Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
As we get older, our eyelids can loosen and sag. Heredity and sun exposure can also contribute to this process. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty (pronounced “blef-a-ro-plasty”) can give the eyes a more youthful look by removing excess skin, bulging fat and lax muscle from the upper or lower eyelids. If the sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs peripheral vision, blepharoplasty can eliminate the obstruction and expand the visual field.
Upper Blepharoplasty
For the upper eyelids, excess skin and fat are removed through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. If the lid is droopy, the muscle that raises the upper lid can be tightened. The incision is then closed with fine sutures.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Fat in the lower eyelids can be removed or repositioned through an incision hidden on the inner surface of the eyelid. Laser resurfacing or a chemical peel can be performed at the same time if desired, to smooth and tighten the lower lid skin. If there is excessive skin in the lower lid, the incision is made just below the lashes. Fat can be removed or repositioned through this incision, and the excess skin removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed together and also can be combined with other procedures such as eyebrow or forehead lift, midface lift, face lift, neck lift, or laser skin resurfacing.
Ptosis
Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). This lowering of the upper eyelid margin may cause a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelid either partially or completely obstructs the pupil. Patients with ptosis often have20difficulty keeping their eyelids open. To compensate, they will often arch their eyebrows in an effort to raise the drooping eyelids. In severe cases, people with ptosis may need to lift their eyelids with their fingers in order to see. Children with ptosis may develop amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or developmental delay from limitation of their vision.
Facial Enhancement
1. Botox
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX® is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Injections take only minutes and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. Results can last up to four months and vary per patient.
2. Fillers
Dr. Rodriguez-Sains can administer the fillers, Juvederm and Restylane, for a more youthful look. Smoothing out skin folds and wrinkles or giving your mouth a fuller form can make an enormous difference in your appearance. Results can last up to one year and vary per patient.
Skin/Tumors (Overview) Basal, Squamous and Melanoma
1. Eyelids & periocular (area around eye)
2. Benign (Overview)
3. Malignant (Overview)
Eye & skincancer.com site
Tumors of the Eye
Tumors of the eyelid may be benign cysts, inflammation or malignant skin cancers. The most common type of eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Most basal cell carcinomas can be removed with surgery. If left untreated, these tumors can grow around the eye and into the orbit, sinuses and brain. A simple biopsy can determine if an eyelid tumor is malignant. Malignant tumors are completely removed and the eyelid is repaired using plastic surgery techniques.
Eye Repair/Reconstruction
Dr. Rodriguez-Sains is world renowned for effectively helping patients who require reconstructive surgery as a result of trauma or disfiguration to the eye area due to accidents, birth malformations or a variety of other reasons.
Dry Eye
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a reduction in your eye’s ability to produce sufficient natural tears. Insufficient tear production can lead to irritation and pain, and even scarring of the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that covers the pupil and iris). Many people will experience dry eye symptoms at some point in their lives.
Some of the symptoms of dry eye include a burning sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes. You may also experience decreased tolerance to contact lens wear or sensitivity to light. Patients with "dry eye": often complain of symptoms such as:
• feeling of dryness
• gritty or foreign body sensation
• burning sensation and stinging
• soreness
• tired eyes
• paradoxically, watering eyes
What You Can Do to Prevent or Minimize Dry Eye Symptoms
• Avoid drafts from heating or air conditioning vents, especially in cars and airplanes.
• Take frequent breaks to relieve eye strain during periods of prolonged computer use.
• Remove your contact lenses and keep them especially clean when your eyes are feeling dry.
• After LASIK surgery, use artificial eye drops to soothe and comfort your dry eyes during recovery.
• Be aware that certain over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
• Use a humidifier at home and in your workplace.