An Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon is a specialist in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, tear ducts, and orbit (eye socket). They have additional training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, ensuring expertise in both aesthetics and function.

An oculofacial plastic surgeon has specialized training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, focusing on the delicate structures around the eyes, forehead, and midface. General plastic surgeons work on the entire body, but they may not have the same level of expertise in the intricacies of the eye area.

I am board-certified in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery, having completed rigorous residency and fellowship training with the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). My expertise combines the precision of eye care with advanced facial aesthetic techniques.

I continuously participate in advanced training courses, attend professional conferences, and collaborate with leading experts in the field to ensure that my practice incorporates the latest surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

Yes, I perform both cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance and functional procedures to improve vision, treat medical conditions, or restore normal function after trauma or disease.

During your consultation, I will review your medical history, discuss your concerns and goals, perform a thorough examination, and provide recommendations for treatment options. If surgery is an option, I will explain the procedure, risks, and recovery expectations.

Each patient is unique, and I customize treatments based on individual needs, anatomy, and goals. During your consultation, I will discuss different options and recommend the best approach for your concerns.

Good candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and have specific concerns that can be addressed with surgery or non-surgical treatments. A consultation is the best way to determine your eligibility for a specific procedure.

It depends on the procedure. Some surgeries are performed under local anesthesia, while others may require IV sedation or general anesthesia. This will be discussed during your consultation.

This depends on the procedure. Some treatments, such as Botox and fillers, are performed in the office. Minor surgeries may also be done in the office, while more extensive procedures may be performed in a surgical center or hospital.

Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids to improve vision and create a more youthful appearance. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and hollows by removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin.

Ptosis repair is a functional surgery that lifts droopy eyelids by tightening the eyelid muscle. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat for aesthetic improvement. In some cases, both procedures may be performed together.

A brow lift raises sagging eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles, whereas blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin. Some patients need both to achieve a balanced, youthful look.

Yes, eyelid surgery is often combined with brow lifts, fat grafting, or laser resurfacing for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

There are several types of brow lift procedures, each tailored to a patient’s anatomy and goals: Internal Brow Lift (Browpexy): A minimally invasive procedure performed through an upper eyelid incision (often during blepharoplasty) to secure and slightly elevate the brow without additional external scars. Direct Brow Lift: Involves removing skin just above the eyebrows to lift them directly. This technique is often used for patients with heavy brows or those needing a more targeted lift. Pretrichial (Hairline) Brow Lift: The incision is placed along the hairline, allowing for forehead lifting while maintaining the natural hairline position—ideal for patients with a high forehead.

DCR surgery is performed to treat blocked tear ducts, which cause excessive tearing. It creates a new drainage pathway to restore proper tear flow.

Orbital fractures occur when the bones around the eye break due to trauma. Surgery may be required if there is double vision, eye movement restriction, or cosmetic deformity.

Orbital tumors can be benign or malignant growths around the eye. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor and may involve surgical removal or biopsy.

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are common around the eyelids. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

If a suspicious lesion is found, Dr. Mancera will first perform a biopsy to determine if it is cancerous. If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, we will refer you to a Mohs surgery specialist, who will precisely remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. A few days after the Mohs procedure, Dr. Mancera will perform the necessary reconstruction to restore the eyelid or facial area for both function and aesthetics.

Botulinum toxin is an injectable treatment that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. By blocking nerve signals to the muscles, it smooths the overlying skin, helping to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

We offer both Botox and Xeomin, two of the most popular botulinum toxin brands. Both are effective in treating wrinkles, but Xeomin is often preferred by patients who want a more purified formula with fewer additives.

The injection itself is quick and minimally painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a slight pinprick. Numbing creams or ice can also be applied beforehand to ensure comfort.

Results generally begin to show within 3-7 days after treatment, with full effects visible within 10-14 days.

Common side effects are temporary and may include mild bruising, swelling, or headache. Rarely, patients may experience eyelid drooping, which resolves on its own.

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They typically contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the skin, to plump up areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, lips, and nasolabial folds.

Dermal fillers can treat a variety of areas, including: Nasolabial folds (smile lines) Under-eye hollows Cheeks Lips Marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth) Chin and jawline for contouring

Results typically last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. Areas like the lips may need more frequent touch-ups compared to other areas.

Most fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing agent, to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A topical numbing cream will also be applied beforehand for added comfort.

Side effects are generally mild and can include bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These usually resolve within a few days. Rarely, patients may experience lumps or bumps under the skin, but these can often be massaged away.

Yes, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if necessary. This can be done in case of overcorrection or dissatisfaction with the results.

A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin texture. This treatment can address a range of issues, including fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

Recovery time depends on the strength of the peel. For a mild peel, there’s little downtime, with some flaking and redness for a few days. Medium to deep peels may require up to 7-14 days of recovery with peeling, redness, and sensitivity.

For optimal results, a series of peels is usually recommended. Typically, 3-6 peels spaced 4-6 weeks apart provide the best improvement in skin texture and tone.

Laser treatments use concentrated light energy to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage. Different types of lasers are used depending on the desired outcome, such as CO2 lasers for resurfacing or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for pigmentation issues.

Fractional CO2 Laser: Targets deeper layers of the skin for more significant texture improvements, including wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Non-ablative treatment for redness, pigmentation, and overall skin tone improvement.

Topical numbing cream is applied before most laser treatments to minimize discomfort. While some treatments may feel slightly warm or like a rubber band snapping, the sensation is usually tolerable.

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition being treated. For pigmentation or redness, patients may need 3-5 sessions, while more extensive resurfacing may require fewer treatments but a longer recovery period.

During recovery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are normal. You may also experience dryness or irritation around the eyes, especially if you had eyelid surgery. Most of these symptoms improve within the first 1-2 weeks. It's important to follow the post-surgical care instructions closely to promote healing and minimize complications.

Swelling and bruising are common after eyelid and brow procedures. Applying cold compresses for the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling. Keep your head elevated as much as possible, even while sleeping, to encourage fluid drainage. Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to prevent worsening swelling.

Light activities such as walking can generally be resumed after a few days, but more strenuous activities—like exercising, lifting, or bending—should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Depending on the procedure, you may need to wait up to 4-6 weeks for complete recovery before resuming full physical activity.

Follow the wound care instructions carefully, including keeping the area clean and applying prescribed ointments. Avoid getting the incisions wet in the first 24-48 hours, and refrain from using makeup or other topical products until cleared by Dr. Mancera.

If bandages or surgical dressings were applied, they will typically be removed within the first 1-2 days. Stitches are usually removed within 5-7 days, depending on the procedure. Dr. Mancera will provide detailed instructions on when and how to care for the treated areas.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery. Dr. Mancera will provide a prescription for pain relief, or recommend over-the-counter medications if appropriate. Take pain medication as directed, but avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.

Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 48 hours after surgery and gradually improve over the next 1-2 weeks. However, it may take up to 4-6 weeks for the swelling to fully subside, and some mild swelling may persist for several months.

Makeup can generally be applied 7–10 days after surgery, once the incisions have healed sufficiently and any scabs have fallen off. However, avoid applying makeup directly to the incision sites until fully healed.

Depending on the procedure and your recovery progress, most patients can return to work within 1–2 weeks. However, if your job involves strenuous physical activity or a lot of social interaction, it may be best to wait a bit longer.

You should not drive while taking prescription pain medications or if you are experiencing significant swelling or discomfort around your eyes. Most patients are able to resume driving after about 1 week, but you should consult with Dr. Mancera before getting behind the wheel.

It can take several months for the final results of surgery to be fully visible, as swelling and healing continue over time. However, most patients begin to see noticeable improvements within 2-4 weeks, and final results can take 3-6 months, depending on the procedure.

While some scarring is inevitable, following post-surgical care instructions and keeping the incisions protected from the sun can help minimize scar formation. Dr. Mancera may recommend specific scar treatments or silicone gels to help improve healing.