Transconjunctival versus Transcutaneous Lower Eyelid Surgery
Transconjunctival and transcutaneous lower eyelid surgeries are each a type of lower blepharoplasty, a plastic eyelid surgery that can address a range of issues such as excess fat or “puffiness” around the lower eyelid, loose and wrinkled skin. For great results, your blepharoplasty must be carefully planned by your attending surgeon, who will consider the subtle details of your facial anatomy when determining which type of blepharoplasty is right for you, and details such as whether to remove any fat and where, how tight the eyelid skin should be, and how to achieve natural results for overall facial balance.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be approached either through the skin, transcutaneously, or from behind the eyelid, transconjunctivally. There can be very specific reasons for choosing one approach over another. More commonly, surgeons use a particular approach, not due to inherent advatages of the approach but rather that was they way they were trained. For the most part, tranconjunctival surgery is performed by oculoplastic surgoens who by training are comfortable working near the eye. General plastic surgeons and others lack the specialized training in oculoplastic surgery. They prefer an approach to the eyelid that does not require they to work so close to the eye surface. This is unfortunate because the skin incision usually is made through the underlying muscle. This can damage the function of the underlying muscle, the orbicularis ocli muscle. After surgery, this muscle weakness account for the alteration of the lower eyelid contour that is routine associated with transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery.
Here is an overview of some important features of each surgery type:
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
• Incision made behind the lower eyelid
• Minimizes the risk of altering the contour of the eyelid margin after surgery
• Arcus marglinalis release can be performed through the same incision, wherein the eyelid fat is preserved and rotated into the hollow under eyes
Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty
• Incision made just below the lower eyelid lashes
• Can possibly damage the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle and affect the lower eyelid contour
• Permits the removal of excess skin
For some, removal of the lower eyelid fullness from behind the eyelid and removal of excess skin from the front is indicated, via a skin pinch technique or an infracillary incision just below the eyelashes that preserves the underlying muscle. Ultimately, the only way to know what treatment method is right for you is to consult with an experienced oculoplastic surgeon who will meet with you, discuss your concerns and treatment goals, perform a physical examination, and work with you to design an approach that addresses your specific anatomical features and overall facial balance. These are highly complex and specialized procedures that require a skilled and experienced hand, and can bring you many benefits both functional and aesthetic. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, a leading cosmetic eyelid surgeon who practices in Beverly Hills and at UCLA, please call us today.
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.
Dr. Steinsapir Featured in The New York Times
http://www.realself.com/article/eye-color-surgery-updated
Dr. Steinsapir Featured in The New York Times
If you keep up with the New York Times, one of the most reputable newspapers in the world, you may have read about Dr. Steinsapir in the recent article Looking for a Match. Published on January 2, 2013, this report takes a hard look at a relatively new surgery designed to change the color of the iris. This procedure, which is being offered in a few places outside of the United States, surgically changes eye color by implanting an artificial iris that cosmetically changes the appearance of the iris color.
This sounds appealing to some individuals who have always wished for a different eye color, or who have eyes of different colors and wish for symmetry. However, this surgery is a risky one that can seriously alter your vision, and at this time the potential complications do not justify undergoing this surgery for purely cosmetic reasons. An ethical and reputable surgeon should only recommend a type of iris implant surgery on an individual basis for serious medical needs that require attention, and frankly do not include changing eye color. As the Times reported:
“Dr. Kenneth Steinsapir, an oculofacial surgeon and ophthalmologist in Los Angeles, also received calls from patients wanting their eye color changed, so he began investigating New Color Iris. He found no positive reports, but he did find a number of studies reporting serious complications. In July 2010, he blogged about it on his Web site, lidlift.com. ‘The colored disk that is put in the eye has been shown to cause harm,’ he wrote. ‘If you are not albino and missing iris pigment or have part of the iris missing either from a birth defect or from trauma, then there is no compelling medical reason for this surgery.’” — Abby Ellin, The New York Times, January 2, 2013
When Dr. Steinsapir received inquiries about the surgery from those potentially interested in surgically altering their eye color, he investigated the surgery, its advertised claims, its scientific outlook, and all the information available on this controversial surgery that is gaining interest. Not surprisingly, he found studies that reported complications, and information that raised questions about the reputability of claims. These surgery advertisements are not marketed in a transparent way, and upon Dr. Steinsapir’s research, willingness to speak up, as well as expertise in opthalmology, his professional opinion has been sought by many regarding the advisability and risks of flying outside the country in order to undergo this surgery. For good reason, it seems very unlikely that eye color surgery will gain F.D.A. approval in the foreseeable near future.
Dr. Steinsapir quickly became a leading voice on this rising issue as more and more people took interest in the new eye color surgery. As an ethical philosophy and treatment approach, Dr. Steinsapir advocates for minimally invasive treatments that rely on cosmetic procedures rather than surgery whenever possible, and conservative surgical approaches when indicated — so naturally he would recommend colored contact lenses over a surgery in the area of so many crucial functions of the eye. But this surgery goes beyond giving preference to safe nonsurgical procedures over safe surgical procedures — for example, opting for proven BOTOX treatment instead of a proven forehead lift — because eye color surgery has not been shown to be safe. In fact there have been both personal anecdotal stories of negative experiences with the surgery, as well as published scientific papers highlighting the concerns and complications that physicians have observed.
At a time when not much is known about a newly marketed cosmetic surgery for the eye itself, Dr. Steinsapir’s opinion as highlighted in the New York Times is not only an educated medical position, but it is also a sound of reason. You can read more about the report’s findings, including interviews with an individual who pursued the surgery and experienced complications, as well as commentary by Dr. Steinsapir and others. The take-home message in the Times seems clear: instead of a risky new surgery about which relatively little is currently known, and which would surely be discouraged by your personal ophthalmologist (eye MD), please understand that surgery to permanently change your eye color is not a safe option.
To read the full story, visit the New York Times article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/fashion/questions-surround-iris-implant-procedure-skin-deep.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
This feature about Dr. Steinsapir is a testament to his leadership, reputation, and expertise as a world-renowned oculofacial surgeon who focuses on achieving natural results by minimally invasive cosmetic treatments and nonaggressive surgeries that are considered to be safe and effective. To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and commitment to achieving the absolute best results possible in a safe, ethical, and scientifically proven manner, contact us today.
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.
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.
Will photo facial treatments affect my Restylane service?
Minimally invasive procedures have become a very popular way of improving one’s appearance. Several different treatments can be performed at one time minimizing downtime. Photo facial and facial filling with Restylane and Perlane is a very common combination of services. The fillers address volume deficiencies like under eye dark circles, lip lines, loss of facial fullness and Photo facial can improve sun damage, facial redenss to even the complexion. The filler is placed sufficiently deep in or below the skin that it is unaffected by the Photo facial. So there is no reason to be concerned if you are having both services at the same time or if you previously were treated with fillers. Your suitability for either or both of these procedures is best determined at a private consultation with a qualified oculoplastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. The good news is that these procedures are compatible, safe, and comfortable.
Understanding the basis for how Restylane and Fotofacial both work will clarify why it is safe to receive both treatments. Photo facial is an intense pulse light treatment (IPL) that improves red spots, small blood vessels, and sun damage. These treatments are the basis for photo facials, and they are generally delivered over the course of four to six sessions at three weeks intervals. This is sufficient time to see improvements in your skin’s appearance, creating a more even tone and skin firming. Fotofacial works by directly treating your skin where the sun damage, pigmentary, and capillaries responsible for redness reside.
Restylane treatment, on the other hand, is carefully placed under the skin to correct deficiencies in facial volume, such as the under eye circle. For example, under eye Restylane is safely placed beneath the skin to address the volume needs, thus improving what we perceive as dark circles under the eyes. Because Restylane works from under the skin while Fotofacial directly targets the skin itself, Restylane treatments are unaffected by IPL treatment, and vice versa.
It is important to always disclose your complete past and current medical history with your physician as you develop your treatment plan. This will ensure that your care is as safe and personalized as possible. Dr. Steinsapir specializes in both Fotofacial and Restylane treatments and is the inventor of of Deepfill Restylane method, the breakthrough approach to correcting under eye hollows. Dr. Steinsapir is friendly and approachable, and will gladly answer your questions and help you feel confident in your treatment choices. Call us today to schedule an individualized consultation and see results.
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
Even the Wall Street Journal fails to understand how cosmetic surgeons are trained!
The message that one should only go to a board certified plastic surgeon is the public relations message of general plastic surgeons. While there are many excellent skills that general plastic surgeons offer, it is essential to understand that very few of these surgeons were trained to perform cosmetic surgery in their plastic surgery residency. Additionally numerous surgical subspecialties offer high quality cosmetic surgery and were very extensively trained in these procedures in residency and fellowship programs. In many cases, the subspecialist cosmetic surgeon offers a level of service that is better than what can be obtained from the majority of general plastic surgeons. It is my opinion that general plastic surgeons betrayed their public trust by not doing more to bring up the standard of care in cosmetic surgery and for so long failing to properly train their resident surgeons to properly perform cosmetic surgery. For this reason, the public is often much safer getting their cosmetic surgical care from the subspeciality cosmetic surgeon and not a general plastic surgeon. The Wall Street Journal just published an article that completely ignored this issue. Here is the letter I sent to the Wall Street Journal.
Dear Editor:
I read Robert Johnson’s article “A Nip and a Tuck” about cosmetic surgery for the 65-plus crowd that appeared in the October 31, 2011 WSJ. The article only mentions a single specialty that offers cosmetic surgery: general plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Either general plastic surgeons are very good at public relations (they are), or the author was unmotivated to provide readers with a balanced perspective. General plastic surgeons are not the only board certified surgeons who offer safe, high quality cosmetic surgery.
For years general plastic surgeons failed to train their residents for cosmetic surgery. General plastic surgery residency instead focused on broad training in reconstructive general plastic surgery. Despite claims to the contrary, treating a burn is not the same as performing liposuction, a facelift, or an eyelid surgery. This lack of leadership has resulted in a less than ideal standard of care for these elective cosmetic surgeries.
Over the past 40 years, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and dermatologists have built excellent fellowship training programs in facial plastic surgery, oculofacial plastic surgery, and dermatologic surgery that provide in-depth training in cosmetic surgery to allow these surgeons to offer cosmetic surgery to the American public that is arguably safer and of better quality than that offered by general plastic surgeons. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, a non-ACGME board, accredits high quality cosmetic surgery fellowships that are open to a number of surgical specialties including general surgeons, gynecologists, oral maxillofacial surgeons, as well as general plastic surgeons. These highly trained specialists provide a quality alternative to board certified general plastic surgeons who lack formal training in cosmetic surgery. It is now well accepted that fellowship trained dermatologists practicing liposuction are much less likely to be sued for liposuction malpractice than general plastic surgeons to cite just one example.
It is not controversial to state that general plastic surgery residencies do not provide adequate training in cosmetic surgery. Fortunately the field of general plastic surgery has recognized this and now offers a growing number of fellowships in aesthetic surgery for board eligible general plastic surgeons. However, compared to fellowship trained specialists in facial plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic surgery; general plastic surgeons still have a ways to go before the public trust in this specialty is truly deserved. Unfortunately readers of Mr. Johnson’s article were left unenlightened about these issues.
Sincerely,
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D., Los Angeles, Ca.
Associate Clinical Professor
Division of Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Jules Stein Eye Institute
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Can Dr. Steinsapir dissolve the liquid silicone that was injected in my face in Mexico?
Silicone oil has only one FDA-approved indication for use―repairing complex retinal detachments. Liquid silicone, also called silicone oil, finds its way into off-label use as a medical-grade facial filler. However, silicone oil has a number of side effects and it is not advisable for this use. Dr. Steinsapir does not recommend getting liquid silicone injections, no matter how much more inexpensive the treatment may be, nor does he perform the procedure. Fixing previous silicone injections is a complicated, involved process, and it is impossible to remove all of the oil. Dr. Steinsapir has treated many patients damaged by these treatments but each situation is unique and a personal assessment is essential to learn what methods might improve your situation.
The perils of liquid silicone
Receiving silicone oil injections in Mexico ( or in the United States at “pumping parties” or from unscrupulous injectors) is a dangerous decision for several reasons. Non-medical injectors are known to use liquid silicone illegally on the black market. Although medical professionals using liquid silicone in an off-label fashion use medical grade material, on the black market the silicone is often not medical grade but rather industrial silicone oil, which was never intended for the human body. There have been deaths from these types of illegal treatments.
Technically, since physicians may use FDA-approved products for non-approved uses, you can legally receive silicone oil treatments as a facial filler; but that doesn’t make it a good idea. Injecting silicone oil into the face and other parts of the body like the buttocks is not a case of careful and thoughtful use. It violates the very oath that every doctor takes to do no harm. Unfortunately a few non-physicians and even physicians continue to use silicone oils this way.
Deaths related to silicone oil injections have been reported. Even small facial treatments into the lip and nasolabial fold over time can result permanent and irreparable facial disfigurement.
Don’t be fooled by the price
When it comes to financing cosmetic procedures, here is the bottom line: if you can’t afford safe, quality treatment from an actual physician (not an assistant, technician, traveling person with unspecified qualifications, the black market, or your own hand), then you are better off without any treatment. Silicone oil injections have too many associated complications, including migration and permanent disfigurement
Instead of automatically assuming you cannot afford legitimate, trustworthy, FDA-approved fillers, consult a bona-fide, fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon to learn about the cost and payment options for a safe, dependable filler. Silicone oil injections are cheap for a reason. Anyone who tells you they are a good cosmetic option is misleading you and omitting the facts.
Fixing facial fillers
Unfortunately, silicone oil is a poor alternative to real hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® or Perlane® because it cannot easily be modified after the treatment. The first step in addressing and removing unwanted silicone is to identify the exact source of the injected silicone.
- Was it medical grade or industrial silicone oil?
- What is the lot number and expiration date?
- Where was it manufactured?
- Did the injector take precautions and use sterile technique?
Removing silicone is difficult, which is why Dr. Steinsapir believes that it should not be used as a filler material. Once you have identified the above information, the next step is to decide if surgery or some other approach is needed. Silicone oil is permanent and can’t be dissolved so removing it may require invasive surgery. The type and extent of your surgery will depend heavily on the location of the original injections, the type of silicone used, and the amount. The benefit of removing the material must be weighed against the potential complications that might be caused by surgery.
It is important to choose an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon to perform your surgery. Find someone you can trust and who will work with you to find a treatment plan that works for you and your individual situation. Unfortunately, a decision to receive silicone oil in Mexico, or any other black market injector often results in a greater expense in order to have the foreseeable complications addressed. In too many cases, there are no good options. Dr. Steinsapir strongly encourages anyone considering a black market cosmetic treatment of any kind to take into account the fact that while the initial treatment may be less expensive than a proper visit to a cosmetic surgeon and paying full price for your procedure, the long-term costs of a decision like this far out-weigh the short-term savings.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon. He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery. He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions. He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago. He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage. He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally. He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities. Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for his expert care.
To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized Restylane treatments, please contact us today.
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 treatment is right for you.
