetry after surgery is not a realistic goal. Our physicians have excellent patient satisfaction rates and they will make every effort to work with you to achieve a realistic and harmonious result with which you are satisfied.

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What Our Oculoplastics Patients Have to Say

01/06

"Dr Oester is very personable. He makes you feel very comfortable by explaining the procedures and telling you the outcome he hopes to achieve. I am definitely glad I chose Wilmington Eye and Dr Oester for my eye medical needs. "

Steve C.
"Dr Oester made me comfortable with the procedure from day 1. After the surgery I had no pain, everything was explained before I went home. I would highly recommend Dr Oester and his staff. A+ in my book. "

Linda K.
"Everyone was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Dr. Tracey gave me a diagnosis on an issue with my eyes that I’ve had for over 14 years that previous eye specialist could not do for me. Thanks! "

Jamell L.
"I had a very positive experience at Wilmington Eye. Tracey removed growths on my eyelids and explained everything that was going to happen as she proceeded. Everyone was very professional and very nice"

Phyllis B.
"Dr Escaravage and the entire staff that supported me and cared for me during my treatment were absolutely brilliant! Do not hesitate to select this team. Their expertise and level of care is outstanding! "

Anonymous
"OMG!! I can’t say enough about the excellent care I received. All staff from the welcoming patient rep, nurse Toshea, the Anesthesiologist, etc and of course Dr Escaravage. They alleviated my fears, explained everything and made me so comfortable. Definitely a place I would recommend! "

Brenda M.
"Every person in the office was friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Escaravage asked me what I knew about blapharoplasties & I explained that I was a retired OR nurse, therefore I had a pretty good idea! I have nothing but the highest recommendations for my entire experience, from the initial consult to my post op check. "

Marilyn O.
"Dr Escaravage is one of the best doc's we've ever had. Some of his best features are that he is personal and compassionate. He surgically removed my wife's left eye because of a rare form of cancer in the eye lid and tissues surrounding the eye ball. He could not have shown more compassion if she had been his own mother. We love him and highly recommend him to anyone."

Elizabeth & Earl
"I live an hour away from Wilmington, but it was worth the drive. I was able to get in for a minor procedure, (opening tear ducts) by agreeing to see the PA, Mackenzie. She was very thorough and explained the procedure. The day of the procedure, I was in and out in 30 minutes. I have healed nicely and I am very happy with the results. I will use Wilmington Eye for all of my future eye care needs. "

Suzie B.
"Dr. Oester is the best! Very caring and extremely knowledgeable. Always puts his patients first and the staff reflects his passion to excellence."

Anonymous
"Dr. Oester was thorough and personable throughout my appointment today. He explained the possible procedure in a way that was easily understood."

Becky G.
"Dr. Oester fixed my droopy eyelids, which interfered with my view. Now things are brighter and sharper - just like I wanted. Night driving is improved as is night sky watching.... Thank you Dr. Oester!"

Karl A.
"I had been suffering with self esteem issues for twenty years. I assumed that my eyes were never going to be better. I totally recommend this man for eyelid surgery. I can never thank him and his team enough for giving me back my self esteem!"

Deborah A.
"Dr. Escaravage was so professional and understanding. He was very invested in me and had questions and resolutions for any concerns I had. So many doctors these days make you feel like they are there to make a quick dollar. He took the time to help me understand my eye issues and recommended different resolutions."

Joe R.
"Dr. Escaravage truly cares about his patients. He listens, never rushed me, was genuinely concerned about my concerns. He was gentle while working on my eye. I would highly recommend Dr. Escaravage for all your precious eye needs, whether it is a medical problem or a cosmetic procedure."

Terri K.
"Dr. Oester and his team are absolutely wonderful! I left the office in tears today because of the genuine care and compassion they showed my 12-year-old son! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I’m still in shock over their kindness after my son’s eyelid procedure! Thank you!"

Anonymous
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