Periorbital surgery takes place between the upper and middle areas of the face. It’s a complex surgery that requires specialised training, with surgeons needing a deep understanding of how the eyelids, brow, forehead and midface interact.
Skin cancers and trauma are common reasons to need periorbital surgery. Reconstruction in this area requires great attention to detail so that form and function are restored. This may require a combination of techniques and sometimes additional procedures are necessary depending on healing and your post-operative course. Our surgeons regularly manage patients needing periorbital reconstruction, including those with facial/eye socket fractures and will choose a treatment pathway that maximises long-term form and function. You may need skin or tissue grafts during periorbital surgery, either with or without flaps. These options will be discussed by your surgeon during your pre-operative consultation.
Periorbital surgery is conducted on the eyelids and surrounding structures. It encompasses the bones and soft tissue around the eye.
It’s important for surgeons to carefully assess the entire region to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan before undertaking periorbital surgery.
After periorbital surgery you may experience some discomfort and bruising.
Post surgery cold compresses can be used while you’re in hospital and for a day or two after you return home.
Some patients experience mild double vision following surgery involving the eye socket. Rarely patients may have difficulties with their vision post-operatively.
In can take up to seven to 10 days to return to normal activities after periorbital surgery and you may experience swelling and bruising.
Our surgeons recommend all periorbital surgery patients take at least two weeks off work to recover.
Notify the RPS team immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
In some cases, periorbital surgery requires a post-operative overnight stay. This will be discussed with you when you have your pre-operative appointment with Dr Findlay
Patients will often experience a small amount of bleeding from their surgical site after discharge from hospital.
This can often be seen as staining on garments or surgical tapes.
Although this can be understandably alarming, it is very normal, and rarely sign of a serious complication.
If the following bleeding occurs, please contact the clinic:
Small amounts of blood loss, two or more times in a 24 hour period
Bleeding that starts 2 or more weeks after surgery
If you have a sudden increase in pain that cannot be comfortably improved by pain relief along with rash, fever, flu like symptoms or a malodorous smell.
If you experience large amounts of sudden blood loss, proceed to your nearest emergency department.
Loss of vision following periorbital surgery is rare but needs immediate attention if it occurs. Please contact us urgently if this should occur or seek urgent medical attention. It may be necessary to reduce the pressure in the eye through medications and sutures (if any) may need to be removed, depending on the cause.
Your RPS team will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:
The extensive specialist skills of our surgical team ensure that you are provided with surgical options designed to maximise form and function.
Dr Michael Findlay holds an impressive array of academic credentials, extensive professional experience and a personal commitment to patient satisfaction.
