Eye Asymmetry Surgery

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am searching for information on eye asymmetry surgery. I am interested in addressing my eye asymmetry as well as that of my face. I do not have any medical problems related to it as far as I know, but it is something that has caused me a lot of distress in my daily life and I worry it will worsen with time. One side of my face is more defined and lifted, including the eye, and other side of the face also looks more “pushed in” while viewed at 3/4 angle. I have attached my pictures for your review. I am interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery to fix these issues, and was wondering if your facility provided procedures that can do so. Thank you for your time and help, and I look forward to your response.

A: What you have is a vertical orbital dystopia that is part of an overall facial asymmetry. The eye area is always the most noticeable since that is what you ‘see’ the most. This asymmetry will not worsen over time since this is part of your natural facial development and is stable. The correction of such orbital dystopia (eye asymmetry surgery) is done through the placement of an orbital floor implant to raise the eye up. The eyelid will also need upward adjustment at the outer corner. A small cheek implant will also help to bring out that face ion that side next to the eye.

Ideally a 3D CT scan would show the degree of orbitofacial skeletal asymmetry and can be used to design the orbital floor implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana