Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and wrinkles and fatty deposits that cause puffiness from the eyelids. It reduces bags and dark circles under the eyes, and corrects droopiness of the lower eyelids.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals in good health who have realistic expectations about the outcome. They are usually at least 35 years old and, ideally, nonsmokers.

A typical eyelid surgery takes about two hours, when both the upper and lower eyelids are done. You’ll receive a local anesthetic and either oral or intravenous sedation. Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed first; incisions are made along the natural folds of the eyelids and the skin is separated so that excess fat, tissue and muscle can be removed. For the lower eyelids, an incision is usually made just below the lashes and excess fatty deposits are removed. In some cases, laser resurfacing may be recommended.

While eyelid surgery is a common procedure that thousands of people undergo every year without problems, there is always some risk involved with surgery. Possible complications include infection, hematoma, scarring, allergic reactions, an inability to completely close the eyes, loss of vision and dryness or irritation in the eyes. You’ll likely notice some swelling or bruising, and may experience blurry vision and a sensitivity to light.

Results are usually long lasting although continued aging can make forehead skin sag, resulting in the appearance of droopy eyelids again over time. Some patients choose additional surgery on the upper eyelids after a number of years. Repeat surgery on the lower eyelids is rarely necessary.

To discuss a specific procedure and determine if you are candidate, your surgeon will need to evaluate your bone structure and skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Fillers and injectables are non-surgical treatments often used to diminish lines on the face or restore volume and fullness to the face. As skin ages, it loses subcutaneous fat that results in the appearance of lines or the skin may look droopy. Fillers and injectables may plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours of the face, soften facial creases and wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars.

Lip augmentation is a common type of cosmetic procedure that gives the appearance of fuller and plumper lips. Injectable dermal filler is most commonly used for this procedure. There are many types of fillers, but the most widely used include a substance similar to hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, allergic reactions are very unlikely. The doctor will mark the lips where the injection will be made. Though recovery is faster than a surgical procedure, there may be bleeding, swelling, bruising and redness and tenderness at the injection site.

Botox is an injectable drug used to temporarily paralyze muscle activity. Derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, it is injected into the skin to reduce facial wrinkles and creases, crow’s feet and frown lines. It blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting. Results last from three to 12 months with many patients opting for maintenance injections. The best candidates are healthy adults who do not have deep lines or creases etched into the skin.

Injectable fillers are soft tissue fillers injected into the skin to fill in facial lines, folds and wrinkles. Unlike Botox, injectable fillers rely on substances such as hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid or calcium hydro-xylapatite. The most popular brands include Restylane, Juvaderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. Most last between six months and two years, and require maintenance injections. They are often used in conjunction with other procedures such as facelifts and Botox injections.

To discuss a specific filler or injectable and determine if you are candidate, your physician will need to evaluate your skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Lip augmentation is a common type of cosmetic procedure that gives the appearance of fuller and plumper lips. Injectable dermal filler is most commonly used for this procedure. There are many types of fillers, but the most widely used include a substance similar to hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring, allergic reactions are very unlikely. The doctor will mark the lips where the injection will be made. Though recovery is faster than a surgical procedure, there may be bleeding, swelling, bruising and redness and tenderness at the injection site.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures and is used to repair or reshape the nose. Through this procedure, a surgeon can make the nose larger or smaller, straighten the bridge, reshape the tip, narrow the opening of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. It can also be used to correct defects resulting from trauma or birth and may be used to help individuals with breathing difficulties.

A rhinoplasty procedure can change the size, width and profile of your nose. It can smooth out depressions or bumps on the bridge and fix an imperfect nasal tip if it is too large, droopy or curves upward. Large or wide nostrils may be reshaped. Rhinoplasty is a common and safe procedure, but there are risks inherent with any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, nasal asymmetry, skin contour irregularities and perforations in the nasal septum.

Surgery is performed using either a local or general anesthetic. It typically takes an hour or two, but the procedure may last longer when more complex restructuring is required. An incision is made, usually inside the nostrils, and the nose is either reduced or augmented using cartilage from other parts of the body. If a deviated septum needs to be corrected, it is straightened during the procedure. Once the nasal structure has been reshaped, the incisions are closed, a splint is place to help support the nose as it heals.

Most patients return home the same day although more complicated procedures may require a brief hospital stay. You’ll be asked to rest in bed immediately after the surgery, keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding. Dressings are usually removed after a week. You may experience puffiness in the face and minor bruising for a few days while you heal. Rhinoplasty usually offers permanent results though it may take up to a year for these to be fully noticeable.

To discuss a specific procedure and determine if you are candidate, your surgeon will need to evaluate your bone structure and skin type before proceeding. Contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.

Facial plastic surgery can either be cosmetic or reconstructive although most facial plastic surgery cases are elective. Examples of facial plastic surgery include rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, eyelid surgery and fillers and injectables. Procedures are performed by facial plastic surgeons who are highly skilled and trained. Many otolaryngologists, also known as ENT physicians, are facial plastic surgeons as well. Facial plastic surgery outcomes will depend on a combination of the surgeon’s technical skill and the patient’s bone structure and skin type.

Facial plastics also addresses skin lesions. They are a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance to the skin around it. Skin lesions can be primary or secondary. Primary skin lesions are typically present at birth or develop over time and include birthmarks and rashes. Secondary skin lesions are the result of irritated skin such as a scar or ulcer. Since skin lesions can be hereditary, the result of an allergy or caused by a skin infection, it’s important to see a doctor to have the lesion evaluated and diagnosed.

To discuss a specific procedure or skin condition contact our office at 337-266-9820 to schedule a consultation.