The Oculofacial Podcast

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Host: Dr. Jamie Keen Panelists: Dr. Stuart R. Seiff, Dr. Erin Shriver, and Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Winkler Producer: Seanna Grob In this episode of The Oculofacial Podcast Journal Club, host Dr. Jamie Keen is joined by an esteemed panel of leaders in oculoplastic surgery; Dr. Stuart Seiff, Dr. Erin Shriver, and Dr. Katie Winkler to review and discuss three impactful studies from the March/April 2026 issue of the OPRS Journal. The conversation explores long-term brow lift outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluates key predictors of facial asymmetry in unilateral anophthalmia and microphthalmia, and examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and periocular basal cell carcinoma treated with Mohs surgery. Each expert brings thoughtful insight into the strengths, limitations, and real-world implications of these studies, offering valuable perspective on how emerging research may influence clinical decision-making and patient care in oculofacial plastic surgery.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Moderator: Dr. Nicole Langelier Panelists: Dr John Fezza, Dr. Ana Carolina Victoria, Dr Deepak Ramesh, Dr. Jennifer Murdock, and Dr Julie Woodward. In this episode of The Oculofacial Podcast, leading surgeons come together to explore the clinical art and science of ablative laser resurfacing, breaking down CO₂, erbium, and hybrid technologies. They dive into device selection, patient candidacy, treatment techniques, and complication management, offering real-world insights from years of hands-on experience. Whether you're refining your approach or just getting started, this episode delivers a masterclass in achieving safer treatments and better patient outcomes.  

Discover the latest findings on basal cell carcinoma presentations across different ethnicities and the role of modifiable risk factors. Essential insights for medical professionals and patients alike. In this episode, we discuss skin health, where a topic that often arises is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer. With increasing rates of skin cancers noted globally, understanding how BCC presents across different demographics is crucial. In this blog post, we delve into a study that analyzed patterns of BCC presentation using data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us database, focusing on ethnic differences—such as non-White patients being younger and more likely to have non-facial BCC—and modifiable risk factors like alcohol intake, which showed a dose-dependent increase in facial BCC risk. Explore cutting-edge insights on predicting dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON), a serious complication of thyroid eye disease. Vital knowledge for clinicians and those affected by thyroid disorders. In this segment, we turn to orbital health, highlighting DON, which impacts 5-8% of thyroid eye disease patients and can lead to vision loss if undetected. Early identification through imaging is key, and this post examines a study evaluating subjective assessments of eight CT features in 258 orbits to predict DON. Key findings emphasize apical crowding as the strongest predictor, alongside extraocular muscle enlargement, vascular congestion, and medial wall bowing, offering practical tools for risk stratification in clinical practice.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here This episode was produced by Dr. Lilangi Ediriwickrema and moderated by Dr. Nicole Topilow. In Pearls on Complex Orbital Reconstruction, Dr. Nicole Topilow moderates a dynamic roundtable with Drs. Grant, Tao, and Kikkawa exploring pre-operative planning, timing of acute versus delayed repairs, and key surgical landmarks in orbital fracture management. The panel dives into implant selection, fixation strategies, customization and 3D printing, and how their approaches have evolved over time. Challenging cases such as large floor and medial wall defects, delayed enophthalmos, infected implants, and post-operative complications are discussed with practical, experience-driven insights. The episode concludes with expert take-home pearls to guide surgeons in managing complex orbital reconstructions with confidence and precision.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here In this episode, Dr. Deepak Ramesh discusses interpretation and evaluation of hearing and audiograms in relation to the field of oculoplastics. He is joined by Dr. Eric Sandler and Michele Schechter, audiologist who have experience both in clinical trials and in clinical practice with ototoxic medication such as teprotumumab. 

ASOPRS Website: Click Here   In this episode of the Ocular Facial Podcast, Dr. Michelle Ting and her esteemed guests discuss significant articles from the November-December 2025 issue of OPRS. The conversation covers the role of tranexamic acid in oculoplastic surgery, the correlation between quality of life and clinical parameters in thyroid eye disease, and the potential link between air pollution and thyroid eye disease. The panelists share their insights, personal practices, and the importance of understanding patient experiences.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Dr. Natalie Hoesly hosts Dr. Anne Barmettler, Dr. Michael Kazim, and Dr. Reza Vagefi to a discussion of the nuances of lower eyelid retraction repair and a debate of the pros and cons of different spacer graft materials, including hard palate, ear cartilage and acellular dermal matrix.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Join Dr. Grant Moore for an interview with 2025 ASOPRS President, Dr. Wendy Lee. In this episode, Dr. Lee discusses her pathway to becoming ASOPRS president, her term in office, progress on board certification, and how she balances life and work. Fun fact: she's been to at least 9 countries this year. Happy listening!

ASOPRS Website: Click Here   In this episode of the Oculofacial podcast, host Dr. Cat Burkat engages with Dr. Francois Codere, Dr. Peter Dolman, and Prof. Geoffrey Rose who are all experts in the field of DCR (Dacryocystorhinostomy) to explore the complexities of tear drainage, surgical techniques, and the evolving understanding of the lacrimal system. The conversation covers the physiological aspects of tear drainage, the importance of surgical nuances, the role of silicone intubation, and the challenges faced in DCR surgeries. The experts share their insights, experiences, and light bulb moments that have shaped their approaches to DCR, while also addressing unanswered questions in the field.

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Join our host, Dr. Edith Reshef and esteemed guests Dr. Jonathan Lu, Dr. Seanna Grob, and Dr. Reza Vagefi in their discussion of the September-October issue of OPRS. Topics include utilization of serologic inflammatory markers in predicting orbital cellulitis severity, whether silicone cream is beneficial post-operatively for periorbital surgery, and management of refractive blepharospasm with partial orbicularis myectomy. Listen in to gain insight from our experts!

ASOPRS Website: Click Here   Now on TOP: Join hosts Dr. Cat Burkat, Dr. Deepak Ramesh, and Dr. Grant Moore for a recap of the 2025 ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. In this episode, we explore what goes into planning and producing the Fall Symposium with Dr. Nick Mahoney (Fall 2025 Scientific Symposium Chair), "game changing" research presentations, and interview this year's Quickert Award finalists.    Additional Interviewees include: - Dr. Hakan Demirci (Orbital Rituximab in the treatment of Xanthogranulomatous Disease) - Dr. Robert Goldberg (Titanium Strut Bar in Inferomedial Blow-out Fractures) - Dr. Altug Cetinkaya - Dr. Can Ozturkern  - Dr. Kevin Wu (Aprepitant for Oculoplastic Surgeries) - Dr. Carisa Bohnak (Immune Checkpoint Expression in Orbitally Invasive Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma) - Dr. Jeremiah Tao (Quality of Facial Photographs in OPRS)

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Have you ever wanted to know more about aesthetic lasers, but don't know where to start?  Confused by the lingo? Join Dr. Nicole Langelier as she takes Dr. Christina Choe and Dr. Sandy Zhang-Nunes through a whirlwind tour of laser physics, laser terminology, and laser-tissue interactions. We'll explain how lasers work, discuss selective photothermolysis, cover basic skin anatomy, and define workhorse terms like chromophore, wavelength, joules, watts, fluence, thermal relaxation time, and pulse width. Consider this the prequel to upcoming episodes on the clinical uses of ablative laser resurfacing, non-ablative laser resurfacing, light and energy based devices.  By understanding the language and core scientific concepts of lasers, we hope to make you a safer and more educated laser provider!   Corrections/Clarifications: - Blood vessels are lined by endothelium (not epithelium) - The skin registers pain from heat at 45C, but may occur between 43-44C with variability based on the time of exposure and area of exposure (I stated it occurs at 42C) https://www.cardinalhealth.com/content/dam/corp/web/documents/whitepaper/cardinal-health-localized-temperature-therapy%20White%20Paper.pdf - The exact number varies by source, but waters absorbs the erbium 2940nm wavelength 10-20 times more efficiently than it absorbs the CO2 10,600nm wavelength (I said 30 times) - Clarification:  Eyelid skin is thinner closer to the lashes and on the medial aspect of the eyelid as compared to skin further from the lashes and the lateral aspect of the eyelid.  A study in Korean skin by Hwang et al found the thickest part of the eyelid to be just below the eyebrow (1.127 +/- 238um) with the thinnest skin near the ciliary margin 320 +/- 49um).  Jeong et al found that epidermal thickness is similar between genders while men had thicker reticular dermis than women and skin thickness was not correlated with BMI. - The UV wavelengths range from 100nm - 400nm.  UVC: 100nm - 280nm; UVB: 280nm-315nm; UVA: 315-400.  (I used single wavelength numbers rather than a range for ease of explanation).   Citations for skin thickness: Full thickness punch biopsies from cadaver heads processed with paraffin-embedded slides: Karan Chopra, Daniel Calva, Michael Sosin, Kashyap Komarraju Tadisina, Abhishake Banda, Carla De La Cruz, Muhammad R. Chaudhry, Teklu Legesse, Cinithia B. Drachenberg, Paul N. Manson, Michael R. Christy, A Comprehensive Examination of Topographic Thickness of Skin in the Human Face, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 35, Issue 8, November/December 2015, Pages 1007–1013, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv079   Ultrasonographic measurements in live participants: Jeong KM, Seo JY, Kim A, Kim YC, Baek YS, Oh CH, Jeon J. Ultrasonographic analysis of facial skin thickness in relation to age, site, sex, and body mass index. Skin Res Technol. 2023 Aug;29(8):e13426. doi: 10.1111/srt.13426. PMID: 37632182; PMCID: PMC10370326.   Cut and trichrome stained specimens from fresh cadavers Hwang, Kun MD, PhD*; Kim, Dae Joong PhD†; Hwang, Se Ho†. Thickness of Korean Upper Eyelid Skin at Different Levels. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 17(1):p 54-56, January 2006. | DOI: 10.1097/01.scs.0000188347.06365.a0  

ASOPRS Website: Click Here Join Dr. Natalie Homer hosts Dr. David Jordan and Dr. Stuart Seiff as they debate the advantages and disadvantages of these two implant types and discuss technique nuances of enucleation and evisceration surgery.

ASOPRS Foundation: https://www.asoprsfoundation.org/donate   In this episode, we dive into Trans-Orbital Neuro-Endoscopic Surgery, or TONES — a cutting-edge approach to accessing the skull base via the orbit. We're joined by leading experts to explore the indications, techniques, and future of this rapidly growing field. Whether you're a seasoned surgeon or just curious about the frontiers of orbital surgery, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Dr. Deepak Ramesh hosts an expert panel featuring Drs. Robert Schwarcz, Pat Flaherty, and John Martin, who delve into transitioning medical practices into cosmetic-focused operations. These seasoned professionals share personal stories and insights on overcoming industry challenges, enhancing surgical skills, and expanding practice reach. They discuss topics like building accredited operating rooms and the importance of training and certifications in cosmetic surgery. With practical advice on career transitions and marketing strategies, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring cosmetic surgeons seeking to thrive in a competitive field. ASOPRS Foundation: https://www.asoprsfoundation.org/donate

Explore the journey of launching a solo oculoplastics practice with Dr. Deepak Ramesh, alongside experts Dr. Srini Iyengar and Dr. Mahsa Sohrab. Delve into their personal experiences, discussing challenges and strategies in establishing successful practices in various locales, from New Jersey to Connecticut. Discover insights into financial planning, staff management, and balancing functional and cosmetic procedures. Whether you're a medical trainee or a seasoned physician, learn why betting on your expertise can be a rewarding path in the world of oculoplastic surgery.

About the Guest(s): Dr. Parag Gandhi (host): Oculofacial plastic surgeon at Maryland Eye & Face and University of Maryland Hospitals in Baltimore. He is the Chair of the Global Outreach Committee of ASOPRS, has extensive experience leading medical missions, developing global ophthalmology programs, and two surgical mission trips to Ukraine with Face 2 Face. Dr. Raymond Cho: Clinical Professor and Director of Oculoplastic & Orbital Surgery at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. A retired U.S. Army Colonel and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Dr. Cho has participated in multiple missions to Ukraine with the Canadian Face the Future Foundation. Dr. Jorge Corona: Oculofacial plastic surgeon in private practice in Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Associate Professor at Texas Tech University. He has extensive global medical mission experience, including four trips to Ukraine with LEAP Global Missions. Dr. Dave Russell: Oculofacial plastic surgeon at Kaiser Northern California, who has participated in two humanitarian missions to Ukraine with LEAP, contributing to complex trauma care and surgical training. Dr. Stuart Seiff: Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology at UCSF and CEO of Pacific Center for Oculofacial & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He co-directed the Symposium on Wartime Ophthalmic Trauma in 2022, and has completed four surgical missions to Ukraine with LEAP Global. Episode Summary: In this compelling episode on time-urgent humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, Dr. Parag Gandhi hosts an esteemed panel of oculofacial plastic surgeons who discuss their inspiring work in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. The episode provides an in-depth look into the role of these surgical missions in both medical education and patient care of civilians and wounded soldiers, highlighting the transformative impact on both the Ukrainian medical community and the participating surgeons in training and practice. Throughout the discussion, the guests share their motivations and experiences, emphasizing the importance of global outreach in oculoplastic surgery, addressing wartime trauma, and the complexities of secondary trauma reconstructions seen in Ukraine. This episode underscores the essential need for humanitarian medical aid in conflict zones, and the power of medical collaboration across borders to foster resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Heroyam slava! Resources: Razom for Ukraine, the Co-Pilot Project: Umbrella NGO and surgical education program that unites American, Canadian, and Ukrainian surgeons, and all of the initiatives we discuss on this episode. Face 2 Face, Face the Future, and LEAP Global Missions: Key organizations supporting medical missions and training initiatives in Ukraine. ASOPRS Foundation: Backing efforts to foster educational initiatives for Ukrainian ophthalmologists to learn key aspects of oculofacial plastic surgery to meet current wartime needs. Friends of Chervonohrad: NGO involved in supporting many health initiatives, including surgical trips to Ukraine through fundraising efforts and pre-travel security assessments for teams. Christian Medical Association of Ukraine: Partnering in efforts to redefine medical practices and values. Links to learn more about the humanitarian missions and donate to support surgical education:   Razom for Ukraine, the Co-Pilot Project: https://www.razomforukraine.org/projects/cpp/   ASOPRS Foundation: https://www.asoprsfoundation.org/donate  

In this exclusive podcast, world-renowned experts engage in high-level discussion on the nuances of East Asian blepharoplasty,  exploring refined techniques, critical anatomical principles, cultural considerations, and their tips on managing epicanthal and aesthetic complications. If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: www.asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast

Join Dr. Sruti Akella and a distinguished panel, including Dr. Raymond Cho, Dr. Chau Pham, and Dr. Ann Tran, as they delve into key discussions from the May-June issue of OPRS. Topics include innovative management of pediatric eyelid burns, cost analysis of enucleation vs. evisceration surgeries, and optimal surgery timing after teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease. Gain insights into evolving surgical techniques and the role of new treatments, with expert perspectives from major academic centers. If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: www.asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast

Join us for the next episode of The Oculofacial Podcast as we delve into the etiology, diagnosis, medical management, and surgical interventions for facial palsy. If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: www.asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast