Atlanta Doctors

Lower Eyelid Drooping After Blepharoplasty, How Long Should I Wait to Fix it?

I got a blepharoplasty three weeks ago and one of my lower eyelids is drooping. I am 58 yrs old and in good health. I am putting ointment in my eye and taping it into place every night and massaging it several times per day. After the first week, the eyelid came up a bit but no progress has been made in the last two weeks. My surgeon says she can put a stitch in the corner of my eye to pull the lid up if it does not improve. Is this the best way to fix it? How long should i wait?

It sounds like you have what is called ectropion ("ek tro pea yon").  This is an abnormal position of the lower lid where the lid is furrowed outwardly.  This can be due to scarring and/or swelling.  Certain patient can be identified prior to surgery by testing how lax the lower lid is by pulling on it.  In your case I would wait to see if the position improves as the swelling subsides over a three month period.  If present after that time then some surgeons would use a steroid injection to try to soften scar tissue in hopes the eyelid would return to its normal position.  If that does not correct the issue then a surgery to tighten the lower eyelid may be necessary (canthoplasty).

Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Still Swollen 1 Month After Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty, Is This Normal?

I Had Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty. its Been a Month Now but my Upper Lid Still Swelling

It is not unusual to have swelling one month after surgery.  The swelling should be gradually decreasing and may appear greater in the morning and less during the course of the day.  Over time this will cease.  

Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

I Have Spacing Issues, as Well as Periodontal Disease. Is Comestic Treatment Right for Me?

I'm 20 years old and have always had problems with my teeth. My folks never really made an issue about it just the regular dental visits and such. I've noticed they were spacing apart a couple of years ago and some are a bit sore like underneath my teeth. There's a constant itchy feeling but goes away after a few rinses using a strong mouth wash; i know i have periodontal disease and was wondering if I qualify for cosmetic treatment? I just want normal teeth like others have.

I consider the gums the foundation for your mouth.  It must be healthy before any major work being done.  Otherwise you compromise not only the result but the quality of the restorations placed on the teeth.  Many times there is a severe amount of gum disease that surgery needs to be done.  Or some teeth have lost enough bone where they are at risk of being lost.  Only after these issues are addressed would you be a candidate for cosmetic treatment.  Sometimes cosmetic treatment can not only enhance the look you are trying to accomplish, but also addresses the crookedness of teeth and allows for a better functioning bite for you to lesson the future risk of gum disease.  I would recommend you seek a proper examination with xrays with a qualified dentist in both gum issues and cosmetic treatment.  Especially if you have not seen someone in a very long time.  Good luck!
 

Andrew Soulimiotis, DMD

Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist