Blog Archives
What is More Invasive..a Browlift or Upper Blephroplasty?
Andi P in Pennsylvaasks:
What is More Invasive- a brow lift or upper blephroplasty? hich is more invasive…a browlift or upp blephroplasty? Thanks!
Image Courtesy of cosmeticsurgeryforums.com
There are a number of different types of brow lift procedures. Most of the brow lift procedures would likely be categorized as more invasive than a standard upper blepharoplasty. Upper blepharoplasty is a simple procedure whereby skin and a small component of muscle is trimmed from the upper eyelid, sometimes with a small degree of fat removal. Essentially this is a simple procedure. A brow lift can be a little bit more complex. Coronal lifts and endoscopic brow lifts have moderate dissection components to them. More limited brow lift techniques such as transblepharoplasty, direct brow lift or lateral temporal brow lift have a bit less dissection/invasive requirements than the old-time traditional brow lift techniques. It is important to discuss the brow lift technique specifically with your surgeon.
Should a Patient with Botched Surgical Results, Be Required to Pay for a Revision Surgery?
msmmi in sf in Pleasanton, CA asks:
”Should a patient with botched plastic eye and brow lift be required to repay the surgeon for a revision?”
Photo Courtesy of RealSelf.com
Each individual plastic surgeon has his/her protocol in their office. Common protocols include not charging for a second procedure. Many offices and plastic surgeons require a facility fee. Less often full price is charged.
When it comes to the need for a revision procedure, which is a little bit different than “botched surgery”, repeat procedures are common. A certain percentage of patients who have a rhinoplasty or facelift surgery for instance, require touch-up or revision procedure. This can be in the range of 10 to 15% of patients sometimes. Due to the fact that this is not too uncommon, this possibility should be discussed prior to the procedure.
In the instance of a “botched” surgical procedure, a good trusted second party is needed to assist with defining the real true problems. A trustworthy second opinion would help to define whether there truly is a permanent complication or whether there is simply something else such as not getting the results that one desires, or a wound or swelling that should get better with time, etc. Going back to the primary surgeon, getting his/her opinion followed by a second opinion will best assess whether there is a true problem that needs fixing.
Commonly good ethical physicians will provide assistance for correcting surgical related complications at minimal or no charge. But there is no requirement to do so. Your best answer is to try to do the best you can with the primary physician/surgeon to see if he/she will provide correction of a true surgical complication at a reduced fee.
Lagophthalmos is Causing Painful Dry Eyes
Tankie in Victoria, BC asks:
“Problem: I am suffering from painful dry eyes due to Lagophthalmos. My oculoplastic surgeon recommends a gold implant placed in the upper eyelid of each eye.
Symptoms: – Pain in both eyes, right eye hurt me most – Unable to 100% close eyes unless I try hard – Also have droopy right upper eyelid – Unable to wink with right eye, however can wink with left
Treatments: Lubricating ointment & eye drops before bed and 6+ times per day What alternative options exist? Thank you, I need help.”
Lagophthalmos is a not too uncommon medical condition of the upper eyelids. Common causes include post surgical, as well as other neurologic conditions. The eyelids are extremely important to protect the eyes, keep them moist and prevent irritation. With lagophthalmos this protective mechanism is compromised. Treatment options include artificial tears and lubricating ointments. Gold weight implant is an excellent option to help protect the eye by providing greater ability for the eyelid to close. The important thing is to obtain a weight that is correct for your particular eyelid and condition. Often times 1 mg is utilized, but careful measuring can determine whether its more or less of this weight required for satisfactory treatment. Implantation of the gold weight is quite easy. There is a slight bulge to the eyelid that sometimes can be subtly visible and is somewhat of a downside. The good news is that gold weights can be removed quite easily as well.
Additionally, sometimes lagophthalmos is a temporary problem that with time will get better but this depends on the underlying cause of the problem.
Is It Uncomfortable to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery with Just Local Pain Medication?
Photo courtesy of blog.abcmedicaltourism.com
Rebric in Albertville, Al asks:
“I will be taking one hydrocodone/apap 7.5/500mg tablet and one diazepam 10 mg 1/2 hour prior to the surgery and given a local numbing injection. Do you know from your experience if this a comfortable option compared to general sedation? Plus have you performed this surgery without the protective eye lens cover?”
