Open your eyes to what’s possible
Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeons restoring comfort, function, and confidence — from OHIP-covered eyelid surgery to advanced facial reconstruction.
What is oculoplastic surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery is a subspecialty of ophthalmology focused on the eyelids, orbit (the bony socket around the eye), tear drainage system, and surrounding facial structures. Unlike general plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgeons are trained first as eye specialists — they understand how these structures work together to protect the eye, maintain comfortable vision, and support healthy tear function.
Conditions treated by oculoplastic surgeons range from medically necessary procedures — such as repairing a drooping eyelid that blocks your vision — to cosmetic enhancements that restore a rested, natural appearance. Many patients are surprised to learn that what they assumed was a cosmetic concern actually has a functional component that affects their sight.
Eyelid conditions are also frequently identified during routine cataract evaluations. Ptosis, in particular, can develop as a side effect of cataract surgery — making coordination between your cataract and oculoplastic surgeons essential. At Uptown Eye Specialists, that coordination happens under one roof as part of your cataract journey.
Our oculoplastic service is led by a fellowship-trained oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon with training from McMaster University, alongside a comprehensive ophthalmologist with fellowship training from Cambridge — with 18 combined peer-reviewed publications and active hospital appointments at William Osler Health System and North York General Hospital.
Eyelid, orbital & tear duct conditions
Our oculoplastic surgeons manage the full range of functional and reconstructive eyelid conditions — from age-related changes that obstruct vision to complex reconstructions after tumour removal.
Excess eyelid skin (dermatochalasis)
As we age, the skin of the upper eyelids loses elasticity and begins to droop. When the excess skin folds over the lash line, it can narrow the visual field and create a heavy, tired appearance. You may find yourself unconsciously raising your eyebrows to lift the skin, leading to forehead fatigue and headaches. Upper blepharoplasty — removal of the excess skin — is one of the most commonly performed oculoplastic procedures and is often covered by OHIP when visual field testing confirms functional impairment.
Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
Ptosis occurs when the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid (the levator muscle) weakens, stretches, or detaches. The eyelid sits lower than it should, sometimes partially covering the pupil and limiting vision. Ptosis can develop with age, after eye surgery — including as a recognized side effect of cataract surgery — or from a neurological condition. In children, congenital ptosis may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if untreated. Post-operative dry eye symptoms are common and may be co-managed with our colleagues at the U Dry Eye Institute (UDEI).
Eyelid malposition (ectropion & entropion)
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower eyelid, exposing the inner surface to air and causing tearing, irritation, and chronic redness. Entropion is the opposite — the eyelid turns inward, causing lashes to rub against the cornea, which can lead to pain, infection, and corneal scarring if untreated. Both conditions are typically age-related and are corrected with a minor surgical procedure that restores the eyelid to its normal position. Chronic dry eye symptoms from ectropion may benefit from evaluation at UDEI.
Eyelid lumps, cysts & skin lesions
Growths on or around the eyelids are common and range from benign chalazia (blocked oil gland cysts) to skin cancers requiring careful excision and reconstruction. Because the eyelids have the thinnest skin on the body and sit directly adjacent to the eye, removal requires specialized oculoplastic techniques to ensure complete excision while preserving eyelid function and appearance. Any persistent or changing eyelid lump should be evaluated promptly.
Blocked tear ducts
Tears normally drain through a small channel into the nose. When this pathway becomes blocked — due to infection, inflammation, or age-related narrowing — tears overflow onto the cheek (epiphora), and stagnant fluid can lead to recurrent infections of the tear sac (dacryocystitis). Treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage, ranging from a simple in-office procedure to a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which creates a new drainage pathway.
Cosmetic eyelid & facial procedures
For patients seeking purely cosmetic enhancement — lower blepharoplasty, cosmetic upper blepharoplasty without functional impairment, or non-surgical facial rejuvenation — our sister clinic U Eye Laser Cosmetic (UELC) offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic options, including Fotona 4D facial rejuvenation, NightLase, and HAIRestart with PRP. Dr. Han practises at both Uptown Eye and UELC, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
UVG integrated care: Oculoplastic patients often benefit from coordination across the UVG ecosystem. Dry eye symptoms — common after eyelid surgery and ptosis repair — are co-managed with the U Dry Eye Institute. Patients interested in cosmetic treatments beyond functional eyelid repair are introduced to UELC. And when eyelid conditions are discovered during a cataract evaluation, we coordinate surgical planning under one roof.
Oculoplastic treatment options
Every oculoplastic consultation begins with a thorough clinical assessment. Your surgeon evaluates eyelid position, movement, and structure, assesses tear drainage, and performs automated visual field testing where needed. The treatment recommended depends on your specific condition, its functional impact, and your goals.
| Procedure | How it works | OHIP covered? |
|---|---|---|
| Upper blepharoplasty | Removes excess skin (and sometimes fat) through an incision in the natural eyelid crease. 30–45 minutes per eye under local anaesthesia. Dr. Han’s fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery at McMaster ensures every blepharoplasty is approached with an eye specialist’s understanding of eyelid function. | Yes — when visual field testing confirms obstruction |
| Lower blepharoplasty | Addresses puffiness and loose skin below the eyes. Incision placed just beneath the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival), leaving no visible scar. | No — cosmetic. Available through UELC |
| Ptosis repair | Tightens or reattaches the levator muscle through an external incision in the eyelid crease. Severe ptosis may require a frontalis sling technique. Dr. Han’s 12 peer-reviewed publications include research relevant to reconstructive eyelid outcomes. | Yes — when functional impairment documented |
| Ectropion / entropion repair | Tightens eyelid structures to restore normal lid position. Technique tailored to the underlying cause. 30–60 minutes under local anaesthesia. | Yes — medically necessary |
| Eyelid lesion excision | Precise removal preserving the delicate eyelid margin. Margins confirmed through pathology for suspected skin cancers. Reconstruction via direct closure, local flaps, or grafts. Dr. Maini’s Cambridge training in complex anterior segment surgery complements his eyelid procedure experience. | Yes — medically indicated removal |
| DCR (tear duct surgery) | Creates a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and nasal cavity to relieve chronic obstruction and recurrent infections. | Yes — when chronic obstruction confirmed |
| Non-surgical options | Fotona 4D facial rejuvenation, NightLase, HAIRestart with PRP — available through UELC for patients seeking cosmetic enhancement without surgery. | No — cosmetic |
Surgical and non-surgical under one team: Dr. Han practises at both Uptown Eye Specialists (functional oculoplastics) and UELC (cosmetic procedures). This means patients can move seamlessly between OHIP-covered functional repair and elective cosmetic enhancement with the same surgeon — no separate referral required.
What to expect at your appointment
| 1 | Getting referredMost patients are referred by their optometrist or family doctor. Ask for a referral to Uptown Eye Specialists, specifying oculoplastics. Eyelid conditions are also frequently identified during cataract evaluations at our clinic. |
| 2 | Your consultationIncludes a comprehensive eyelid and orbital examination, clinical photographs, and automated visual field testing (if needed to document OHIP eligibility). You will leave with a clear understanding of the recommended treatment plan, expected timeline, and any out-of-pocket costs. |
| 3 | Surgery dayMost procedures are performed as outpatient day surgery at U Surgical Centre under local anaesthesia with light sedation. 30 to 90 minutes depending on complexity. You will need someone to drive you home. Cold compresses and prescribed eye ointment manage initial swelling. |
| 4 | Recovery and follow-upMost patients return to desk work within 7–14 days. Sutures removed at one to two weeks. Final results within two to three months. If dry eye symptoms develop after surgery, we coordinate with the U Dry Eye Institute for evaluation and treatment. |
When to seek urgent care: Contact us immediately if you experience sudden vision changes, severe pain, progressive swelling that worsens after the first 48 hours, or signs of infection such as increasing redness and warmth around the incision.
OHIP coverage for eyelid surgery
Many oculoplastic procedures are covered by OHIP when they are medically necessary. Coverage is determined by clinical documentation, not by diagnosis alone.
Covered by OHIP
- Upper blepharoplasty — when automated visual field testing confirms the excess skin obstructs your upper field of vision
- Ptosis repair — when the drooping eyelid impairs the visual field or affects visual function
- Ectropion and entropion repair — medically necessary to protect the eye surface
- Eyelid lesion excision — for suspected malignancy, infection, or functional impairment
- Tear duct surgery (DCR) — when chronic obstruction causes recurrent infection or symptomatic tearing
- Specialist consultation — your initial assessment and visual field testing are covered
Not covered by OHIP: Cosmetic lower blepharoplasty, upper blepharoplasty without documented visual field impairment, and purely aesthetic procedures. For cosmetic eyelid and facial procedures, our sister clinic U Eye Laser Cosmetic (UELC) offers both surgical and non-surgical options. Your surgeon will advise you during your consultation whether your specific situation qualifies for OHIP coverage.
Common questions about eyelid surgery
Our oculoplastic specialists
Dr. Sangsu Han
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Etobicoke · Vaughan · Scarborough
Dr. Raj Maini
MD, FRCSC
Brampton · Vaughan · Scarborough
Ready to see a specialist?
Whether you’re experiencing drooping eyelids, tearing, or an eyelid lump that needs evaluation, our oculoplastic surgeons can help. Most patients are referred by their optometrist or family doctor — ask for a referral to Uptown Eye Specialists.
We see patients across multiple locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area.