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Plastic Surgeon or Ophthalmologist for Eyelid Surgery?

asked 2 years ago by lorelei739 in columbus, oh
Latest answer by Chris Thiagarajah, MD
Question viewed 1,569 times
Tags: eyelids, ptosis

I have severe ptosis & have severe heart problems. I wanted a facelift to fix everything, but due to my health condition that is not possible - I have heard eyelid surgery can be done with local anethestics and would reduce my risks.

should I see a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist who does this surgery? What's going to make me feel better about me appearance and long lasting?

12 answers to Plastic Surgeon or Ophthalmologist for Eyelid Surgery?

Health conditions may rule out elective surgery entirely.

Certain severe heart conditions would make surgery--even under local--a bad idea for an elective procedure. If one's heart condition requires continuous anticoagulation, for example, then the risk:benefit ratio of stopping the anticoagulants would preclude an eyelid procedure. Given the apparent degree of ptosis in this photo, repair requires more than just blepharoplasty. An ophthalmologist with fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery would be a good place to start in terms of... more

David C. Pearson, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ptosis and lower eyelid problems

There are several problems here. For one, you do as the other surgeons here have mentioned have ptosis with excess eyelid skin. To lift the eyelids on both sides and remove the skin would take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Additionally in the lower eyelids you have excess skin and your lateral canthal area (side of the eyes) are droopy. To tighten that area and reduce the appearance of the puffy skin would also take roughly an hour. I would recommend anybody who commonly does the... more

Chris Thiagarajah, MD
Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon

Oculoplastic surgeon for ptosis repair

The severe ptosis that is present would need to be fixed by an oculoplastic surgeon. That is an ophthalmologist who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyes. Eyelid surgery will still be stressful give the condition of your health and would be prudent to have clearance from your cardiologist prior to undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Thorough evaluation before eyelid surgery

You may see either a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmic surgeon for a consultation. They will choose to operate only after your health is thoroughly evaluated and you are determined to be a good candidate for surgery. Local anesthesia can also cause problems with the heart. The epinephrine in the injection may be problematic. It is best to first get clearance from cardiologist. Thank you, and best of luck.

Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Either plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist would work

Either. The real issue is your medical problems NOT which surgeon can do the operation. You most likely will need hospital surgery for your safety. From MIAMI

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery

It appears from your photograph that you will require ptosis surgery to lift the eyelids and Blepharoplasty to remove the excess skin and bags from under the eyes. There are good Plastic surgeons and good Oculoplastic surgeons who can perform your surgery. I would find a surgeon who has the most experience with this kind of surgery. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. I think it would certainly improve the tired look you know have.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

Ask for someone with experience in ptosis

You need to see before and after results of someone with significant ptosis. Whether you see a plastic surgeon or an ophthalmologist is less important than having someone who is comfortable operating on ptosis and has the results to back it up.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Ptosis repair an eyelid at the same time

As you stated you have sever ptosis and because of that your eyebrows are lifted too high which will decened to normal position after surgery. A qualified plastis surgeon should be able to take care of you under local anesthesia.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Upper and lower eyelid surgery

If you have medical problems and even if you do not, upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. Having surgery done by either a facial plastic surgeon or an oculoplastic ophthalmic surgeon is up to you. I would ask for references as both are qualified to perform the procedure. I hope this information helps.

Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid surgery can be done under local anesthesia only

Hello - You're right about the eyelid procedures being done under local anesthesia only, and I would recommend going to a board certified plastic surgeon. The procedure may take 1-2 hours depending on what you'd like done. Also, if you have extensive upper eyelid skin that obstructs your vision you may qualify for insurance to cover this procedure. You'll first need a visual field test that can be done by any eye doctor. Bring the results with you when you visit your plastic surgeon.... more

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Extensive eye issues require specialist

For cosmetic eyelid surgery, it is possible to have successful eyelid surgery with eye plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeon, or general plastic surgeons. However, you do not have routine issues. You essentially need reconstructive surgery. You have profound upper eyelid ptosis. You have highly complex midface issues. In your case, I strongly recommend that you see a top oculoplastic surgeon. There is excellent oculoplastic surgery in Columbus. You might consider seeing Jill Foster,... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Separate your operations if you prefer local.

You have multiple issues to address that would involve treating the forehead, upper lids, lower lids and cheeks. This is an extensive combination and would be difficult to perform under a locat anesthesia at one sitting. You may be better off staging and performing a limited forehead lift and upper lid blapharoptosis and dermatochalasis repair in one operation followed by a lower lit blepharoplasty, canthopexy, and midface suspension at a second date.