General Practitioners

• Electrocardiogram
  You will be asked to fill out a medical history and other information. Also, remember to bring a list of your medications, supplements, allergies and previous surgeries. If you have had any recent bloodwork or EKG’s, please bring them with you.

Ophthalmologists

• Ophthalmology
  Dr. Chen is a board-certified, fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon. After graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine, he completed an internship at Charity Hospital, New Orleans, followed by an ophthalmology residency at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York. He then was accepted to a prestigious oculoplastic surgery fellowship with Drs. Frank Nesi and Geoffrey Gladstone. After several years of private practice and teaching ophthalmology residents at Tulane, Dr. Chen moved to Arizona in 1997. In 2004, he founded Oculoplastic Consultants of Arizona, a practice devoted solely to oculoplastic surgery.

Internists

• Internal Medicine
  Dr. Pharo is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). He graduated from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, completed his internship in internal medicine at Ochsner Medical Center followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the LSU Eye Center in New Orleans. He then finished a prestigious oculoplastic and facial reconstructive surgery fellowship with Drs. Nesi, Gladstone, Black, Schlachter, Nesi-Eloff and Kahana. Upon completion of his training, he then joined the departments of both the LSU Eye Center and the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans where he served as an Assistant Professor, teaching residents in ophthalmology, otolaryngology and oral surgery from both LSU and Tulane Schools of Medicine. Simultaneously, Dr. Pharo worked in private practice serving communities throughout south Louisiana. In July of 2023, he joined Dr. Chen in practice at Oculoplastic Consultants of Arizona.

Endocrinologist

• Thyroid

Radiologist

• MRI
  Physical Examination: The surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures. Your vision, eyelid position, skin quality, muscle function, tear drainage, and any signs of abnormalities or asymmetry will be documented. The examination may also include tests such as visual field testing, or imaging studies like photographs or CT/MRI scans to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Computed Tomography
  Orbital trauma refers to any injuries that affect the structures surrounding the eye behind the eyelids, including the bones, muscles, and soft tissues of the orbit. Commonly seen injuries include fractures of the bone of the orbit, lacerations or orbital foreign bodies. Most commonly the initial evaluation after a trauma is done in a hospital setting, but - especially in orbital fractures - not all cases of orbital trauma require immediate surgery. The initial evaluation includes a thorough examination of the eye and surrounding structures to assess for any signs of injury or functional impairment. Imaging studies such as CT scans may be ordered to provide detailed information about the extent of the injury.
• Chemotherapy
  Prompt evaluation and diagnosis of any orbital mass or swelling are essential to determine the nature of the tumor and appropriate management. A thorough examination by an oculoplastic surgeon, along with imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans, are typically necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis and guide the treatment plan. Treatment options may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination, depending on the type and extent of the tumor.
• Radiation Therapy
  The medical treatment of thyroid eye disease aims to manage the underlying autoimmune process, control inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. In mild to moderate cases, management involves the use of lubricating eye drops or ointments to relieve dryness and irritation. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low dose corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling. In more severe or active cases, immunosuppressive medications such as high dose corticosteroids (systemic or intraocular) or immunomodulatory drugs may be recommended to suppress the immune response. A newer drug, called Tepezza is now FDA approved for active thyroid eye disease, but not everyone is a candidate for this drug. In certain situations, orbital radiation therapy may be considered to help control inflammation and reduce eye protrusion. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, individual patient factors, and the expertise of the healthcare team. Regular monitoring and follow-up with an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon is crucial to assess treatment response and make any necessary adjustments to the management plan.

Surgeons

• Otolaryngology
• Mohs Surgery
  Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized and precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, primarily basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It involves the systematic removal and examination of layers of skin until the entire tumor is completely removed, while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. During the procedure, the surgeon removes a thin layer of skin and immediately examines it under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected at the margins, another layer is removed and examined, repeating the process until clear margins are achieved. This process ensures maximum preservation of healthy tissue and minimizes the chance of cancer recurrence. Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial for skin cancers located in areas where tissue preservation is critical, such as the eyelids, nose, ears, and lips. The procedure is performed by a specially trained dermatologist, called a Mohs surgeon, ensuring optimal outcomes.
• Reconstructive Surgery
  When considering a surgical procedure, it is important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in the type of operation that you might require. At Oculoplastic Consultants of Arizona, we specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery solely of the eyelids and surrounding areas. Our practice is dedicated exclusively to this area of the body. As board-certified ophthalmologists and fellows of the American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), Drs. Chen and Pharo have committed themselves to the highest levels of expertise around the eyelids, brows and orbits, having completed rigorous training, testing and acceptance to a society with less than 700 members world-wide.

Plastic Surgeons

• Botox
  Botox and Xeomin can reduce wrinkles by weakening the underlying muscles which contract and cause the skin to wrinkle. Botox is effective for the treatment of frown lines around the eyes and furrows in the forehead. These medications are preventative! They cannot treat deep wrinkles that have already formed, but they are effective in preventing formation of those deep wrinkles. Injections are performed as an office procedure. Typically, the effect lasts 3-6 months and repeat treatments are needed. The cost depends upon the number of areas treated.
• Brow Lift
  Dr. Chen is a consummate plastic surgeon, since he strives for the most "natural" outcome without compromising perfection! I underwent a bilateral brow lift and upper and lower lid surgery for both functional and cosmetic reasons. From the outset, Dr. Chen was engaging, informative, accessible, and genuinely interested in my well-being. As a result, the surgery was a great success and I would recommend Dr. Chen to anyone interested in his expertise, without reservation. Bravo, Dr. Chen! ”
• Eyelid Surgery
  Ptosis drooping is due to weakness in the muscle that is responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. Ptosis can occur in children and adults. Children with ptosis are generally born with the condition due to the muscle not developing properly prior to birth. Adults with ptosis generally acquire the condition when the muscle becomes overstretched through time. Adult ptosis is generally due to aging, excessive eye rubbing, long-term use of contact lenses or excessive, heavy skin putting weight on the muscle. Ptosis drooping is corrected by an eyelid surgery called ptosis repair. The incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eyelid and usually heal without noticeable scarring.
• Plastic Surgery
  When considering an eyelid, eyebrow, tear duct or orbital procedure, oculoplastic surgeons are the optimal choice due to their specialized training and expertise in the delicate and complex anatomy of the eyes and surrounding structures. Oculoplastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to address functional and aesthetic concerns related to the eyelids, as they have completed rigorous training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. This dual background allows them to have a comprehensive understanding of the eye's intricate structures, including the muscles, nerves, and tear ducts, ensuring the highest level of precision and safety during the procedure. Moreover, oculoplastic surgeons possess extensive experience in managing various eyelid conditions, such as drooping eyelids, excess skin, tumors, and tear drainage disorders. Their nuanced knowledge of both functional and cosmetic aspects enables them to achieve optimal results that not only enhance the appearance of the eyelids but also promote visual health and overall well-being. By entrusting an oculoplastic surgeon with an eyelid procedure, patients can have confidence in the surgeon's exceptional skill set, dedication to the field, and commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes.
• Blepharoplasty
  Lower lid blepharoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the lower eyelids and improving the appearance of under-eye bags, wrinkles, and excess skin. The surgery involves making precise incisions either inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), and through these incisions, the surgeon accesses the underlying herniated fat. Excess fat is carefully removed or repositioned to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags, while any loose or sagging skin is trimmed or tightened with CO2 LASER. Additionally, if necessary, the surgeon may perform a canthopexy or canthoplasty procedure to reinforce the outer corner of the eye and provide additional support. The incisions are then closed with sutures, resulting in a smoother, more youthful lower eyelid contour. As expert oculoplastic specialists, your surgeon will individually tailor your care with whichever technique or combination of techniques he feels would suit you best.
• Laser Resurfacing
  Facial CO2 laser treatment, also known as fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to rejuvenate the skin by addressing various concerns such as wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven texture. The laser targets the outer layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration. The benefits of facial CO2 laser include improved skin tone and texture, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, diminished appearance of scars, and overall skin rejuvenation, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.
• Cosmetic Surgery
  Cosmetic surgery for the eyelids, eyebrows and midface aims to enhance the appearance and restore a more youthful, rejuvenated look to the eyes.
• Forehead Lift
  Although droopiness of the upper eyelids can be due to excess skin, drooping of the eyebrows is often a major contributing factor. We call this dropping of the eyebrows, brow ptosis. This occurs as a result of normal sagging of the forehead. In order to correct this, we can perform a brow or forehead lift. Although there are a variety of techniques available to correct brow ptosis, not everyone is candidate for every technique. Rather, you require an individualized approach in order to achieve your functional and cosmetic goals. These procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, and are not covered by insurance.

Dermatologists

• Skin Cancer
  There are many types of growths which can be found on the eyelids. Most of these are benign (non-cancerous), but several types of malignant (cancerous) growths can occur. They are most commonly associated with sun exposure. Because it is difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant growths, it is best to have these examined. A biopsy sometimes is necessary to establish the diagnosis. Surgical removal is often required for growths that are suspicious in nature or increasing in size. Biopsies are often performed as an office procedure, or may be removed in an outpatient surgical setting if more extensive. A word of caution: skin cancer can affect the eyelid area, so if you have a new or suspicious-appearing growth, please have it checked by a specialist.
• Ulcer
  Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid. This condition results in the eyelashes of the lower eyelid scratching the eye itself, causing severe irritation, tearing, light sensitivity and pain. If left untreated an ulcer may form. A muscle typically pulls loose inside the eyelid causing this problem. Surgery involves reattachment of the loose muscle, and tightening of the eyelid tendon. This returns the eyelid to a normal position.
• Lesions
  The most common benign growths that can occur on the eyelids are chalazia, hordeolae (styes), seborrheic keratosis, papillomas, and nevi. Although these are the most common lesions on the eyelids, there are many other types of benign growths.

Allergists

• Allergies