A top London Oculoplastic Surgeon shares his journey
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid lift surgery, has the power to transform appearances and boost self-confidence. This delicate procedure, which can address droopy upper lids, puffy under-eye bags, and ageing-related changes, requires the expertise of an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.
In this article, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr Nick Koutroumanos, a top Oculoplastic surgeon in London who has dedicated his career to perfecting the art of blepharoplasty surgery.
Join us as we explore the making of a blepharoplasty expert, and learn what it takes to excel in this demanding yet rewarding field.
Embracing Precision: The Allure of Ophthalmology
Dr Koutroumanos’ path to becoming a respected oculoplastic expert began with a strong foundation in medical training at Newcastle University. It was during this time that he discovered the field of Ophthalmology through a two-week elective – and he has never looked back.
“The use of technology, microscopes, and very fine, extremely detailed instruments attracted me to it,” he recalls. “It’s an amazing specialty, and I think the moment someone is exposed to Ophthalmology, there’s no way you’re not going to go for it,”
Dr Koutroumanos went on to train in Ophthalmology at the world-leading Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. His rigorous seven year training programme prepared him to provide medical and surgical care for all aspects of the eye.
“Moorfields is a fantastic place to learn because it’s the oldest eye hospital in the world. It’s been there for 200 years, and there’s a culture of learning and teaching,” he says.
A Passion for Oculoplastics
[I had my] lower eyelid rectified as it had drooped due to facial palsy from a brain tumour. Tissue removed from my upper eyelid and a brow lift to alleviate drooping. It is miraculous! I can now see and have no discomfort. Mr. Koutroumanos was fantastic! (AA verified patient from topdoctors.co.uk)
During his Ophthalmology training, he eventually pursued the opportunity to become a subspecialist. He was particularly drawn to Oculoplastics because it offered a wide range of techniques to fix problems not just related to the eye, but also systemic issues.
As he explains, “It requires more thinking and planning more than your everyday intraocular or eye-related surgery. There is more than one way of doing things, and I found that intellectually stimulating.”
The variety of work in Oculoplastics, including addressing imperfections in children, ageing-related issues, injuries, and cancers, made the field even more appealing. The pursuit of perfection also seems to have been a significant attraction for the surgeon.
“One of the main things is to conceal incisions as much as possible, that’s a big thing in oculoplastics training. You aim to marry the aesthetic outcome with a function, and that’s very satisfying. The ability to change what you want without showing any external signs that anyone’s been there is cool.”
Learning from the Best: Cross-Specialty Collaboration
To further refine his skills, Dr Koutroumanos pursued scholarship-funded Oculoplastics fellowship training abroad. This allowed him to learn from other specialists in related fields, such as ENT surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and general plastic surgeons. The diverse exposure provided him with comprehensive training in different tools and techniques to manage complex cases.
Dr Nick recalls that the best way to learn was by observing and working alongside accomplished surgeons. “You need to be able to watch the greats and see how they do it, learn their techniques, and then adapt them to your own practice,” he explains. The hands-on approach enabled him to build a solid foundation in oculoplastic surgery and continually refine his methods.
Challenges in Oculoplastic Surgery
As with any surgical specialty, oculoplastic surgery comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the most demanding aspects is paediatric surgery.
Dr Koutroumanos explains, “Paediatric surgery is technically challenging. The tissues are smaller, they’re much less forgiving, and incisions need to be completely invisible because the skin is very soft and has no lines to hide the incisions in.”
The need for precision is paramount, because even the smallest error can have lasting consequences on a child’s development. Dr Nick rises to the challenge of paediatric surgery and operates on many children in both his NHS and private practice.
Balancing functionality and aesthetics is another challenge in oculoplastic surgery. Dr Nick stresses the importance of protecting the eye while maintaining symmetry and beauty.
“With the eyelids, there’s a huge functional component. That’s why it’s important to have an ophthalmologist look after you. Because any intervention around the eye tissue has to agree completely with the eye,” he says. This delicate balance requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of both the eye’s anatomy and the patient’s desires.
Mr Koutroumanos performed a miracle for me. I’ve had an asian blepharoplasty and lacrimal gland repositioning and I am extremely happy with the result. (GH verified patient from topdoctors.co.uk)
Related article: Eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty): Addressing the top 5 fears
Rewards of Being an Oculoplastic Surgeon
Despite the challenges, there are many rewards to being an oculoplastic surgeon. One such reward is the opportunity to train others.
“Training others in techniques that you have refined and developed yourself is rewarding,” he tells us. This allows for the continued growth and development of the specialty, as well as the satisfaction of passing on valuable knowledge to future generations of surgeons.
But perhaps the most gratifying aspect of the profession is seeing the positive impact on patients.
“With any medical discipline, the rewarding thing is to see that something you did has paid off in terms of symptoms or patient satisfaction,” the surgeon shares. In oculoplastic surgery, the results are often visible to everyone, which makes it crucial for the surgeon to be at the top of their game. The ability to improve a patient’s quality of life through expert care and precision brings a sense of fulfilment that is difficult to match in other fields.
My cataract and blepharoplasty operations have been a resounding success. With my eyelids lifted, my daughter tells me I look ten years younger. It’s as if I have had a mini facelift. Mr K is a lovely man, an amazing surgeon and also a miracle worker. (CS verified patient from topdoctors.co.uk)
Final Thoughts
The journey to becoming a top Oculoplastic surgeon in London has required dedication, expertise, and a focus on patient satisfaction. Dr Koutraoumnos’ extensive training allows him to deliver life-changing results with precision and care. As an Oculoplastic surgeon, he is able to ensure exceptional outcomes while maintaining the safety and functionality of the eye. Ultimately, his specialised knowledge and skills help to improve his patients’ lives.
Read next: Can eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) make you look less tired?
About Dr Nick Koutroumanos
Dr. Koutroumanos is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London where he serves as head of the NHS Oculoplastic service. Dr Koutroumanos also has a private practice for both general Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic surgery with locations at The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in St John’s Wood.
He has undergone extensive training in eye health and eyelid surgery. Dr Koutroumanos completed a 7-year training program in Ophthalmology, primarily at the esteemed Moorfields Eye Hospital. He then received additional scholarship-funded Oculoplastic fellowships in London, Vancouver, New York, and San Francisco. This extensive training has given him a wide range of expertise in various eyelid surgery techniques allowing him to consistently achieve natural-looking results for his patients.
Highly recommend!! Very knowledgeable / experienced, took time to listen to my concerns, explained the proposed care plan to me, ensuring I understood what was happening at each step in the process. His staff are also fantastic & super helpful/responsive
CC. Verified patient from topdoctors.co.uk
View more verified patient testimonials on Top Doctors.
All surgical procedures come with risks and should only be done after a thorough assessment by a qualified surgeon. To find out whether you’re suitable for this type of operation, please contact the clinic for an appointment with Dr Koutroumanos.
