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Minor Corrections Following Blepharoplasty

asked 3 years ago by Apple123 in Toronto
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 644 times

What are surgeons’ policies or attitude towards minor revisions following Blepharoplasty? Does the opinion or preference of the patient matter, or is it strictly up to the surgeon to assess what is worth correcting? Do most surgeon's charge for such corrections, or is it included in the initial fee?

7 answers to Minor Corrections Following Blepharoplasty

Policy on Revisions and Complications

Usually patients sign a contract prior to their surgery spelling out who is responsible for what. There is a grey zone when the patient thinks something should be done but the doctor does not feel it is in the patient's best interest, or would aesthetically damaging, or too risky to justify doing surgery. Examples are a patient who wants more skin taken from below the eyes after a blepharoplasty, when the surgeon knows it will pull down in a strange or unusual fashion, or a facelift... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

Revisions are for residual fat or excess skin

Minor corrections after blepharoplasty are usually performed if there is residual fat or excess skin on the upper or lower lids. If there is excess fat, this is usually removed under a general anesthesia since it is painful to remove it under local anesthesia. The monetary charge for corrections is usually fairly minimal and usually just covers the operating room for anesthesia, in our practice.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Up to the surgeon

I always find this question interesting. Not because of the patients response but because of the surgeon's response. All surgeons have their own policies regarding this issue that should have been addressed with you prior to your surgery. I tend to be a perfectionist. If I have a patient that is unhappy with their result for any reason, within the first year, then I guarantee you I'm not going to be happy with their result. Hopefully, your surgeon has as much of a critical eye. I'll... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Touch-up or Revision Blepharoplasty Policy

Apple123: As a surgeon I attempt to produce beautiful results and happy patients. However I often tell patients that surgery is imperfect. Trying to reduce or eliminate a small but visible eyelid irregularity may be technically difficult and carry risks disproportionate to the possible improvement. Your surgeon must assess that independently. I would expect him or her to carefully consider and discuss your desires. My office provides all patients with a quote during their preop... more

Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Best to discuss policy prior to surgery

If there is an obvious correction that needs to made, it is our policy to waive any surgeon's fee for the patient. However, if the "correction" is unrealistic or if the outcome is one that was discussed as a possibility prior to the original operation, then any further procedures are the responsibility of the patient. There really is no rule or policy to which all surgeons agree. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Revisions are in the eye of the beholder.

Dear Apple The opinion of the patient does matter. However, it is human nature to what more and better. Consequently, patients are often told that they will have to pay something toward the cost of revisional surgery. Policies among surgeons vary and the exact issue also has some bearing. To me, if a patient has had an aesthetic improvement but wants a more dramatic effect, they will be asked to pay for the cost of anesthesia and the facility, and generally, a portion of the... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Cosmetic surgery should always be a collaboration

The decision to perform cosmetic surgery should always be collaborative. By definition, this is an elective procedure so a surgeon shouldn't talk you into surgery. However, he may or may not agree with your assessment of the esthetics of your eyes and may or may not feel convinced or comfortable about a procedure making you happy or solving the problem. Unless there is a functional problem, you and your surgeon have to be in sync. If you aren't, go seek a second or third opinion. As far as... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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