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Blepharoplasty
(Eyelid
Rejuvenation) Consultation/FAQ's
Removes excessive skin and fat from both the upper and lower lids for a refreshed and alert look.
Our meeting is the first step in
bringing you closer to feeling good about yourself. It is always
exciting and at the same time anxiety producing when going for
the consultation.
But, congratulations, it is now complete.
My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years has allowed me
to fine tune and think about every aspect of your care. I take
great pride in my work and want my patients, you, to be
extremely pleased with your results. How we achieve a content
family of patients is by planning each step of your journey. The
consultation was the starting point. From here we set up a day
of surgery that fits into your schedule. My office staff will
smooth the way for you. You will receive care instructions
before the surgery that outlines what we both can do to improve
your results and make you comfortable before, during and after
surgery. Your prescriptions will also be written for you before
the surgery so you can arrive home and not worry about how to
get your medicines. These will be accompanied by guidelines
informing you how and when to use these medicines.
I will meet you before the surgery and be with you as you are
being sedated. It is my task to look out for your well being,
which I take very seriously. Once the procedure has started my
aim is to do the very best I can for you. I do not rush through
surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the best outcome.
I am often asked how long surgery will take. My only answer is
as long as I need for both of us to be satisfied with the
outcome. Rushing though one surgery to get to another is not how
I take care of my patients. Often I will only do one major
surgery a day. Not only have I studied and continue to learn and
grow, but I keep my physical being in excellent condition as
would an athlete prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted me with
your care and as such I consider you unique. No two surgeries
are ever the same; each is tailored to match your particular
needs. The human form is the highest form of art. Once the
healing has been completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery. As you
awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining close a contact
after the procedure, coupled with personalized and frequent
evaluations in my office will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of satisfaction with
the way they look and feel is what drives my office. We look
forward to your joining our satisfied family of patients.
When
is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and skin wise is
desirable. As
the rest of our body ages, so does the skin. The elasticity and
thickness
diminish over time, therefore, having a procedure when there is
something relatively small to correct is better than waiting for
everything
to fall. An earlier lift lasts longer and gives you added years
to look and
feel your best.
Can I have only my two lids smoothed out?
Usually, there is loosening of the skin and bulging of extra lid
fat in all four
eyelids. Only addressing two lids will not afford you the
optimal look. The
other lids, not worked upon, will look that much worse. In order
to give a
natural appearance after surgery, the lids must all be balanced
together.
Are there any other treatments that will improve my
appearance and results?
Definitely! Good skin care and the proper skin care products
will get your
skin in the best shape before surgery and maintain it
afterwards. We have
superb skin care aestheticians who will evaluate your skin and
recommend the proper care for you.
Where is the surgery performed?
Health South Surgical Center in Bridgeport or Bridgeport
Hospital
What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a medical evaluation by your family
physician, and/or an eye exam by either your optometrist or
ophthalmologist to ensure that you are in the best possible
shape.
Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep using general anesthesia so that you
will be
comfortable throughout the operation. Once asleep, I will place
local
anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no discomfort.
This will also
minimize the amount of medicine you receive during the
operation. By
putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure and levels
of oxygen
will be optimized. Rest assured that being asleep for hours is
generally very
safe, and the 5-6 hours you sleep will be just fine.
Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes- Each cigarette’s effects lasts 12 hours on the blood
vessels of the
body. Smoking causes the skin to heal poorly and the
complications
associated with smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke
during the weeks before after and after surgery will adversely
affect your
results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation.
How long will the surgery take?
I take my time and like to be meticulous. This means not rushing
through
your surgery in order to work on another patient. In addition,
there are
many things that must be done before the operation can even
start,
including washing and preparing the area, making sure that your
body is
well cushioned, and placing your legs into special boots in
order to
compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of
surgery I need
to clean your face and apply a special dressing. I will also
wait around in
recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well
before I
leave. The surgery itself lasts between 2 ˝ to 3 hours.
What can I expect?
The folds of skin and creases in of the upper and lower lids
will be
smoothed out. Bulging pockets of fat will be softened and
re-contoured
to yield a refreshed and alert appearance. Your eyes will look
much
brighter than before.
Where are the scars?
The scars are well hidden in the upper lid crease and just below
the lower
eyelashes. Often an invisible scar is placed inside the lower
lid to remove
unwanted fat.
How long will I wear a bandage?
At the end of surgery I will place paper strips along the upper
lid and
across the outer lower lids. These will support the lids and
keep the tread
clean. When you awaken in recovery you will have a cotton pad
over
the lids for 30 minutes to keep the swelling to a minimum. I
will then
remove the pads while you eat and drink.
When can I shower?
Usually the day after surgery you can shower; however, it is
best to not let
the water hit your face. Bathes, hot tubs, and steam rooms are
not a
good idea for 3 weeks after surgery so as to keep your swelling
down.
Will my lids hurt?
Generally, there is minimal discomfort. You may note snugness
where the
extra skin was, but there should be very mild or no discomfort.
A
prescription to help alleviate pain, should it arise, will be
given before
surgery.
When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 7-10 days. Bruising is
variable and usually
located around the lids. Seeing your best friends after 10 days
is good,
but I would wait at least 2 weeks before meeting new
acquaintances.
After 2 weeks you will look presentable. After 3 weeks you will
look much
better than before surgery, but you still have another 3-4 weeks
for 50% of
the swelling to subside. It is not a good idea to exercise or
increase your
heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery. This will help
to diminish
your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal.
What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what
medicines to stay
away from and which vitamins to take. Do not allow anyone to
smoke in
your presence for weeks. Using ice often, rest, maintaining a
low salt diet
and having a positive attitude all go a long way to assisting
your recovery.
When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit
the office
within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits (which are
included in your
care) to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.
Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush),
you may owe a
bit more for the operating room and anesthesia. However, if
future
surgery or procedures are necessary then there are additional
fees for
anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.
Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of you. We
appreciate your
trust and confidence in us and do not take it lightly. My aim is
to refresh,
smooth out, and brighten your appearance. A natural look is
always best;
especially one that maintains your personal facial identity.
Looking as
good on the outside as you feel on the inside is what we will
accomplish
together.
If you have additional questions we are available to answer
them. T
Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.
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