I have uneven eyelids after ptosis surgery. Can anything be done?
A common goal in eyelid surgery is to seek symmetry between both eyes, particularly in the cases of ptosis where the initially presenting problems may include asymmetry along with issues like functionality and aesthetics. Ptosis is commonly understood as a “droopy” eye, and the presence of ptosis may differ between two eyes.
If you have already had eyelid surgery but find that you still have uneven eyelids even after ptosis surgery, you do have options. First it is important to understand the nature of your concern, which can only be accomplished with the help of an experienced oculoplastic surgeon. The goal with any eyelid surgery is improvement, and unfortunately the nature of ptosis often causes asymmetry, which is not always completely resolved but can be dramatically improved. At times a first surgery can yield great improvements, and a second surgery my be desired to make good results even better.
Unfortunately there are times when you may be dissatisfied with a surgery for reasons related disappointment that the surgery did not accomplish what was promised or what you understood was promised. This often occurs when the procedure is performed by a surgeon who does not specialize in offering eyelid ptosis surgery. Due to the nature of ptosis, a disappointing result can also occur in the hands of a specialist, even one who did everything right. Dr. Steinsapir specializes in both eyelid surgery as well as repairing dissatisfactory eyelid surgery, as it relates to the natural appearance and aesthetic of the whole face, and is widely respected for his ability to improve disappointing results.
Before traveling to see Dr. Steinsapir for a second opinion, understand you’re your original surgeon has recommended regarding you surgical result. Sometimes something as simple as healing more can make a big difference in the outcome. Occasionally things can transpire after surgery to take the shine off your relationship with your original surgeon. It can be very difficult if you do not feel you are being hear, or feel that you lack confidence in your surgeon. Under these circumstances it is appropriate to seek a second opinion.
Dr. Steinsapir helps many individuals who are concerned about a previous procedure by listening to their concerns, providing a detailed physical examination, and advising on a plan to move forward. Sometimes a fear amounts to just “nerves” or the anxiety of someone who is not allowing themselves enough time to heal, and other times there are concerns that warrant further care. In either case, it’s important that you have access to a doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and one who closely monitors your recovery. In many cases Dr. Steinsapir has helped to repair the relationship and restore communication with the original surgeon. In other cases when you need more specialized care, Dr. Steinsapir has provided exemplary corrective surgery for many, and will be happy to help you better understand your options.
Call us today to schedule a risk-free consultation in a friendly environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your situation, and where you can receive honest answers from a caring, world-renowned oculofacial surgeon. There is no reason to remain with your doubts when there is help available now.
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.
My lower eyelid is sagging after eyelid surgery-what should I do?
First take a deep breath. Things happen after eyelid surgery. Many things fix themselves with a little time. Before surgery, your surgeon went through a lengthy list of things that might happen with surgery. Of course it is human nature to think that none of that will happen to you. In some cases I think that the surgeon sends a subliminal message that even though all this stuff is in the consent, it is a mere formality. Having an issue after surgery is an unwelcome shock. If you trust your surgeon, that confidence should help get you through the rough patches after surgery.
There can be a number of reasons for why the lower eyelid sags after surgery. In some cases swelling can push the lower eyelid away from the eye. This can occur in conjunction with a process called chemosis. Chemosis is the medical term for swelling of the white of the eye or the conjunctiva. Just as the eyelid will swell after surgery, the conjunctiva can swell. When it is swollen, the conjunctiva has been described to look like “jelly.” The best treatment for this is ocular lubrication and time. This often resolves with tincture of time.
Another cause of lower eyelid sagging is preexisting laxity of the lower eyelid. Swelling after surgery causes the laxity to be exaggerated resulting in the unsatisfactory position of the eyelid. In many cases again time is the best treatment.
When the surgeon cuts the skin of the lower eyelid to remove “extra lower eyelid skin,” malposition of the lower eyelid can be more serious. Under these circumstances the lower eyelid can be short of skin or the muscle that helps hold the lower eyelid against the eye can actually be damaged by the surgery. Rather than allowing this to heal, surgeons often feel the need to provide an early fix. That early fix can help resolve the issue or make it worse.
Generally, due to mechanical issues, some of the simple treatments can actually be helpful. These include steroid injection, mechanical finger winking, and when appropriate a pull up suture placed to support the eyelid corner for a few weeks. When these measures fail, it is best to let the eyelid heal before attempting revisional surgery. So often Dr. Steinsapir is called in to fix an eyelid where the original surgeon has made several well meaning attempts to “tuck up” the eyelid early after the original surgery with each procedure making the situation worse.
What will your eyelid need? It often depends on precisely what factors are contributing to the circumstance. If your surgeon was not a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon, it is often helpful to see someone who is. The additional training and experience may be precisely what is needed to address the situation.
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 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
I think I need my Asian Eyelid Surgery fixed.
A well designed and skillfully performed Asian eyelid surgery can transform your look and give you newfound confidence. Unfortunately, there are a few cases when individuals are disappointed in their results—usually due to a lack of expertise and understanding of the best treatment methods. If you have had Asian eyelid surgery in the past but are dissatisfied with your results, there is hope in specialized treatment. First, let’s consider your situation, what your current needs are, and your best options for moving forward.
What causes dissatisfactory results in Asian eyelid surgery?
There are many types of Asian eyelid surgery that greatly improve your appearance, including Asian blepharoplasty, Asian canthoplasty, and double eyelid surgery. They key to getting the best results with these procedures is much the same as getting the best results with any eyelid surgery: you need a specialized eye plastic surgeon who is experienced in treating concerns similar to yours, and who customizes each treatment based on your individual needs.
Eyelid surgery should always strive for results that appear natural for your features. The goal is to enhance your eyelid contours to bring out your best look. To this end, each treatment must be carefully planned and carried out, followed by after-care monitoring with an attentive physician. However, if your doctor is not a leader in oculofacial surgery for Asian eyes then he or she may not have the specialized training and experience needed to give you a natural look.
Disappointing results usually come from shortcuts, lack of experience, and misunderstandings about the goals of surgery. A shortcut could mean that you do not look for a specialist in eye plastic surgery or try to find the cheapest option. A lack of experience can happen when you choose a physician without a comprehensive background in treating Asian eyelid concerns with great outcomes. A misunderstanding could be when you or your doctor does not recognize the importance of conservative surgery for natural results. Overaggressive surgery can result in a “surgical look” that is not right for you. You can usually avoid these situations if you take the time to research and gain confidence in your cosmetic surgeon’s qualifications and abilities.
Still, there is a risk with every surgery that you should be aware of, and revisional surgery is occasionally indicated. By taking preventative measures—like seeking the best oculoplastic surgeon who customizes minimally invasive treatments for your needs, you can expect to have an empowering treatment experience.
How do I know when I need revisional surgery?
If you have already had an eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty, give yourself time to heal. It is natural to experience some anxiety regarding whether you will like your results, but remember that worrying doesn’t help. If you are confident in your doctor, you have good reason to expect the best.
If you have any complications during healing, talk to your original surgeon. Post-operative concerns are often the result of lack of follow-up communication. Do not assume that your surgeon does not wish to hear from you or is too busy for what you perceive as a minor concern. Please don’t wait. Call your surgeon. Be seen and have your concerns addressed.
Significant complications are unusual, and a more common concern is that you don’t see the improvements you were hoping for after healing or you feel you are taking longer to heal than expected. This isn’t considered a complication, but it is something to address with your surgeon. If you do not like the results you see because and your original surgeon does not feel anything further can be done, it is time to seek a second opinion.
Who can fix Asian eyelid surgery?
In most cases, we recommend talking with your original surgeon who will likely be happy to address your concerns. However, if your surgeon is not a specialist in Asian eyelid surgery, if the original results indicate a lack of specialized skill, if your relationship has deteriorated, or if you lack confidence in your surgeon’s ability to meet your needs, it is valid to seek a second opinion.
Obtain advice from a cosmetic eye surgeon who understands that every Asian eye is unique, and thus addresses you on an individual basis. Your doctor should understand that there is no one standard approach to Asian eyes because everyone presents with a different situation and goals. Just as your original surgery should be customized, any revisional surgery should be carefully planned for your individual needs.
Dr. Steinsapir is an expert in both Asian eyelid surgery and in fixing prior eyelid surgery. He practices individually tailored, minimally invasive solutions for fastest healing and natural results. This is also his approach with revisional eyelid surgery. If you are concerned about a former surgery, Dr. Steinsapir has a great deal of experience in assessing these situations and in many cases is able to achieve an improved result with revisional surgery. Please contact us today to learn more about how to achieve the results you always wanted.
