Cosmetic & Reconstructive
Eye Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is a popular type of cosmetic facial plastic surgery to help you look your best. In our society, looking your best and preserving your youthful features are important parts of who we are.
-Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty involves the improvement of two characteristics of the aging upper eyelid area. The first is correction of excess skin of the upper eyelid, a condition referred to as “hooding of the upper lid.” The second condition that can be corrected is the puffiness that is seen in the inner corner and middle of the eyelid as a result of herniation or pushing forward of fat located in these areas above the eye.

-Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid Blepharoplasty is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids, which is the anatomic area that extends from the lower lid eyelashes to the bony rim of the eye socket. If there is a herniation of fat present, there are two different surgical approaches to remove the fat. The more common technique utilizes an inconspicuous incision that runs just beneath the lash line. An alternative is to enter the fat pockets through an incision made in the inner lining of the lower eyelid. If excess skin needs to be removed, this can only be accomplished through an external approach. The procedure is long lasting and usually never has to be repeated.

The normal aging process can affect the face in many areas-including the forehead and eyebrows! Forehead and eyebrow aging changes are sometimes hastened by a lot of sun and wind exposure or just by the pull of gravity. Aging of the forehead area and eyebrows can result in forehead furrows, “frown lines”, wrinkling across the forehead and a “heaviness” of the eyebrows making them a bit droopy. Sagging eyebrows can make you project a tired, sad or even grumpy appearance.

About Forehead & Eyebrow Lifts

A forehead lift, or “browlift,” is a procedure that we use to restore a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes and is often performed in patients in the 35-65 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. It can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Some individuals with inherited low, heavy brows or furrowed lines above the nose can also achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure. A forehead or brow lift may be combined with eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty to provide the best results for a more harmonious, youthful appearance. We find that sometimes patients who seek consultation for an upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery find that a forehead lift better meets their personal appearance goals. The surgical objective of a browlift is to tighten excess loose skin, smooth forehead wrinkling and modify drooping brows in order to create a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. The primary goal, in most patients, is to rejuvenate the eyes, making them look more rested and youthful. Having a thorough and careful consultation will help us identify your areas of concern and personal goals.

When to Consider Forehead & Eyebrow Lifts

Patients who might find a brow lift beneficial are typically concerned about having a sad expression due to the outside of their brow sagging or those who have an angry expression because their central brow hangs or droops downward. Others who can benefit from brow lifts are unhappy with the presence of “frown lines” on their forehead, women who have difficulty applying makeup to their upper eyelid as the surface has been obscured by droopy skin and those who can see a pleasant improvement in appearance by gently lifting the skin above their eyebrows. For some, combining a brow lift with a blepharoplasty has a major benefit as it allows us to improve baggy tissue and crow’s feet providing a much happier overall look.

About Endoscopic Browlift

We perform browlift surgery exclusively using an endoscopic browlift surgery technique rather than a traditional browlift procedure. Traditional browlift surgery can be excellent for most patients however it can be associated with some numbness of the scalp and may have a slightly longer recovery time due to larger incisions. An endoscopic browlift is typically performed through 2-5 one centimeter incisions placed behind the hairline to elevate the entire forehead and brows. Most patients like this method because it is not as invasive as the traditional browlift procedures and has a much faster recovery time with far fewer risks.

Ptosis is a condition characterized by a drooping of the eyelid. There are several causes of ptosis or a droopy eyelid. There are a number of causes of ptosis and with careful evaluation and diagnosis ptosis can often be minimized or eliminated with outpatient surgery to repair the eyelid.

Functional Ptosis or Droopy Eyelid
A common cause of ptosis is the presence of excess upper eyelid skin and prolapsed fat associated with aging that can mechanically weigh down the upper eyelid and cause it to droop. This is considered a functional ptosis, as long as the upper eyelid maintains a normal position and functions normally. When it is the actual eyelid that is drooping, whether or not is associated with excess upper eyelid skin, ptosis becomes the diagnosis. A specialized muscle is responsible for elevating the eyelid. Over time, it can stretch or detach from its insertions and can allow the upper eyelid to maintain a lower posture when the eyelid is opened. In this instance, the normal upper eyelid crease may appear to have migrated upward. Patients with this problem may display strong contraction of their eyebrow muscles, giving them furrow lines. While most patients don’t realize that they are doing this, they may experience significant fatigue over the course of a day. Patients with this condition may appear chronically tired or angry. Not only can this affect a patient’s appearance, but it can also significantly impair the upper and peripheral visual field. The patient may not notice this, as the central vision, which is used for reading or driving, is not affected. When evaluating your ptosis, we might perform special measurements and tests including taking photographs and performing a visual field test. Visual field testing will assess whether the droopy eyelid is impairing the upper or peripheral visual field. If you are a candidate, surgical correction can be done on an outpatient basis.

Congenital Ptosis or Droopy Eyelid
Congenital ptosis is a droopy lid that is present at birth. There are several causes of congenital ptosis and is sometimes can associated with other eye problems including misdirected or misaligned eye muscles. In many instances, the eyelid muscle that elevates the eyelid does not develop well. When significant, the droopy eyelid can block the visual input to the child’s eye and impair the development of that eye and normal vision and often the child may maintain an abnormal head posture in an attempt to see underneath the droopy eyelids. If surgical correction is deemed necessary, your child will have a consultation with our specialist who will then explain the possible approaches to the surgical correction of congenital ptosis, each guided toward severity and cause of the droopy eyelid. The eyelid surgery for correction of congenital ptosis may range from a simple tightening of the upper eyelid muscle if it has good function to even utilizing the brow muscles to elevate the eyelid. There are several ways of accomplishing this goal including the use of specialized materials and grafting techniques and if necessary we will guide you through this process so we can be helpful in achieving the best possible results.

We perform eyelid reconstruction most commonly to repair defects and damage to the eyelid that has resulted from trauma or removal of eyelid tumors. More superficial eyelid defects that occur after minor trauma or removal of small growths only require a few sutures and proper wound care to properly heal. With more significant traumatic injuries or removal of larger growths or skin cancers, larger defects may course through the entire lid.  Sometimes these wounds can be sutured together directly, but many others may require more complex reconstructions. In more complex cases, we may need to create “flaps” to transfer closely adjacent tissues or transfer skin “grafts” from other parts of the eyelid, face or body to complete the reconstruction. In instances where the eyelid reconstruction is particularly complex, we may need to perform multiple surgeries in a “staged reconstruction” in order to get the best results.

A skin tag is a small benign lesion which is tag of skin that may have a stalk or peduncle. Skin tags look like a small piece of soft hanging skin. Skin tags can appear on any area of skin on your body but are most often found where skin rubs against skin or clothing. The eyelid and eyelid creases are common sites of skin tags. Skin tags may appear on children but are increasing common as we get older. Most skin tags are an aesthetic concern, do not raise concern and are generally easily removed. However, if you experience a sudden onset of a number of skin tags it would be important to see your primary care physician as this may be a sign or an indication of a weight problem or even diabetes. We can remove skin tags with excellent cosmetic results by using cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, cautery using thermal energy or in some cases by excision with special fine scissors or a scalpel.

Growths on or around the eyelids and face are common. The eyelid is an extremely common site of skin cancer accounting for up 10% of the more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year. The vast majority of eyelid and facial lesions are benign and we are able to remove them easily and comfortably right in the office.

-Early Eyelid & Facial Skin Cancer Detection & Diagnosis

The approach to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of growths on the eyelids and face is similar to elsewhere on your body. Changes in appearance, size or color are all considered important to bring to our attention. Sometimes a quick and relatively simple in office biopsy procedure may be required to determine whether the lesion is problematic. Should the growth in question be malignant, we may remove it or, depending on the type of malignancy, the breadth and depth, ask that a dermatological oncologist perform a MOHS Micrographic Surgery after which we will perform a reconstructive surgery to create a proper cosmetic result for you. There are several types of malignant growths of the eyelid and face that we want to observe and identify.

—Basal Cell Carcinoma
By far, the most common malignant or cancerous growth of the eyelid is known as basal cell carcinoma, a very slow growing malignancy that may be present for several months before it is recognized and fortunately rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it does require removal and reconstruction. We will perform an evaluation of any abnormal growth of the face and eyelids and will possibly recommend an in office biopsy. Should the biopsy specimen be read by the pathologist as positive for malignancy, further management will be required. This may include a simple office procedure or may require extensive removal and reconstruction in a hospital setting under monitored anesthesia. Once the tumor is removed completely, we will generally keep you under observation yearly over the next several years. It is unlikely that the tumor will recur or cause further problems, but once you have a single basal cell, it is certainly more likely to have others in the coming years. Generally, patients do extremely well and most patients who undergo resection and reconstruction of a basal cell carcinoma can have no residual cosmetic deformity.

–Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This too is a relatively slow growing cancer but does have a greater potential to locally invade, as well as metastasize. It can also travel along nerve roots and therefore, can often present with pain. Fortunately, it is much less common than basal cell cancers. It is managed in the same way as a basal cell cancer, although a wide excision may be required. It is also generally dealt with more promptly than a basal cell cancer.

–Sebaceous Cell Adenocarcinoma
Sebaceous cell adenocarcinoma is exceedingly rare, but it is most specific to the eyelids. It can clinically mimic several other benign problems of the eye and it is therefore misdiagnosed or diagnosed after delay. It most frequently occurs in patients in their 70’s and 80’s but can occur at any age. It is serious in the sense that it has metastatic potential. Diagnosis is often difficult even when an adequate specimen is obtained and sent for pathologic evaluation.

–Melanoma
Like other parts of the body, an abnormal coloration to the skin can represent a melanoma or something along the spectrum of a melanoma. While eyelid and facial melanomas are rare, any pigmented lesion around the eyelid deserves attention. Similar guidelines to pigmented lesions or moles on other parts of the body, certainly apply to the eyelids. Changes in color, size and behavior all warrant evaluation and possible biopsy.

Eye tearing and drainage problems can result from over production of tears, or inability of the normal tears to drain out of the eye through the normal drainage ducts and pathway. Any abnormal positioning of the eyelids can also cause tearing, as the normal anatomy is required to direct the tears through the drainage pathway. Nerve damage is also a possible cause of tearing, as the physiologic tear pump mechanism may be impaired in those situations. Interestingly, people with dry eyes often complain of tearing. This occurs as the backup tear production system of the eye will produce an overabundance of tears in an attempt to protect an eye that seems to be drying out. We have extensive experience in evaluating and treating all forms of tearing, tear and duct structures and drainage problems and as necessary can correct an abnormally positioned eyelid, as well as open blocked tear ducts in both adults and children.

Approximately 70% of thyroid disease sufferers will at some point develop problems related to their eyes. Referred to as Grave’s disease, the eye changes associated with thyroid disease are seen in all types of thyroid disorders. Most commonly, they develop in patients who are or were hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid). Eye problems can occur in patients who have an underactive thyroid or even normal thyroid. The eye disease is not necessarily related to the control of your thyroid levels. Most people will develop thyroid eye problems within 1 year of their thyroid diagnosis. While most eye problems related to thyroid disease are mild, some can be quite disfiguring and traumatic. There is a great deal that can be done to evaluate and treat patients with thyroid related eye problems.

–Double Vision
The immune system’s attack on the eye muscles and their subsequent accumulation of fluid make eye muscle movement problems in thyroid eye disease common. Patients will often complain of double vision and can be noted to have asymmetric or abnormal movement of their eyes. It is important for the patient to understand that this problem requires some stabilization and that correction is possible. Conservative management includes the incorporation of prisms into your eyeglasses. Eye muscle surgery may be performed to realign the eyes as well.

-Eye Protrusion or Eye Bulging
The same process that causes abnormalities to the eye muscles and increases the fluid in the eye muscles and orbital fat will cause a forward displacement of the eyeball, simply because of the increased volume in the bony eye socket. As the eye protrudes forward, it can cause several problems. Cosmetic deformity along with the upper eyelid retraction can give the characteristic stare. Excessive protrusion may make eyelid closure difficult and therefore, eyeball and corneal protection may be compromised. Correction of the upper eyelid retraction and removal of prolapsing orbital fat pockets of the eyelids may help to camouflage the abnormal appearance. When severe, orbital decompression can be utilized to expand the volume of the eye socket and allow the eyeball to achieve a more normal position. We will discuss these considerations with you.

-Vision Loss
The most dreaded complication associated with thyroid eye disease is vision loss. This is related to the increase in volume in the eye socket. The eye socket can be thought of as a “cone” where the ape has all of the eye muscles and nerve fibers crowded in a very tight space. Any increase in volume of the eye muscles and orbital fat can compress the optic nerve in this small space. This may not be noticed at first by the patient, but may be uncovered by color vision testing and formal peripheral visual field testing. It can also be evidenced by abnormal response to pupil examination. When severe, it can even be noticed by the patient as a loss of central vision. This serious problem is often referred to as compressive optic neuropathy. Compressive optic neuropathy is usually treated immediately with oral steroids and planning is made for orbital decompression surgery. Occasionally, radiation treatments can aid in treating this problem. Although this is an uncommon problem, it is imperative that all patients with thyroid eye disease be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Cosmetic Considerations
People with thyroid eye disease often have a characteristic stare related to eyelid retraction and the protrusion of the eye that occurs. Additionally, they may show significant orbital fat prolapse and fluid accumulation, which can account for significant bags around the eyelids. Every patient should understand that while thyroid eye disease can be very frustrating, it can also be treated. With patience and perseverance, together we can accomplish a lot to improve your comfort and appearance.

Smoking and Thyroid Eye Disease
While we do not have all the answers to the thyroid eye disease puzzle, we do have good evidence that patients with thyroid eye disease will exacerbate their problems if they smoke. Furthermore, patients who stop smoking, often benefit with an improvement in their thyroid eye disease. Smoking cessation will also improve the healing process should you require surgery.