What Makes an Oculoplastic Surgeon Different from a Plastic Surgeon?

Diagram shows plan on woman's eye ahead of oculoplastic surgery. If you’re considering eyelid surgery or treatment near your eyes, you’ve probably come across the term “oculoplastic surgeon.” While plastic surgeons and oculoplastic surgeons both perform cosmetic procedures, their training and focus are very different — and those differences matter, especially when it comes to the delicate structures around your eyes.

At the practice of Dr. W. John Murrell, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic Surgeon in Amarillo, TX, your care is backed by decades of experience in both vision and aesthetics. Dr. Murrell specializes in eyelid surgery and reconstructive procedures around the eyes, offering the highest level of expertise in this precise area of the face.

Specialized Training in Eye Anatomy

Oculoplastic surgeons are first trained as ophthalmologists. This means they complete medical school, a residency in eye surgery, and further specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. After that, these doctors complete an additional fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on eyelid anatomy, orbital structures, tear ducts, and the interface between eye function and facial aesthetics.

On the other hand, plastic surgeons train in general plastic surgery, which involves the entire body. While many are highly skilled, their training is not centered specifically on the eyes or vision. For procedures that involve your ability to blink, protect your cornea, or preserve your field of vision, choosing an oculoplastic surgeon gives you the benefit of both form and function.

Why This Matters for Your Results

Because your eyelids play a critical role in protecting your eyes and supporting healthy tear function, even small adjustments during surgery must be precise. Oculoplastic surgeons like Dr. Murrell understand how to correct cosmetic concerns without compromising eye health. This is especially important for patients undergoing:

  • Upper or lower blepharoplasty
  • Eyelid reconstruction after skin cancer removal
  • Ptosis (droopy eyelid) repair
  • Tear duct surgery or orbital decompression
  • Revisions of prior eyelid surgeries

Whether you’re seeking to restore symmetry, correct sagging, or address a functional problem, an oculoplastic approach ensures your vision and eyelid performance are protected.

Choosing a Surgeon You Can Trust

With over 30 years of experience and dual certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS), Dr. Murrell offers a level of focused care that few surgeons can match.

If you’re considering eyelid or periorbital surgery, schedule a consultation by calling (806) 351-1177. Your eyes deserve care from a surgeon who knows them inside and out.

Contact Us For All Your Health Related Queries!

Panhandle Eye Group Subspecialists

7411 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106

Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center

7310 Fleming Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106

Office Hours

We offer earlier morning appointment starting at 7:40am for those who choose to come in at an earlier convince. Our phone hours are as posted.

Monday
8:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:15 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:15 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:15am - 12:30pm
Friday
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This is the latest IOL for Dr. Murrell's cataract practice. The LAL is the first IOL that can be adjusted after the surgery. Dr. Murrell can customize your IOL so that you can have the vision that you desire.

The LAL is a premium IOL which will not be covered under your medical insurance hence will have to pay for this IOL.

 

What's coming to Dr. Murrell's practice in the next few months.
Embrace with Accutite and Facetite and Morpheus Prime and Morpheus8

Accutite and Facetite: - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that can melt fat and mildly tighten skin. It requires only a small opening in the skin. The Accutite is for small areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. The Facetite is for the larger areas of the face such as the jowls, neck, and nasolabial folds.

Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that are applied to the skin to tighten the skin and collagen underneath the skin. The Morpheus Prime is for smaller areas smaller areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. the Morpheus8 is for the larger areas of the face. Both Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 takes 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart from each other.

The Accutite and Morpheus Prime can both be performed to the eyelids to maximize the cosmetic effect. Likewise, the Facetite and Morpheus8 can both be performed to maximize the cosmetic effect.

The Embrace is the device that rungs the Accutite, Facetite, Morpheus8, and Morpheus Prime. These treatments are not covered by insurance. The patient will have to pay for the procedure.

What's New in Dr. Murrell Practice in 2023

Light adjustable IOl (LAL) for Cataract Patients

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