Pediatric Oculoplastic Surgery

Kids are not just little adults. Their care needs to be approached differently, starting with their experience in the office. Going to the doctor can be scary for a child and their parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Dr. Sean Paul is a parent himself, and is excellent in connecting with his pediatric patients.

Expert ophthalmologic care for children

There are many conditions that affect children’s eyelids, from disorders they may have been born with to accidents and injuries from sports or pets. No matter what may be happening with your child’s eyelid, Dr. Paul can help. He will provide the ultimate care and attention to detail to get the outcome that you and your child need. Below are a few common conditions that we see and treat in children.

Congenital ptosis

Congenital ptosis is a condition where the child is born with one or both upper eyelids lower than they should be. In most cases, the eyelid muscle does not function properly and the eyelid appears droopy. If the eyelid does not fully open it may block vision, and may result in a condition called lazy eye, or amblyopia. Amblyopia can be permanent, and can affect the child’s vision for the rest of their life. If there are signs of amblyopia, surgery is done as soon as possible.

If there aren’t signs of amblyopia, the lower eyelid can be observed. Every case is different, but a good time to consider ptosis surgery if there isn’t amblyopia is prior to starting school. There are several techniques to lift the eyelid to its appropriate height, and the surgery will be tailored to the child’s needs. Congenital ptosis requires a surgeon who is comfortable with this condition, as the approach is much different than treating age-related ptosis.

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Dermoid cyst

A dermoid cyst is a common condition that we often see in pediatric patients. Usually the parent notices a deep bump in the upper eyelid or under the eyebrow. The dermoid cyst is present at birth. It is usually seen by the parents in the first six months of life, but can occasionally be found at a later age. A dermoid cyst is a non-cancerous mass that usually contains structures found in skin including epidermis, keratin, hair, and other structures. Because a dermoid cyst can cause severe inflammation if it ruptures, it is recommended to remove them with surgery. As with almost all our surgeries on children, Dr. Paul performs this procedure under general anesthesia for the child’s comfort and safety. He prefers to wait until the child is about two years of age to do the surgery, but it can be done sooner on a case-by-case basis.

Chalazion (styes, lumps, bumps)

There are several different conditions that result in a lump or bump on the eyelid. These will be individually evaluated, and treated accordingly. What most people refer to as a stye is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. The opening gets blocked, and the oil can’t drain. This results in the eyelid swelling and possibly becoming infected. Most styes respond to warm compresses, but if they don’t, they may need an injection or to have them surgically drained. There are several other conditions in children that cause growths on the eyelid. If your child has anything on their eyelids, they should be examined by an eyelid specialist. If you child needs something removed, we do it in an OR with anesthesia to keep the child comfortable and safe.

Providers who perform Pediatric Oculoplastic Surgery at Austin Face & Body

Dr. Sean Paul

Dr. Sean Paul is the founder of Austin Face & Body. As a widely published surgeon who has traveled all over the world to speak, Dr. Paul is renowned and highly regarded in his industry. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid and facial plastic surgery in Austin, and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Sean Paul »

Dr. David Gay

A passionate and highly regarded board certified surgeon who is known for incredible results, wonderful bedside manner, and selfless humanitarian work, Dr. David Gay represents everything the medical profession should be.

Dr. David Gay »

Schedule a consultation with us

If you’re looking for the best pediatric ophthalmologist in Austin, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Paul at Austin Face & Body. Dr. Paul is a highly skilled, experienced eyelid surgeon with a gentle bedside manner and a warm and professional demeanor. For any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation, please call 512-559-3544 or contact us online.