Oculoplastics
Good vision health involves more than just caring for your eye itself. Structures around your eye, such as the eyelids, tear ducts, eyelashes, the eye socket (or orbit), brow and forehead play a significant role in your ocular health.
What is Oculoplastics?
Cosmetic Services
Expertise matters when it comes to the delicate area around your eyes. Dr. Nicholas Ranson brings specialized fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery to help you achieve a refreshed and natural appearance.
By focusing on both form and function, Dr. Ranson provides professional care for:
Eyelid Revitalization:
Forehead & Brow Lifting:
Facial Botox:
Eyelid Conditions
Dermatochalasis
Dermatochalasis is a condition in which excess, loose skin develops in the upper and/or lower eyelids as a natural consequence of aging — as skin loses its elasticity and the supportive tissues of the eyelid gradually weaken over time. This leads to upper eyelid “hooding” and “bags” under the lower eyelids. While often first noticed as a cosmetic concern, dermatochalasis becomes a functional problem when the redundant skin droops over the eyelid margin and obstructs the upper visual field. Some may also unconsciously compensate by raising their eyebrows to lift the overhanging skin, which can contribute to chronic forehead tension and fatigue.
The primary treatment is a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty, in which the surgeon removes the excess skin and, when necessary, repositions or removes underlying muscle and fat through small incisions carefully placed within the natural creases of the eyelid. These incisions heal discreetly and are rarely visible once fully healed. Blepharoplasty is a well-tolerated outpatient procedure with an initial recovery period typically lasting two weeks, followed by more continual improvement over approximately two months. It is highly effective at restoring both the natural appearance of the eyelids and full, unobstructed visual function.
Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)
Ptosis is a condition in which one or both upper eyelids droop lower in height than normal due to stretching of the tendon that lifts the upper eyelid. It can be present from birth or develop gradually with age, following eye surgery, or as a result of certain neurological or systemic conditions. Like dermatochalasis, ptosis can obstruct the upper visual field and cause functional difficulty with daily activities, and affected individuals often compensate unconsciously by raising their eyebrows or tilting their head backward to see clearly, which can lead to chronic headaches and neck discomfort over time. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity but most commonly involves surgical repair to tighten or reattach the levator tendon, restoring the eyelid to its proper position and recovering the full visual field with results that are both functionally significant and cosmetically improved.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward and sags away from the surface of the eye rather than resting snugly against it. The lower eyelid plays a critical role in ocular health — it distributes the tear film evenly across the eye, channels tears toward the drainage system in the inner corner, and forms a protective barrier against the environment. When this contact is lost, the exposed eye surface becomes vulnerable to dryness and injury while normal tear drainage is disrupted, causing patients to experience chronic tearing, thick discharge, redness, a gritty or burning sensation, and blurred vision. Left untreated, prolonged exposure can lead to corneal damage, making timely evaluation important.
Ectropion most commonly develops from the natural aging process as the tissues supporting the lower eyelid gradually lose elasticity, though it can also result from facial nerve weakness, aging changes in the facial soft tissues near the lower eyelids, prior surgery or injury, and certain skin conditions. Treatment can be a minor surgical procedure to tighten the supporting structures of the lower eyelid, restoring its natural position against the eye or more involved depending on the surrounding tissues near the lower eyelids.
Entropion
Entropion is when the eyelids roll inward with the eyelashes directed toward the eye. This “rolled-in” position of the eyelid can cause tearing, redness, irritation, and blurry vision. If not treated promptly, it may even lead to scarring of the cornea and permanent visual harm. Entropion may be caused by a variety of conditions including eyelid laxity, scarring of the inner lining of the eyelid, and muscle spasm. Surgical repositioning and tightening of the eyelid leads to resolution of symptoms and can prevent further damage to the ocular surface and vision loss.
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Our eyes are constantly producing tears to help maintain a healthy surface of the eye. After tears bathe the eye, they drain into tear ducts, which are located toward the nose on both the upper and lower eyelids. From there, the tears drain down into the nose. Occasionally, the drainage system can become blocked. Such a blockage can lead to significant tearing to the point where tears run down the cheek. This condition, known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, can be diagnosed in our office, and subsequent treatment options depend on the specifics of each case. Surgery is sometimes needed to resolve the issue.
Skin Cancer
Various forms of skin cancer can develop on the eyelids and other structures around the eye. These include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, among others. Sometimes people may notice a new growth on the eyelids or a lesion that is not healing well. It is important to have these examined by either a dermatologist or an ophthalmologist. If cancerous, these are managed by either our oculoplastics team or in coordination with dermatology.
Additional Conditions and Procedures
Do I Need Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery can be a medical necessity or in certain circumstances a cosmetic choice. If concerns such as tearing, the position of your eyelids, areas of concern on the skin around your eyes or facial spasms are impacting your life, ask your doctor about an oculoplastics consultation.