How Will You Look after Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Cosmetic eyelid surgery-whether and upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be important elements of your facial rejuvenation plan. Generally after upper eyelid blepharoplasty more of the upper eyelid area becomes visible and patients tell me that they look “refreshed” and “more awake” and for patients who could not wear eye makeup because the eyelid was covered by the excess skin, they are now able to wear it once again. This provides a restoration of the once youthful eyelid contour. Typically after lower eyelid blepharoplasty, patient remark that the puffiness of the lower eyelid is reduced or eliminated and the skin appears smoother and tighter. I like to know what you looked like in your 20’s or early 30’s, so I will often ask you to bring some pictures of yourself to your consultation. By using this for guidance I can discuss your blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and review your individual expectations. This helps me get the best possible results for you. Patients who have cosmetic eyelid surgery can expect that their facial features look more youthful and rejuvenated and tell me that they now look as young as they feel!

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a consultation for cosmetic eyelid or blepharoplasty, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.

Recovery after Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

How Much Time Will I Need Off After Eyelid Surgery?
For patients considering eyelid surgery, knowing how long to be off work and what to expect in general, helps them plan. The recovery time following surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the type of surgery, their age and general health.  Even when undergoing the same procedure, patients may take different amount of time to heal. In general, for patients having upper eyelid blepharoplasty, 5 to 7 days off work is typical while for those having both and upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, up to 10 to 14 days may be necessary. Patients with occupations requiring minimal physical activity may be able to get back to work sooner.

All patients having eyelid surgery will experience some swelling and bruising that will gradually improve over the first 1 to 3 weeks.  Ice packs, head elevation, and rest may help minimize swelling. The amount of swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient and even from the left and right sides in the same patient. Mild bruising may resolve in 2-4 days, whereas more significant bruising may last 10-14 days. Makeup can be applied to help hide residual bruising, usually starting two weeks after surgery.  If you or someone you know would like to know more about eyelid surgery, what to expect before, during and after eyelid surgery or schedule a consultation to find out if eyelid surgery might be helpful in looking their best, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.

Southcoast LASIK & Cataract Surgery Patients Need UV Eye Protection

Center for Sight performs LASIK and cataract surgery for patients from throughout the Southcoast Massachusetts area.  For patients who have had eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery, it is important to remember to wear UV protecting eyewear and sunglasses as you take advantage of the seacoast in the upcoming warmer weather. This time of year a lot of patients spend a great deal of time participating in outdoor activities-hiking, swimming, sailing, walking along the beach. This means you are going to be exposed to a good dose of UV from the sun.  For many patients who have had LASIK or cataract surgery, wearing glasses is not longer part of their daily routine and so they just don’t think about eyeglasses, sunglasses or UV eye protection anymore. But we want to remind them that as they spend more time involved in outdoor activities-especially near the seacoast or water, they tend to underestimate their risk of sun and UV damage to their eyes. It’s actually greater than most people realize. One of the things we want to avoid-especially for patients who have had any type of eye surgery-is the risk of “sun burnt eyes” or photokeratitis, which is also called ultraviolet keratitis. This is not only uncomfortable-it can be threatening to vision.

Sunglasses for UV eye protection should be considered more than simply a fashion accessory. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn’t have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

If you or someone you know has questions about UV eye protection and sunglasses or needs to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® for Wrinkles

BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® Injections

What’s the Difference?

BOTOX®, Xeomin® &Dysport®, are each slightly different preparations of Botulinum Toxin A, which is a class of medication called a “neurotoxin” and is derived from a protein that works to relax targeted muscles. Each preparation is slightly different in that they may differ in the protein structure or size of the molecules in the medication. BOTOX® was the first and is the oldest neurotoxin on the market having been approved by the FDA in 1989. Dysport® was approved in 2009 and Xeomin® in 2010, however both have been around in Europe for a long time. The dosage varies between the drugs. All three have very similar safety profiles and effectiveness. My experience is that each works very effectively when used to reduce wrinkles and shape your brow position.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a consultation for help with facial wrinkles of fine lines using nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® injections, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.

Who Can Perform Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Choosing a Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeon

Patients often ask me about the different types of surgeons who can perform cosmetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty. There can be some confusion, but most eyelid surgery specialists would advise that when choosing a surgeon to perform eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, look for a facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in the orbit and tear drainage system, with extensive training in ophthalmic plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic eye surgeons, who are trained and experienced in surgery for both the eye itself and the surrounding delicate eyelid tissues-and who are knowledgeable about the aesthetics of how to help patients look their best, are a sound choice for cosmetic eyelid surgery for puffy, droopy, saggy tired looking eyes.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, please schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D. by calling Center for Sight at 508-730-2020.

Eye Infection Information to Know

Having some information about the symptoms of eye infections as compared to eye allergies and dry eye can be useful for you and your family members. Here is an overview of allergies and dry eye symptoms as compared to an eye infection.

About Allergies & Dry Eyes

Symptoms of Allergies or Dry Eyes

·         If you work at a computer for an extended time or have allergies to products or airborne substances, you may experience dry, red or irritated eyes.

·         Generally allergies and dry eyes affect both eyes.

·         Treatment options usually include resting your eyes or using an over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, as recommended by your eye doctor.

About Eye Infections

Symptoms of Eye Infections

·         Frequently occurs when bacteria, fungi or viruses attack any part of your eye, including the surface, membrane lining of the outer eye and inner eyelid, interior portions or the soft tissue of the eyelid.

·         Infections inside the eye or in the soft tissue of the eyelid are the most dangerous and if left untreated, the condition may spread throughout the eye.

·         Symptoms usually include redness, pain, discharge, watering and sensitivity to light; usually occurs only in one eye; if symptoms are detected, immediately contact your eye doctor for an evaluation.

Types of Eye Infections

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)-A common infection that is highly contagious.
• Viral Keratitis -Can be simply related to a respiratory virus or cold or more serious such as Ocular Herpes that occurs when exposed to the Herpes Simplex Virus.
• Fungal Keratitis- A fungus commonly found in organic matter such as soil, leaves or branches of a tree.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis- A parasite that attacks the eye more often in individuals wearing contact lenses and swimming in pools, lakes, ponds, hot tubs or streams who are at increased risk for contracting this infection.
• Trachoma - Usually found in underdeveloped countries. Typically infects the inner eyelid along with eyelashes touching the area can infect the cornea and cause permanent blindness.
• Endophthalmitis- Occurs with a penetrating eye injury or complication following eye surgery and if left untreated, may lead to blindness.

Preventing Eye Infections

·         If you experience symptoms associated with an eye infection, contact Center for Sight immediately. Prompt treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent blindness. To avoid eye infections, wash your hands throughout the day, especially if you are near an individual with a red eye or other signs of infection. Contact lens wearers should follow care and handling instructions provided by their eye doctor.

If you or someone you know is concerned about having an eye infection please call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver. Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Dry Eye Problems Common with Computer Screen Use

Dry eye problems are very common. But did you know that computer screens, video display terminals and even computer games can make dry eye problems even more troubling?

Research about Dry Eyes & Computer Screen Use

According to a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, users of video display screens or computer terminals are at greater risk for symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye disease (DED). In this study a group of 672 young and middle-aged office workers who used video display terminals (VDT) completed questionnaires and underwent dry eye testing. Of the 672 workers, 76.5% had definite dry or probable dry eye disease with the percentage being higher in woman than men and higher in office workers over 30 years of age especially if they used computers more than 8 hours per day. Thus, DED is common among young to middle-aged VDT or computer screen users.

It is recommended that anyone using VDT or computer screens of any type for moderate to long periods of time or even those who notice increased dryness or grittiness should take steps to try and keep the surface of the eye moist and well lubricated. This might include using artificial tears or lubricants, taking breaks from the computer after 20 minutes or so of use and making sure to remember to blink frequently if a computer screen is a daily event.

If you or someone you know has questions about dry eyes or needs help for a dry eye problem to schedule an appointment by calling us at 508-730-2020, or visiting Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.