Cosmetic orbital surgery.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Current indications for orbital surgery primarily aimed at improving cosmesis are considered in the context of subspecialist orbital practice by an ophthalmologist. SCOPE: Thyroid eye disease, orbital vascular anomalies, and dermolipomas are common orbital diseases in which the symptoms can be purely cosmetic. Accurate anatomical awareness, preoperative scanning, control of medical factors including smoking and thyroid status, and endoscopic techniques have all contributed to the aesthetic outcome of orbital surgery. The threshold for performing reconstructive orbital surgery has also been lowered by public demand. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital surgeons can therefore offer the familiar techniques, such as orbital decompression, for pure cosmesis. Sensitive history taking and awareness of the psychological element are of paramount importance for the orbital surgeon who develops a cosmetic practice.