Reconstructive oculofacial plastic surgery focuses on restoring the function, comfort, protection, and appearance of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit, and surrounding facial structures. These procedures may be needed after trauma, skin cancer removal, facial paralysis, thyroid eye disease, eyelid malposition, tear duct problems, congenital conditions, tumors, or the loss of an eye.
At Fante Eye & Face Center, patients from Denver, Greenwood Village, and surrounding Colorado communities receive reconstructive care from doctors with specialized training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Robert Fante is double board-certified and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, while both Dr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are ASOPRS-trained surgeons and ASOPRS Candidate Members. Together, the team provides thoughtful evaluation and treatment planning for complex functional and reconstructive concerns involving the eyes and face.
Our Reconstructive Surgery Services
Ectropion and Entropion
Ectropion denotes an eyelid that hangs away from the eye, while entropion describes an eyelid that is turned toward the eye so that the lashes constantly rub the surface.
Eyelid Scarring and Retraction
Damage to the eyelids can prevent them from working properly to protect and lubricate the eye. When scars or injuries pull the lower eyelid downward (or the upper eyelid upward), it is called eyelid retraction and interferes with blinking, which can cause eye irritation, pain, blurry vision, tearing, and permanent damage to the cornea.
Orbital Tumors
Orbital tumors can be primary, meaning they originate in the orbit. They can also be secondary, meaning that they invade the orbit from the adjacent paranasal sinuses or face. Or they can metastasize from cancer occurring elsewhere in the body, particularly the breast.
Orbital Fractures
Trauma to the face can often result in broken bones around the eye socket, also known as the orbit. While the cheekbone and forehead are both quite strong, many of the bones around the eye are delicate and fragile.
Eyelid Trauma
Eyelid trauma may occur in many different ways. Common sources of trauma to the eyelid and surrounding structures include dog bites, auto accidents, sports injuries, falls, and physical altercations.
Facial Gender Affirming Surgery
Facial feminization and facial masculinization surgery (FFS and FMS, respectively), are types of gender affirmation procedures.
Thyroid Related Eye Problems
Autoimmune thyroid related disease can cause a wide range of symptoms and problems for the eyes, including bulging, redness, tearing, irritation, double vision, pain, pressure, and rarely, loss of vision This disease can soemtimes be treated using Tepezza.
Eyelid Ptosis
Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. This problem affects approximately 5 percent of the population and can affect vision and appearance. The prevalence of this condition increases in the elderly.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a disease in which there is repeated and uncontrollable muscle contraction around the eyes and eyebrows. Blepharospasm does not occur during sleep and is often exacerbated by stress, dry eyes, and bright lights.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty contours the fat and muscle, removing excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Other options include ptosis repair, and repair of malpositioned eyelids from previous surgery, trauma, or aging.
Lid Tumors
Eyelid tumors and lesions are very common. Most of these tumors and lesions are benign and involve the sweat glands, oil glands, eyelash follicles, and skin elements. They have unusual names, such as hidrocystoma or seborrheic keratosis, but are not dangerous at all.
Orbital Tumors
Orbital tumors are growths that develop in or spread to the eye socket, also called the orbit. Because the orbit contains the eye, optic nerve, eye muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding support tissues, even benign tumors can cause serious symptoms such as eye bulging, double vision, pain, pressure, eyelid changes, or vision problems. Evaluation may include a detailed eye exam, imaging, biopsy, observation, surgery, or coordinated care with other specialists when needed.
Tearing Problem
Eyes that water too much are a very common concern for people of all ages. Excess tears normally occur in the wind, while chopping onions, and of course at a sad movie. But many people experience extra tearing much more frequently and without any obvious inciting cause
Loss of an Eye and Ocular Prosthetics
Traumatic accidents and treatment of ocular and orbital cancers, blind and painful eyes, and other diseases sometimes lead to the need for reconstruction of the orbit (eye socket) and removal of an eye with subsequent placement of an orbital implant.
Complex Post-traumatic Reconstruction & 3D Implants
Reconstruction is a critical aspect of post-trauma care for many children and adults. Complex trauma to the face and head poses extraordinary dilemmas, as numerous structures may have been affected in the initial injury.
Floppy Eyelid Syndrome
Floppy eyelid syndrome occurs when the upper eyelids become unusually loose and may turn outward or inside out easily, especially during sleep. This can lead to morning redness, irritation, tearing, dryness, discharge, and blurry vision. Treatment may include lubrication, nighttime eye protection, management of related sleep apnea, or eyelid tightening surgery when needed.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Meibomian gland dysfunction, often called MGD, occurs when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids do not function properly. Without a healthy oil layer, tears may evaporate too quickly, leading to dry, irritated, burning, or watery eyes. Treatment may include warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, prescription medications, in-office therapies, or other options to improve tear quality and eye comfort.
Why Choose Fante Eye & Face Center for Reconstructive Surgery?
Reconstructive concerns around the eyes and face require specialized expertise because even small changes in eyelid position, tear drainage, eye movement, or orbital support can affect vision, comfort, and appearance. At Fante Eye & Face Center, patients are treated by doctors with advanced training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Robert Fante is double board-certified and a Fellow of leading national organizations, whileDr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeons.
The practice provides care for a wide range of reconstructive conditions, including eyelid trauma, ptosis, tearing problems, eyelid tumors, thyroid eye disease, orbital fractures, facial paralysis, and post-traumatic deformities. This focused expertise allows the team to restore function while maintaining natural-looking results.
When needed, our doctors coordinate care with other specialists to support comprehensive treatment for more complex conditions.
Reconstructive Oculofacial Surgery Consultation in Denver, Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch
If you are dealing with an eyelid, tear duct, orbital, facial trauma, tumor, thyroid eye disease, facial paralysis, or eye socket concern, Fante Eye & Face Center can help evaluate your reconstructive treatment options. During your consultation, our doctors will review your symptoms, examine the affected area, discuss your goals, and explain whether surgical, nonsurgical, staged, or coordinated care may be appropriate.
To book a consultation with Fante Eye & Face Center in Denver, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and the surrounding communities, call (303) 839-1616 today.