Eyebrow Lift
Eyelid Ptosis
Botox
Blepharoplasty
Laser Resurfacing (Skin Rejuvenation)
Lid Tumors
Ocular Prosthetics
Thyroid Eye Disease
Tearing Problems

 

Eyebrow Lift
Correction of sagging eyebrows can be performed through a technique utilizing very small incisions hidden above the hairline. This procedure, called “endoscopic eyebrow lift,” restores a youthful appearance by raising the eyebrows and forehead to their natural position.

Eyelid Ptosis
Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. This problem affects approximately 5 percent of the population and can affect vision and appearance. The prevalence of this condition increases in the elderly.

Eyelid ptosis can occur from many causes. The most common cause is aging, when the eyelid lifting muscle weakens with advancing age. The weakened muscle does not have the same lifting ability and hence the eyelid droops. Some patients are born with a congenital defect in the muscle also causing ptosis. Other risk factors for the development of eyelid ptosis include trauma, contact lens wear, and some neurological conditions. In addition, with aging, excess skin and bags around the eyes can also develop, leading to the tired, sleepy look.

The condition can be either unilateral (one side) or bilateral (both sides). When the drooping is mild, it may be barely noticeable and not impair vision. When severe, the upper eyelid can encroach upon the pupil, causing loss of peripheral vision (side vision). The central visual acuity, the vision necessary for reading an eye chart, is usually not impaired. A special test called, a visual field test, can be performed to determine if vision is affected by the eyelid ptosis. In some cases, if the vision loss is severe, medical insurance may cover some or all of the costs for surgery. Some patients elect to have the surgery for cosmetic reasons.

Surgery can be performed to repair drooping eyelids and restore them to their natural shape and contour. The procedure is performed usually under local anesthesia as an outpatient. The procedure is painless, takes less than an hour and patients can usually resume their normal activities in about a week.

Botox
Repeated muscle contraction around the eyes and eyebrows can cause bulges, frown lines, and “crow’s fee.” Botox is a medicine that can redue these wrinkles and muscle bulges around the eyelids and eyebrows. Botox is administered in the office in small amounts through tiny injections. Typically, no anesthetic is necessary. The “muscle relaxant” effect of the medicine lasts about three to four months and can be repeated as needed.

Blepharoplasty
(Blef-ah-row-plas-tee) is the common procedure surgeons recommend to remove eyelid skin and fat. Individuals with excessive skin, puffiness, and/or wrinkling are ideal candidates for this procedure.

Laser Resurfacing (Skin Rejuvenation)
State-of-the-art laser treatment can provide remarkable results even on the most environmentally damaged and discolored skin. In more mild cases, light chemical peels can tighten wrinkles, lighten age spots, and soften skin texture around the eyes.

Lid Tumors
Eyelid tumors are not uncommon and can be benign or malignant. The most common malignant eyelid tumors include basal cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

Ocular Prosthetics
Traumatic accidents and treatment of ocular and orbital cancers, blind and painful eyes, and other diseases sometimes lead to the need for reconstruction of the orbit (eye socket) and the placement of an orbital implant. Loss of an eye doesn’t necessarily mean that a favorable cosmetic outcome is not possible. In fact, with advances in orbital implant materials and surgical techniques, the cosmetic outcome is frequently excellent.

Tearing Problems
Excessive tearing usually occurs when there is a blockage in the tear duct. Infection in the tear drainage system can cause mucous discharge, redness and swelling. This condition is called dacryocystitis, and can be painful. Oral antibiotics are usually given, but definitive treatment is through an operation called dacryocystorhinostomy. The operation opens the tear sac into the nasal cavity and allows the tears to drain normally. Drs. Kikkawa and Korn perform endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, which is done through the nasal passage without any skin incision. This allows for faster healing without a scar on the face.