Washington DC Ophthalmologists

What is the Best Treatment for an Eyelid Burn Victim?

Cosmetic surgery would be necessary to repair my eyelids and make it possible for me to properly close my eyes. What kind of procedure would this be and how involved is it?

I would say that you need to see an eyelid specialist. The amount of function and skin that you have in the eyelid needs to be determined from an examination before one of us can intelligiently answer that question. If the muscle in the eyelid is damaged that is difficult to repair and more complex than just putting in flaps of skin. As you probably realize, the eyelid has function. Replacing those muscles are just as important as replacing lost skin so a simple answer of skin grafts DOES NOT apply to all burn victims. See an oculoplastic surgeon.
 

Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon

I Have a Birthmark on my Forehead, how Can I Remove It?

This birthmark has been with ever I was born and its really embarassing. How can it be removed? Is it safe to be removed? Will it leave a scar after been removed?

There are different ways to remove the birthmark: surgically and with laser

Surgically, yes there will be a slight scar but it willbe completely gone

With a Laser it may not be completely gone though there will be no scar at all.
 

Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon

Is Ptosis Surgery Part of a Blepharoplasty or is It a Separate Procedure?

i've seen a couple of eye PS in NC and have been told that these are two separate surgeries with separate costs. Additionally I was told there has to be medical reason for the lift not just cosmetic. I'm wondering if in California where PS is commonplace, if these surgeries are one in the same and/or if medical reason is also necessary. If they are one in the same would my paperwork just state upper blepharoplasty or would it have to be noted as two separate surgeries?

Ptosis surgery is in fact different from a blepharoplasty. In ptosis surgery the eyelid muscle is weak and needs to be lifted and tightened. In a blepharoplasty there is extra skin that needs to be removed. Two different procedures in the same location. Patients often think that the eyelid is lifted by removing skin which is not true. The eyelid is lifted by tightening the muscle under the skin. Hope that helps.
 

Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon