Hours & Directions
Find a Location
(ex. Richmond, VA or 23236)
|
Find a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an oculoplastic surgeon-an eye doctor or a plastic surgeon?
Both. ASOPRS-trained(American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) oculoplastic surgeons complete a surgical ophthalmology residency during which they learn many plastic surgery procedures around the eyes and orbit. They then go on to further subspecialize with a two-year facial plastic surgery fellowship during which they concentrate solely on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids, face, and orbit.
Does cosmetic surgery mean I will have a drastic change in how I look? Will I look like [insert name of celebrity after over-aggressive plastic surgery]?
No. The best approach to any good cosmetic procedure is to aim for a more refreshed and alert appearance for the patient. Subtle changes are the key.
How can you improve my wrinkles?
There are three main types of wrinkles:
- Dynamic wrinkles are created by facial movements such as smiling or brow furrowing. They often disappear or improve when the face is relaxed. These are usually treated with Botox which is given by injection through the skin via a tiny needle into the correct muscle. Botox injections can be done in the office and produce minimal discomfort. The effect usually lasts 3-4 months. Botox has been used safely on the face for decades.
- Static wrinkles and creases are those that are present whether or not you are moving facial muscles. Often decades of dynamic wrinkling can create static lines on the face. Static wrinkles are best treated by tissue fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. These are very safe when injected correctly and can be performed in the office after anesthesia cream has been applied. We often use tissue fillers in the lines in the tear trough area and nasolabial folds. When used for the lines around mouth and lips, so we will often use antiviral medications for patients with a history of cold sores.
- Fine “crepe paper” type wrinkling, which often occurs in the lower eyelids, responds well to resurfacing with a TCA (trichloroacetic acid) skin peel. This can be performed in the office.
What is a skin peel?
Skin peels remove the outer dead layer of skin and allows fresher and tighter skin to develop. This helps to improve the skin quality while it tightens fine wrinkles. Skin peels require diligent care from the patient and minimization of sun exposure to give the best results.
Why are my eyelids “droopy”?
“Droopy” or ptotic eyelids are caused by two main causes which may coincide:
- Excessive skin and/or fat bags weighing down the eyelid or overhanging the eyelashes.
- The Levator muscle, which opens your eyes, has detached and/or is not functioning properly.
How do you rebuild my eyelid after skin cancer surgery?
There are three main goals for eyelid reconstruction:
- Produce an eyelid which protects and preserves the eyeball and vision.
- Produce an eyelid which looks as much like the other side as possible.
- Preserve and reconstruct the lacrimal (tear duct) system.
The best way to achieve this is to use native tissues adjacent to the defect to close it when possible. Skin grafts are occasionally necessary but, in general, don’t match the surrounding tissues as well as a flap(adjacent tissue) reconstruction. By using native tissues and patients’ natural skin folds, we are able to perform reconstructions which maximize the healing process and your appearance.
Why do my eyes water?
There are two main causes of watery eyes or tearing, and these may coexist:
- Overproduction of tears-This is usually a result of irritation of the eye including allergy and dryness.
- Inadequate outflow through the tear drainage system-This is usually caused by an obstruction which may occur at any point along the tear outflow system. These obstructions may be treated by office procedures such as a punctoplasty or an operating room surgery such as a DCR.
The correct treatment is determined by careful evaluation and testing which can be performed in the office.
Will insurance cover my eyelid surgery?
Insurance covers most reconstructive eyelid procedures related to pain, irritation or visual changes. Office examination and testing determines the necessity of many eyelid surgeries. Some upper eyelid procedures require insurance preauthorization prior to scheduling surgery. The testing and preauthorization process is usually completed by our office. We perform cosmetic surgery frequently, but insurance does not cover these procedures.
For more in-depth information regarding specific surgeries and diseases, follow this link:
American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery