Phillip Tenzel, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He specializes in reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive surgery techniques, and resident and fellow education.
Dr. Tenzel earned his medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed a residency in ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, where he also gained advanced training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus through a fellowship. He performed an additional fellowship in oculofacial surgery, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology at UT Southwestern.
Certified in ophthalmology by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2022. In 2023, he was certified in oculofacial plastic surgery by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Tenzel has presented widely and authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in journals related to his areas of interest. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
He received UT Southwestern’s Fellow Teacher of the Year Award in 2020 and 2021.
Phillip Tenzel, M.D., is an ophthalmologist at UT Southwestern specializing in oculoplastic and orbital surgery as well as nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. He addresses a wide range of complex conditions affecting the eye and surrounding structures, providing both functional and aesthetic solutions for his patients.
Coming from a family of ophthalmologists, Dr. Tenzel knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his father, uncle, and grandfather, all oculoplastic surgeons.
"Oculoplastic surgery combines the delicate precision of ophthalmology with the transformative potential of plastic surgery," Dr. Tenzel explains. "The breadth of pathology and surgery is very different, allowing me to meet and treat a variety of issues to restore function and aesthetics to the eye area, enhancing patients' vision, comfort, and appearance."
Oculoplastic and orbital surgery is a specialized field within ophthalmology that focuses on the structures around the eye, including the eyelids, orbit (the bony cavity that contains the eye), tear ducts, and the adjacent face. This type of surgery can be reconstructive or cosmetic, such as eyebrow lifts and muscle tightening around the eye, and it can address various conditions and abnormalities.
At UT Southwestern, Dr. Tenzel treats patients both surgically and nonsurgically. His expertise includes eyelid surgery, orbital surgery, and tear duct surgery. He treats infections around the eyes, repairs fractures, and removes tumors or growths behind the eye. Additionally, he treats diseases and improves the appearance of the eyelids and surrounding areas.
For patients seeking treatment of cancer around the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or sebaceous gland carcinoma, Dr. Tenzel can restore and reconstruct the area after the cancer has been removed.
"Oftentimes, a dermatologist will perform Mohs surgery, which is a surgical procedure that removes skin lesions to treat certain types of skin cancer, but when the lesion is too close to the eye, the Mohs surgeon will often call on us to assist," Dr. Tenzel says. “UT Southwestern affords me this type of collaboration, allowing me to help more patients."
UT Southwestern allows Dr. Tenzel to collaborate with various physicians, combine cases when necessary, and help patients with unique and intricate conditions.
"At UT Southwestern, I can help patients who previously felt they had reached the end of the line," Dr. Tenzel says. "This facility is a great place to practice because of the ease of communication between departments, the ability to easily work between specialties, and the state-of-the-art technology available."
Dr. Tenzel and his colleagues are experienced in treating rare cases and performing complex eye surgeries.
They perform transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES), collaborating with neurosurgeons to conduct brain surgery through the orbit. Additionally, Dr. Tenzel performs corneal neurotization, a procedure that restores sensation to a numb cornea by transferring healthy nerves.
“These advanced treatments are examples of the exciting work we do at UT Southwestern," Dr. Tenzel says.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Tenzel specializes in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.
"Patients looking for an eyebrow lift or other facial enhancements often seek nonsurgical treatments to help them feel refreshed," he says. "I'm able to help them with both."
Dr. Tenzel offers a range of nonsurgical treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, for facial rejuvenation. During his consultations, he addresses each patient's desires and goals.
"Patients often come in with expectations based on others' results, but it's crucial to manage these expectations," he notes. "Every individual is different, so I prioritize patient-centered care and tailor treatments accordingly to meet their specific needs."
Dr. Tenzel personally consults with patients before treatment, oversees their post-care, and follows the patient through the first three months after the procedure or until they get to where they need to be. His commitment to personalized care helps ensure patients receive the highest attention and expertise throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Tenzel completed his fellowship at UT Southwestern before opening a private practice in South Florida.
"It was a great experience and I grew as a physician, but when the opportunity to return to UT Southwestern presented itself, I knew it was the right choice."
As a former fellow at UT Southwestern, Dr. Tenzel is very interested in education.
"Every year, we have a great group of residents and fellows. It's exciting to be a part of training our next set of specialists," Dr. Tenzel says. "As a mentor, I have the opportunity to teach my students while constantly learning and growing as a physician."
Dr. Tenzel and his wife, an ob/gyn who is a member of the residency training program at Medical City Dallas Hospital, live in Dallas. The couple has a daughter and a son on the way, and they feel right at home in Texas.
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