A Different Kind of Cosmetic Surgery Testimonial

I frequently get thank you notes from patients, which I post to the “testimonials” page of my website. I am very happy to receive them. In many ways, they are more valuable than the fee I receive for my surgical procedures. It is extremely rewarding to learn from patients of their happiness, satisfaction or how something I have done has changed their lives.

A recent one has a little different character because it refers to the work by another doctor that left the patient unhappy. I am very reluctant to criticise another doctor. I know we all study hard and work hard to serve our patients. Nevertheless, as with any field of endeavor, some people are better at some aspects than others; they have more experience, have more specific training, or are more sensitive to a patient's needs. So there are bound to be differences in performance.

With that as background, here's what JT wrote to me about the results of her cosmetic surgery:

“I had an opthalmologist perform a blepharoplasty of both eyelids – complications followed, and then he did a brow lift on one eye causing a major disfigurement of my facial appearance. 

It was time to see a plastic surgeon and I chose Dr. Robert Brueck. His friendly smile, caring personality and reassurances of “I can help you” were comforting and confidence earning. Dr. Brueck did a corneal browlift, repeat blepharoplasty of both eyes and a fat graft injection into a scar. 

Dr. Brueck called me the evening after the surgery to see how I was!! One week after surgery, the results are dramatic. I am pleased with the entire office staff and I would highly recommend Dr. Brueck.”

The point I guess is to be certain that your surgeon is trained at the highest level to do what you want done. Be sure he or she understands you, what you want and your expectations. (This one of the major benefits of consultation and why I do them without charge.) 

I'll leave it at that except to say in good humor, “Please don't ask me to do your cataract surgery”.

What's drying out your eyes?

As a Florida plastic surgeon,  one of my favorite operations is an upper eyelid Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift.

Before and after photos of a blepharoplasty

The most common complication following a Blepharoplasty is dry eyes.   

There are several herbal products associated with dry eyes.  One is Niacin or vitamin B3.  Others include Echinacea, kava and anti-cholinergic alkaloids.  I have requested all my patients to stop ALL herbal supplements.  

Keeping things simple is the best.

Are your eyes the windows to your soul?

They definitely are the windows to your future.

If your upper lids get fleshy and hooded, you look tired, old and unenergetic. That can influence how people see you and what they expect from you.

Looking for a job? The younger-looking person has an advantage. Working for a promotion? What if all your boss sees when she looks in your eyes is an aging face.

So, eyelid surgery is growing in popularity. And the demand is being energized by real problems with patient vision. An ophthalmologist, who tests you for peripheral vision, may tell you that your ability to see and read will be affected by eyelids that obstruct vision and reduce the amount of light entering the lens of eye when you read.

When that happens, the doctor may prescribe eyelid surgery. And it may be covered largely by insurance (at least for now). The doctor may even have a surgeon in his office that can perform the surgery, and probably do a good job. Board certified plastic cosmetic surgeons, however, have very specific and stringent standards for surgical procedures.

Many people, who would not go to a cosmetic surgeon for an eye test seem to be unconcerned about having the eye doctor do eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. If the surgery is medically indicated, insurance also covers work by a cosmetic surgeon. If it is simply a cosmetic eyelift, insurance probably won't cover it. It may well be worth it, however, as a career investment.

This was all triggered by "thank you note" forwarded to me the other day:

"Though my ophthalmologist suggested that I have upper eyelid surgery, the decision to have the surgery was more difficult than the choice of surgeons. In choosing Dr. Brueck, I assumed I would experience excellent medical care delivered in a professional manner; my expectations were more than met.

The skills of the surgeon were never in doubt. but the courtesy and efficiency of the staff were a pleasant surprise. The pre-op and post-op instructions were communicated in a clear and understandable manner. The reminder calls regarding appointments were appreciated. The caring attention of Dr. Brueck's nurse was certainly notable.

I would recommend Dr. Brueck without any reservation to my family and friends. He will make a surgical experience as pleasant as possible."

Thank you for your attention

What your eyes say about you.

Eyelid surgery is  the third most popular cosmetic surgery. More than 147,500 procedures were performed last year,  The change in appearance can make you look more rested, refreshed and alert. One surgery can be used to have the upper eyelid, lower eye or both areas tightened. In many cases, droopiness in the upper eye can inhibit vision, while puffy bags in the lower eye create the appearance of constantly being tired or sad.

Those who undergo the procedure can expect to have incisions made to remove the loose skin surrounding the eye. As your plastic surgeon, I will determine the best technique and area to concentrate on to achieve the best outcome for you. (After all, every person has different eyes.). The incision for the upper eyelid is usually hidden in the crease or natural fold. On the lower eyelid, the incision is hidden right below the lash line. Your eyelashes can hide any scarring there. If the under-eye is dark or sagging due to loss of volume, I may suggest dermal fillers lasers or a different approach since the purpose of eyelid surgery is primarily to remove excess  skin and fat.

I perform this surgery on an outpatient basis in my licensed surgery center. Your eyesight will be blurry and compromised following surgery, so you should arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24-hours. Stitches are usually removed within a week. But blurriness, swelling and bruising can last for up to several weeks depending on each patient. In some cases, eye drops and wearing sunglasses to protect from the sun and wind are advised while your eye  recover.

Eyelid surgery is relatively low-risk and patients are generally satisfied with a 77% worth it rating on RealSelf.com. The most important part of limiting risks and complications is to 

1) make sure you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with eyelid surgery 

2) follow all pre and postoperative instructions 

3) let your doctor and his staff know if you are having any problems. 

If you have heavy-set eyelids and/or bags under your eyes, this procedure might change the way others see you, and more importantly, how you see the world.