Pensacola Oculoplastic Surgeons

Is Silikon Legal in Every U.S. State?

A Florida doctor did unsatisfactory silikon injections in my lips for $750. He is refusing to see me for follow up. Is silikon legal in some states and not in others? Please advise.

As a board-certified ophthalmologist, I can assure you that silicone is approved in every state for use during vitreoretinal surgeries such as retinal detachment repair.  Its has been around a very long time, and is very well-tolerated by the body.  Therefore, it doubles wonderfully as a dermal filler.  As a facial plastic surgeon, I can tell you that we have used it for years in the face with excellent results especially in the lips or areas where a softer feel is desired.  However, it also functions well to build structures, such as mounds on a chin (popular with our male patients looking for a little tougher look).  The price you paid is also what we charge per injection session and typically more than one is required as it is permanent.  Therefore, we under fill a bit and allow the body to surround it and add to the effect, adding more over time as needed.

David M. Mills, MD

Pensacola Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox Side Effects

I read that Botox has some side effects like droopy eyelids. Is Botox safe?  Any tips for making sure my Botox (first time!) has no bad side effects?

Botox has an excellent safety record in terms of medical complications. The effect however, is designed to work in some areas and not others. Therefore, it's the experience and training of the injector that really leads to optimal results in terms of patient satisfaction. The number one concern seems to be eyelid drooping. In our practice, we boast ASOPRS-certification. This is the society of oculofacial plastic surgeons, that is surgeons who are double-trained in eye surgery and facial plastic surgery.

Therefore, the way that we use Botox around the eyes is extremely precise. There is a less-recognized issue of dry eyes following injection around the eyes. This, too is best evaluated by someone who understand the ocular surface, and we check all patients for dry eye findings and symptoms prior to injection. Other specialties are excellent at using Botox as well, but even if you choose to have a non-eye surgeon inject you, you may wish to have the eyes evaluated prior to injection to ensure the highest level of safety. This is the most beneficial advice I can offer in addition the excellent comments made by my colleagues.

David M. Mills, MD

Pensacola Oculoplastic Surgeon

One Brow Not Moving 1 Month After Brow Lift

My surgeon says to wait, and the movement will return. What could have happened?

The dissection and movement of the tissues required to elevate the forehead and eyebrows during endocopic brow lift surgery can cause dysfunction of the frontal branch of the facial nerve, which innervates the frontalis muscle. This would lead to decreased function of this muscle.

Fortunately, unless the nerve was actually severed during surgery (which is rare), its function should return over time, although it can actually take quite a while for some folks. For the most part, just hang in there, and you have a good chance of regaining some if not all function.

David M. Mills, MD

Pensacola Oculoplastic Surgeon