The eyes are often considered the window to the soul. If your eyes look droopy, it may give the impression that you are tired, even though you feel great. We specialize in plastic surgery of the face and eyes. We can restore your eyelids to their more youthful and natural appearance.
Upper eyelids (Blepharoplasty)
When there is significant redundancy of the upper eyelid skin, this can obstruct peripheral vision, creating a medical condition called dermatochalasis. Surgery to remove excess skin is called blepharoplasty and can often be covered by insurance. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes with IV sedation. People can typically return to regular activity within a week. Sutures are easily removed at the one-week follow-up visit.
Lower eyelids (Blepharoplasty)
Lower eyelids can become puffy or develop bags, making the eyes appear older or tired. During your consultation, we will create a customized plan to treat the lower eyelids to restore your natural, youthful appearance and help you maintain that look long-term. Surgery is done with local anesthesia and IV sedation. The procedure takes less than one hour, with the ability to return to regular activity within one to two weeks.
Ptosis
Drooping of the eyelid margin (the edge of the eyelid where the lashes are) is called ptosis. It is often associated with reduced peripheral vision, and its correction is considered a functional or medically necessary procedure. The surgery takes less than 30 minutes using local anesthetic, with very mild IV sedation. Recovery is usually quick, with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a medical condition where the lower eyelid droops, causing redness, irritation, and tearing. This condition is most often due to laxity of the lower eyelid support structure and tendon. Ectropion is repaired in less than 30 minutes with local anesthetic and IV sedation. Recovery is usually just a few days, with minimal discomfort after surgery.
Entropion
Entropion is a medical condition associated with rolling in the lower eyelid, causing the lashes to rub the eye and leading to irritation and tearing. This condition is most often due to laxity of the lower eyelid support structure and tendon. Entropion is repaired in less than 30 minutes with local anesthetic and IV sedation, using sutures that dissolve. Recovery is usually just a few days, with minimal discomfort after surgery.
Recovery from eyelid surgery
There are usually no bandages or patches following surgery, and discomfort is minimal. Icing the area is essential for the first 24-36 hours after surgery to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum. Frozen peas layered over a cool, wet washcloth or gauze is effective and recommended as much as possible in the first two days.
Bruising and swelling will occur during the first three days. In most cases, bruising will last one week; with some individuals, residual bruising may last up to 3 weeks. Keeping the head elevated at night will help with swelling. It is also expected to heal differently on each side. The incisions may ooze slightly for the first few hours following surgery. A drop of blood from the incision site now and then is typical. Some blurring of vision and dryness of your eyes are common in the first few days following surgery. Incisions are slightly pink, and the eyelids may feel numb for two to three months.
Excessive tearing
Tearing can be due to several factors, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, and blepharitis. If the eyelid is not in the proper position, it can be difficult for the tears to drain correctly. A blocked tear drain can also cause excessive tearing. Surgery can often be performed to reduce tearing, including creating a new tear drain into the nose. This procedure is called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), in which a small incision is made on the side of the nose, and bone is removed to make a new pathway for tears to flow into the nose. This procedure is performed under IV sedation.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer commonly occurs on the face and eyelids, requiring an expert in facial and eyelid reconstruction. Once the skin cancer has been successfully removed, reconstructive surgery is performed to restore both function and appearance. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic under IV sedation.
Eyelid Retraction
Retraction, or widening of the upper and lower eyelids, is often associated with thyroid eye disease or previous eyelid surgery. Eyelid retraction often leads to eye irritation, tearing, and discomfort. This is considered a medical condition. Surgical eyelid retraction repair is usually performed with local anesthetic and IV sedation. This surgery aims to restore the widened eyelid to normal, leading to more normal function and comfort for the eye.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) can cause several symptoms; some develop slowly, and others appear quickly. Once TED reaches the chronic phase, scar tissue that starts to form during the acute phase can leave you with ongoing symptoms like bulging eyes, eye pain, double vision, and pressure around the eyes. Recognizing signs early and starting a treatment plan with your doctor is essential. Tepezza (teprotumumab) is a medication that can be used to treat TED.