Phoenix blepharoplasty - Thinking About Getting Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Many people consider the eyes to be the "windows to the soul."  Adults and children alike can discern the slightest change in expression or emotion by watching the eyes.  A survey in 2008 showed that men and women alike first look at the eyes of people they meet.  The eyelids, therefore, act to frame and accentuate one of the most attractive and unique features of the human face.  Whether masculine or feminine, our concept of facial harmony always includes eyelids with definition, smooth skin and gradual transition zones.  Of course, the eyelids also serve the vital purpose of protecting and lubricating our eyes. 

 Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both says Phoenix eyelid surgery specialist. It gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Changes that affect the upper eyelid include the development of excess skin, the appearance of excess fat (especially near the nose), a drop in the angle of the eyelashes and lowered position of the eyelid.  Sometimes, this can even reduce the vision in the upper fields.

According to Phoenix blepharoplasty expert, the cosmetic operation most commonly performed on the upper eyelids is reasonably minor, but should only be performed by an experienced, properly trained surgeon.  In most cases, the procedure can be performed under light or medium sedation in an outpatient or office setting.  Incisions are hidden such that they are essentially invisible.  The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed.  The recovery is painless and involves fairly simple care of the healing areas.  Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like lower eyelid surgery, facelift, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Patients requesting lower eyelid surgery usually are concerned about "bags" or pouches under their eyes, lines in the eyelid skin, changes in the lower eyelid position, changes in the tone or texture of the eyelid skin, or excess tearing from one or both eyes.  The goals of lower eyelid surgery depend on the area of concern for the patient, but in most cases, the contour of the lid is smoothed, bags or pouches are removed, the skin texture is improved, there is a lift in volume and removal of any low spots.

The lower eyelid is more complex but cosmetic surgery in this area in the proper hands can be very rewarding says Phoenix facial plastic surgeon.  Once again, the importance of a properly trained, experienced eyelid surgeon is vital to assure the best outcome.  There are two common approaches - an incision hidden behind the eyelid (transconjunctival) and an incision directly through the eyelid skin below the lashes (subciliary).  The chosen approach depends on the goals of the surgery and each patient's individual preference. 

The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed (although there are usually no sutures for the transconjunctival approach).  As with upper eyelid surgery, bruising may persist for a few days longer, but are generally easy to conceal.  In some cases, lower eyelid surgery is combined with laser treatment to the lower eyelid skin or the areas around the eye.  As with upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like upper eyelid surgery, facelift, brow lift Phoenix, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk. 

Finding a Job Over 40

It has been more than thirty years since we have seen a serious economic downturn, and many would argue that times today are even more difficult than they were in 1979.  National unemployment is nearly 10% and in some regions like Phoenix it may be even higher.  It is more competitive in the job market, and yet there are graduating classes of new workers looking to start their careers every year.

Few people know that many of those who come to my office in Scottsdale for facial rejuvenation such as a Phoenix facelift surgery or botox are concerned about protecting their job or reputation.  For example, a very bright professional woman saw me because she felt that she looked ten years greater than her actual age and felt twenty years younger than she appeared says Phoenix facial plastic surgeon.  She found that potential clients were judging her as being "old" and they would presume she did not have the same quickness or vigor as her younger competitors.  In reality, she is one of the best in her field, was in great physical condition and was being unfairly judged!  Of course, nobody will come right out and tell you how they think, but the tapering off of work, questions about her being "tired" and murmurs from colleagues and staff made it painfully clear that her fears were correct.  She underwent a facelift and eyelid surgery Phoenix with me and could not be happier that her outward appearance reflects how she feels inside.

Of course, changes that come with age are a reality.  This doesn't mean, though, that you should lose your job or suffer some level of professional rejection instead of taking reasonable steps to fight that process.  I have been asked, "Why do we age?" and "Why do some people seem to age so much faster than others?"  Those are the questions of the century, really, but we know that many factors will affect our external appearance of age.  In Arizona, we are all too aware of the effects of the Sun and ultraviolet rays.  But probably equally important are heredity, smoking history, history of taking steroids or certain strong medications, history of serious illness, and yes...stress.  So, to control the aging process, we can protect our skin from the sun, not smoke, stay well and live a low-stress life, right?  To some degree, this is true, but we often don't have much choice about our genetics or stress levels, and many of us lived in a time when sunscreen did not exist, so significant solar damage may have already occurred says Phoenix facial cosmetic surgeon.

In those circumstances, the best treatments are often surgical and should be done in a way to maintain a natural appearance while minimizing the amount of "down-time."  I have developed the True Results Facelift, an operation for women and men that accomplishes the most natural, long-lasting results while minimizing "down-time."  The operation is essentially painless and the recovery is relatively easy

Injecting Beauty

All of us who seek to maintain or improve our image know that everything we do carries with it certain limitations and risks says Phoenix facial plastic surgeon. This bit of reality has pushed science and medicine toward the "Holy Grail" of cosmetic treatment: Something that can give noticeable improvement right away, looks natural, doesn't cost too much and has minimal or no down time.  Alas, we are not there yet! Rest assured, though, that great minds continue to pursue this lofty goal.

In the meantime, we have many solutions that are the closest answer to this question - Injectable cosmetic treatments.  The major types of products and services available are:

§  Muscle relaxing injections like Botox (Abobotulinum Toxin A) and Dysport (Onabotulinum Toxin A)

§  Dermal hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane

§  Dermal Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse)

§  Deep injection of poly-methyl methacrylate (ArteFill)

§  Injection of collagen building therapy from Poly-L Lactic Acid (Sculptra)

§  Fat transfer - injection of fat taken from elsewhere in the body to add facial volume

 So...just choose from these products and services and get great results, right?

In short, NO.  These products have to be handled properly and placed in very precise locations in order to give the best results says facelift Scottsdale specialist.  The knowledge of anatomy, physiology and the practiced dexterity possessed by a facial cosmetic surgeon is far beyond any "nurse injector" or aesthetician, regardless of their individual experience.  The truth is, these products and techniques are not harmless and when a bad outcome occurs, it can leave a patient with quite a serious problem that can take a long time to resolve.

I have taken care of many patients injected by unlicensed, non-physician "injectors" who have had to undergo removal of product or had to tough out three months of a drooping eyelid or eyebrow.  Of course, there are also those patients who just don't quite get the improvement they had hoped, so they seek a more trained hand.  When it comes to cosmetic facial injection by a non-physician "injector" to save money, the old addage that you get what you pay for holds true.

I have very strict standards on the quality of work my patients receive.  I treat each patient as they were my own family member.  I would only recommend to my wife, brother, sister or mother that they receive these injections from a fully trained, licensed physician.  For this reason, I personally inject all of my patients, every time, without exception.

Everybody has their own favorite tricks of the trade.  I have adaptations I have developed to give something special to patients that they are not likely to find elsewhere.  My approach to lip augmentation injection is very refined and provides a natural, balanced, beautiful look.  I have a technique for elevation of the down-turned corners of the mouth that can give instant results.  Botox and Dysport patients of mine know that I can improve the frown lines while simultaneously giving an attractive brow lift Scottsdale procedure.

In those patients who just can't afford the downtime or the expense of surgery, I offer an all injection facelift technique which adds volume and elevation to the midface while softening the lines of the lower face.

Fat transfer is one of the true miracles of facial rejuvenation, and not every Phoenix facial plastic surgeon performs this procedure properly.  The very selective removal of fat from another body location without leaving evidence at the donor site and then transfer of this living tissue to the face in a careful and balanced way restores volume that is your living tissue, and is therefore permanent.

If you have had cosmetic facial injections in the past or you are just considering it for the first time, make an appointment to meet with me.  I will give you a complete analysis and will tailor a treatment that best suits your goals and anatomy.