What is supratarsal fixation and how does it differ from anchor blepharoplasty?
Supratarsal fixation is really an antiquated method that invites the surgeon to form a crease that is simply too high for virtually every patient. The natural eyelid crease is caused by connective tissue fibers that firmly connect the eyelid platform skin to the underlying levator aponeurosis tendon. This tendon connects the upper eyelid to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in the orbit. This muscle is responsible for opening the eyes. The connective tissue fibers from the levator aponeurosis to the skin form the upper eyelid crease and support the eyelid platform skin and upper eyelid lashes. If these fibers stretch out, which happens as we age, or are not present, which is seen in some Asian eyelids, the skin of the eyelid platform will be loose and the eye lashes will hang down (eye lash ptosis).
Anchor blepharoplasty is a blepharoplasty technique where the levator aponeurosis is exposed at the time of surgery, and stitches are placed from the cut upper eyelid platform skin and muscle to the exposed levator aponeurosis. By doing this in a very precise fashion, the upper eyelid lashes are supported and perky and the eyelid platform skin is snugged over the eyelid platform much like someone might pull a bed sheet taut. This technique requires both absolute precision to be done well and a very detailed knowledge of eyelid anatomy. In Dr. Steinsapir’s experience less than 2% of all eyelid surgeons are able to perform an anchor blepharoplasty.
So-called supratarsal fixation should be another name for an anchor blepharoplasty. However, it is seldom actually practiced this way. Surgeons often interpret this procedure to mean “above the top of the tarsus.” Effectively they do away with the surgical dissection needed to identify the levator aponeurosis. Instead they interpret supratarsal to mean sewing the cut edge of the eyelid platform skin somewhere above the top of the tarsus. Effectively this often means sewing the skin to something much more superficial such as the orbital septum. This is not the same thing. The levator aponeurosis is a mobile structure. When you open the eyes, the levator aponeurosis slides up and back. Anything attached to the levator will also slide up and back. When the eyelid platform skin and underlying muscle are accurately attached to the levator aponeurosis, the eyelid platform skin stays well snugged and the eye lashes well supported whether the eyelids are open or closed. In contrast, if the skin is “supratarsally” fixed, the skin is snug (or too tight i.e. the eyelids are short of skin) when the eyes are closed and loose when the eyes are open.
Another issue with so-called supratarsal fixation is that it is often associated with a surgical look. This is because the upper eyelid crease is made too high. The top of the tarsus is 10 mm from the actually eyelid margin. To fixate above the tarsus, the crease is being made north of 10 mm. In addition, with healing the crease normally creeps even higher by one or two millimeters. It is not unusually to see crease height of 12 or even 14 mm. This height is at the expense of the upper eyelid fold which is often surgically wiped-out. This makes the upper eyelid look too hollow-think Barbra Walters.
In contrast, a properly done anchor blepharoplasty can be done at almost any height above the eyelid margin with preservation of the upper eyelid fold.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
Asian eyelid surgery is not about Westernizing the eyes!
We’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: Asian eyelid surgery is not about westernizing the eyes. In fact, there is no one standard approach to Asian eyelid surgeries such as blepharoplasty and double fold surgery, because there are no two people with identical sets of eyes. When we refer to “Asian eyelid surgery,” what we mean is that certain features more common in the shape and contours of Asian eyelids must be uniquely considered and comprehensively understood by an experienced oculofacial surgeon for optimal results.
All kinds of individuals seek cosmetic eyelid surgery in the form of blepharoplasty, lidlift, reconstructive surgery, double fold surgery, and other procedures designed to enhance the appearance and functionality of the human eyelid. Eyelid surgery is about improving your natural eyelid structure in a way that compliments your natural appearance. The end result is a bright appearance that seems fitting for you and does not look “surgical” or “westernized” at all.
Your specialized oculofacial surgeon’s attention to Asian eyelid surgery in fact means the opposite of westernization: your treatment should not be a cookie-cutter “one size fits all” approach, but rather one that takes your natural eyelid shape into account and seeks to enhance it rather than transform it. While Asian eyelid surgery does not aim to “westernize” one’s features, it calls for exacting and meticulous attention to detail, as well as experience with proven results. A common error that Dr. Steinsapir is often consulted for to provide a correction is double folds that are made too high. In almost all cases this is caused by a surgeon who fundamentally does not understand the surgery. The surgeon may be inexperienced or simply lack the necessary grasp of what is required to make a natural double fold. Sometimes the inexperienced surgeon is simply following the wrong textbook and intentionally makes the crease incision too high as a result. Asian eyelid creases need to be place low in order to create an natural appearing double fold.
We invite you to look through Dr. Steinsapir’s unretouched before and after photos of various Asian eyelid surgeries. You can judge for yourself, but we believe you’ll find the results to all be very natural and fitting for the individual. The key to Dr. Steinsapir’s success is years of experience in eyelid surgery that includes Asian eyelid surgery as a specialization, with multi-fellowship training, prestigious education, an artistic eye, and a prioritization of individually designed treatment to enhance each person’s unique features. Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinsapir and achieve natural results that enhance your personal attributes.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
What does Dr. Steinsapir think of the “Madonna Lift?”
For the last few years, the “Madonna Lift” — yes, named for the famed pop star — has received attention for purportedly dramatic results akin to an eyelid lift without the surgery. The procedure itself involves fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, with a goal to tighten the periocular skin in the eyelids and adjacent facial regions. Marketing claims for this procedure promise that it will give the effect of an eyelid lift through use of light columns to treat and tighten the skin. Claims include a diminishing of wrinkles, tightening of the skin, reduction of under eye circles, and elevation of the eyebrows. In essence, we are talking about the full benefits of an eyelid lift but without any surgery at all.
Does the Madonna Lift live up to the hype? Reasonably, the Madonna Lift can make a modest difference in your eyes’ brightness, but individuals undergoing the procedure might feel that it didn’t seem worthwhile. To get real results cosmetic procedure must address the root causes of your concerns. The best and most natural results come from addressing actual issues — which may include excess tissue or tissue deficiencies or both; stretched, sagging, and sun-damaged skin; ptosis; a drooping brow; or other concerns. Short cuts may help but they can also be disappointing because the lack the power to make a real difference.
Dr. Steinsapir is a leading advocate of minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures, including nonsurgical procedures like under eye Restylane, the chemical peel, and Microdroplet BOTOX when indicated. There are many nonsurgical procedures with minimal downtime that can make a huge difference in your appearance. However, the key to satisfactory results is catering to your unique facial structure and goals, while choosing the best procedure to match your needs (whether surgical or not)–rather than setting your heart on a procedure full of promises but that may not be right for you.
The Madonna Lift is not a substitute for surgery if that is what you actually need. This is just another example of a modest procedure with a catchy name. For real results, we strongly encourage you to seek a personal consultation with a physician who is an eyelid specialist and can advise you on a personalized treatment plan. This may or may not include eyelid surgery, but the key is that your treatment will be based on your needs rather than a promise of a one-size-fits-all cure with a catchy name.
Dr. Steinsapir is an international leader in both eyelid surgery and minimally invasive, nonsurgical facial cosmetic procedures. Much of the appeal of the Madonna Lift is the absence of surgery, and it’s of course understandable that you may be hesitant to consider surgery. Dr. Steinsapir’s philosophy is that all treatments should be both individualized and minimally invasive. What does this mean? If surgery is not indicated, he will not recommend it. And when surgery is indicated to address the cause of your concerns, he opts for a treatment that is conservative and preserves as much of your natural tissue and eyelid contour as possible, enhancing your features, speeding up recovery time, and avoiding the “surgical look” famed by gossip magazines. Many people see phenomenal results from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty and related eyelid surgeries, and many also see incredible improvements from nonsurgical procedures like undereye Restylane and an individualized chemical peel. The bottom line is, you may or may not need surgery to get the results you desire — but for an outcome that meets your needs, you should never limit yourself to one procedure just because it was marketed to you. For the best results, consult with a leading oculoplastic surgeon to determine which treatment plan is right for you.
We invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir today, a pioneer in minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures with particular attention to the eyelid and its balance with the rest of the face. Dr. Steinsapir has proven results for both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic facial procedures; and his friendly, approachable, and honest demeanor will help you feel comfortable asking questions, receiving answers, and planning for the procedure(s) right for you.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
Should I have a forehead lift or upper eyelid surgery?
Overview
Facial cosmetic surgery can do wonders in enhancing your appearance and confidence, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance. Since a forehead lift and upper eyelid surgery can both lead to an alert and refreshed look around the eyes, you may wonder if either a forehead lift or an eyelid surgery is best for you. There are general indications for each procedure, and other times there may be indication you’ll benefit from both; but in short, the answer can only be determined through a private consultation and examination with your specialized cosmetic surgeon.
Indications
A forehead lift is also known as a browlift or eyebrow lift, and it helps many to achieve more youthful features by smoothing creases, reducing frown lines, and elevating the brow line to its appropriate position. The small incision forehead lift, as practiced by Dr. Steinsapir, has revolutionized the way we approach forehead lifts and the results achieved. A couple decades ago the “open forehead lift” was standard but offered less natural results, often a harsher look, and a lengthy recovery period; whereas today the endoscopic or “small incision” or “closed” forehead lift is regarded as one of the most important cosmetic surgeries.
In some cases, a forehead lift may be performed in combination with upper eyelid surgery, which is also called a “lidlift.” Combination surgery is not just for a more comprehensive improvement. Combination surgery is often performed to optimize the overall cosmetic appearance. This avoids having to push a single approach to the point where the results are less than ideal or natural.
Once upper eyelid surgery is commonly indicated when there is excess fat deposits and loose skin crowding around the eyes, weighing them down and creating a tired or drooping appearance. Now upper eyelid surgery is also used to correct small amounts of eyelid ptosis, strengthen the support for the eyelashes to address lash ptosis. The goal is preservation of upper eyelid volume with the retention of the upper eyelid fold. Skeletonization of the upper eyelid is still too common an outcome of upper eyelid surgery and Dr. Steinsapir advocates for the preservation of upper eyelid structure to avoid a surgical look.
An Individualized Approach
Both a heavy brow and forehead concerns, as well as this extra tissue around the eyes can detract from your appearance, it’s a very good question to ask whether you might benefit from a forehead lift or lidlift. The right approach for you will depend on the root cause of your concern, which an experienced oculofacial surgeon can help you determine. The importance of this individual consultation and physical examination is paramount, as a successful surgery with natural results comes from having a plan that is specifically designed for you.
Please call us today to schedule a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, who is an international leader in minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures–including the forehead lift, facelift, and eyelid surgery–with particular attention to how the entire face interacts with the eyes, our most expressive feature. By consulting with the best, you’ll receive answers and finally achieve the look you desire.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
I have had a heavy upper eyelid since childhood. What are my options?
There is often confusion regarding what part of the eyelid is heavy. Eyelid surgeons draw an important distinction between a full upper eyelid fold (which is actually part of the eyebrow just below the eyebrow hair) and a heavy or ptotic eyelid margin. Ptosis means fallen and it is a general term than is used to describe a number of anatomic issues. How we address a ptotic upper eyelid margin and how we deal with a heavy eyebrow are very different. Upper eyelid ptosis where of margin of the upper eyelid rests low on the eye itself, is often present from childhood onward. The condition can pose both aesthetic and functional problems. Depending on the nature of your case, you may be dissatisfied with a “droopy” appearance of the eyelid, you may have concerns about asymmetry noted by other people, or you may have visual impairment and diminished peripheral vision. Heavy eyelids may be described as “bedroom eyes,” or sleepy eyes. Because the heavy eyelid convey a lack of attention, the presence of upper eyelid ptosis can be undesirable in both social and work situations. In contrast, an eye that is open correctly makes you look alert, interested, and engaged and is socially desirable in both work and social situations.
Ptosis usually does not go away on its own, particularly if this is a problem you’ve had since childhood. Ptosis can also develop after childhood. Considering how the upper eyelid tendon in held in the eyelid, it is actually quite amazing that more people do not have this condition. After a few million blinks of the eyelids, it is common to see some degree of upper eyelid ptosis. If you have a bothersome heavy upper eyelid and are beginning to consider your treatment options, it is important to research upper eyelid ptosis and clearly understand your choices. Ultimately there is no substitute for consulting with a qualified oculoplastic surgeon because every eyelid is different.
Correcting eyelid ptosis requires upper eyelid surgery. The challenge is determining the best approach that is right for your needs. This is not a place for having work done by a non-specialist lacking training, skills, and experience. Having ptosis correctly diagnosed increases the likelihood that surgery will correctly address your issues. Having things done the right way the first time is so much better than needing to undo the wrong surgery. Ptosis surgery can often be done in conjunction with other cosmetic eyelid procedures. The surgery will elevate the eyelid to an appropriate, natural level. It can also address eyelid asymmetry. Having the heavy eyelids corrected can make a huge difference in your confidence level, the business world, and personal interactions.
The first step is to consult with a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery, including concerns related to ptosis, heavy eyelids, and asymmetry. At your consultation, your physician should give you a close and thorough examination, discuss your options and probable outcomes, and the likelihood of a surgery’s success and factors that can complicate surgery. The doctor will also make a formal diagnosis at this time, which will identify the ptosis and any compounding issues. For example, some individuals also have a heavy brow or dark under-eye circles, which may exaggerate the problem. Your surgeon should specialize in understanding on how each part of the face functions and relates to the other parts, and also advocate for nonaggressive surgery for natural-looking results. He or she can then design an individual treatment plan for you that leaves you with an overall balanced look.
The first step really begins by seeing the right surgeon. The key to being happy with your results is to never take a shortcut in choosing a surgeon. Your surgeon must be a true specialist in ptosis correction, and similarly will not take any shortcuts or use a “one size fits all” approach to your care. It is important to understand the value of seeing an aesthetically oriented, fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon who did your girlfriend’s breast surgery or nose is all too often the wrong choice because they lack specialized training in ophthalmology and in oculofacial surgery. To be a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon means the surgeon is board certified in ophthalmology and has spent a minimum of two additional years training in eyelid plastic surgery. Dr. Steinsapir is board certified in ophthalmology and completed three years of training in oculoplastic surgery fellowships and two additional years of cosmetic surgery fellowship training. This advanced training early in his career has helped propel him to the forefront of his field.
A highly qualified cosmetic eyelid surgeon is the best option. Surgeons do vary, so it is recommended that you review unretouched before-and-after photos of eyelid surgery; spend time with the surgeon beforehand discussing your options, plan, and follow-up care; and understand your doctor’s treatment philosophy, which should advocate for a nonaggressive, individualized approach.
Dr. Steinsapir is highly qualified to treat eyelid ptosis, asymmetry, and related concerns. With particular attention to individualized care, multiple fellowships in eyelid surgery, and a specialization in ptosis correction, he can help you with your goal to realize a bright and natural appearance. Dr. Steinsapir is internationally regarded as a top eyelid surgeon. Call us today to schedule a consultation and finally take that next step in addressing your longstanding concern. You shouldn’t have to wait any longer.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
Can I have upper eyelid surgery without looking like I have been operated on?
This questions cuts both ways. What you are hoping for in having surgery is an improved look. What the question gets at is whether you will end up with the operated look. No one wants the surgical results of famous people talked about in the tabloids, such as the singer Kenny Rogers or the socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein. As much as it would be great to say that overaggressive, unnatural surgery results are a thing of the past, it is simply not true. Avoiding this type of result not simply a matter of choosing a surgeon with the right training and credentials. The advice of seeking a board certified general plastic surgeon does not guarantee any level of expertise when it comes to eyelid surgery. In fact general plastic surgeons are poorly trained in eyelid plastic surgery compared to oculoplastic surgeons. Even training in oculoplastic surgery is not guarantee of natural results. The truth is that good people are were you find them, and this is true for highly qualified cosmetic eyelid surgeons.
The surgical look can come from removing too much tissue in the upper eyelid, or creating an upper eyelid crease that is too high. Dr. Steinsapir advocates for a more conservative approach that preserves as much tissue as possible, complimenting your natural eyelid structure. “Surgeons misunderstand the goal of cosmetic eyelid surgery. The surgery should be invisible leaving the eyes natural and alive,” notes Dr. Steinsapir.
A carefully planned surgery takes into account your goals, the balance of all your facial features, and functionality. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so take time to find a doctor who individualizes each treatment and makes upper eyelid surgery a major focus of his or her practice. A specialized physician will be able to answer your questions, discuss your options, and show you before-and-after photos of eyelid surgery examples, without special lighting, retouching, or camera tricks. Provided you take the time to seek out a great surgeon, don’t opt for shortcuts, and are willing to listen to expert medical advice, there is no reason to expect nothing but the best.
In medicine there is no such thing as a no-risk surgery. For this reason, your potential surgeon needs to spend time talking with you to investigate your personal history in detail. They need to perform a very detailed and comprehensive examination. This should be followed by an equally detailed discussion regarding risks, benefits, alternatives and the likelihood of surgical success. If your surgeon cuts corners in the consultation process, it is reasonable to assume that they may cut corners in the surgery as well. If your surgeon spent only a few moments with you and did not bother to examine your face and eyelids before referring you to the practice closer, it is reasonable to ask yourself if your are in the right place.
The details of your upper eyelid surgery will depend on your individual eyelid contour, the specific improvements you are seeking, and a detailed examination and treatment plan created specifically for your needs by a specialist in oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Steinsapir is respected across the world as a leader in eyelid surgery with natural results, and he practices both in Beverly Hills and at UCLA, where he is an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. He is dedicated to the needs of his patients and provides a rare level of unique personal care. We invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir to learn if upper eyelid surgery is right for you. Please call today to learn more about how eyelid surgery can help you improve your appearance and your confidence.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
I am unhappy with my eyelid surgery. What are my options?
Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedure today. It has the potential to provide extremely positive results that rejuvenate your appearance and make both an aesthetic and functional difference. Eyelid surgery can be very technical. Your surgeon may also be surprised by the disappointing outcome of your surgery. If you have had eyelid surgery in the past, such as an upper blepharoplasty or Asian eyelid surgery, but are dissatisfied with your results, help is available.
First, allow your eyelid surgery to heal. The initial healing after surgery can be a time of uncertainty. Recovery takes you out of your normal schedule and routine. Friends and family can make inappropriate comments that lead to second guessing and uncertainty. Please recognize that family members may be right but they are not eyelid experts. Surgical results that initially look rough because of swelling and bruising, often settle down and look remarkably better with time to heal. There are rare, immediate eye health concern, and these should prompt immediate attention from your surgeon. These included increasing pain, swelling, redness, and bruising, or changes in vision. When these occur in hours or days after eyelid surgery they can represent vision threatening issues such as bleeding behind the eye or infection. Immediate care by your surgeon is essential. If you are having this type of an issue and your surgeon is not immediately available, it is advisable to be seen in an emergency room where the emergency care of an ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon can be arranged.
Another set of urgent post-operative issues include difficulty opening or closing the eyelids, double vision, or other restrictions in eye or eyelid movement. Right after surgery, local anesthesia can account for some of these types of issues, but after 24 hours, the presence of this type of an issue, suggests a mechanical problem created by the surgery. In some cases, these issues require urgent surgical exploration. In all cases, you should be seen by your surgeon to assess what is going on. Recognize that non-eyelid surgery specialists often perform eyelid surgery. These surgeons lack the ability, skill, training, and equipment to properly examine your eye. Eye pain and light sensitivity can be caused by a corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer, or intraocular inflammation. Without a slit lamp and the necessary training, your surgeon cannot diagnosis these issues. Immediate consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon or general ophthalmologist may be necessary.
Once you get about a week out from surgery, the issues tend to be related to eyelid shape, surgical symmetry, visible scars, and eyelid malposition. Generally, these types of issues get better with time. However, problems that can persist are evident even this early after surgery. It can be difficult to determine which issues will settle down and resolve on their own to your personal satisfaction. It is important to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Surgeons will sometimes attempt to minimize your concerns. This may be appropriate. It often comes down to a level of trust. If you feel like your trust and confidence in your surgeon is being abused, that is a significant warning sign. Patients are not often wrong. If you have a concern, your surgeon should also be able to see it and explain to you why or why it is not a concern, and what will need to be done about it. It may be as simple as “we will watch this.” When your feelings are not validated or your feel you are not being told the truth, there is often a break-down in the doctor-patient relationship. This is when a second opinion can be helpful.
It you have healed and surgery is in the past, this does not mean you have no options. A detailed personal consultation can establish precisely what is causing your issues and how best to correct the problems. This type of work requires considerable maturity and experience. It is often necessary to have unique solutions tailored to you personal situation. A cookie-cutter approach is not going to do it. Dr. Steinsapir takes the necessary time to define your problems and the best approach needed to help you achieve your goals.
Dr. Steinsapir provides attentive, comprehensive care to ensure you achieve the results you desire, and he always designs your care on an individual basis, making himself available to answer all your questions so you can feel confident both before and after treatment. He can take over your post-operative care if necessary or coordinate with your surgeon to provide input and suggestions to help speed your recovery. To learn more about fixing eyelid surgery, please call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.
