Question:

After my eyelid surgery will I be able to close my eyes as usual?

Answer:

One of the potential complications of eyelid surgery, and more specifically upper eyelid surgery is removing too much eyelid skin which would result in an inability to close your eyes properly. Careful measurements are taken before and during your blepharoplasty surgery to insure that removing too much upper or lower eyelid skin does not occur which would prevent you from closing your eyes properly. Immediately following your blepharoplasty procedure you will definitely experience some tightness around your eyes for several days to weeks which would also affect your ability to close your eyes normally. These effects are generally transient and your eyelids will function properly after a short period of time.

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Question:

My 4-year-old child was recently bitten on the ear by a dog and the top cartilage was torn. At what age do the ears stop growing so that the results of an otoplasty would be permanent?

Answer:

I am sorry to hear about your child’s unfortunate accident. I would suggest waiting until your child is about 5 or 6 years of age prior to otoplasty or auricular reconstructive surgery. The ear is usually of an adult size and shape by this age and the results of otoplasty surgery will be permanent.

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Question:

I am 19 years old and would like to have an otoplasty. Would I be given local anesthesia for the procedure or just sedation?

Answer:

An otoplasty is not a particularly painful surgical procedure however, it may be somewhat difficult to tolerate only local anesthesia during a prolonged otoplasty. I usually suggest IV sedation along with local anesthesia for my otoplasty patients. The IV sedation is very safe and local anesthesia will make the procedure entirely pain free.

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Question:

Does a mini facelift address sagging in the cheeks at all?

Answer:

A mini facelift is not my first choice to address sagging cheeks. A mini facelift is much more effective when treating sagging jowls and mild to moderate neck skin laxity. For sagging cheeks I prefer either a midface lift or filling of the midface and cheeks with the use of autologous fat or dermal fillers such as, Perlane or Radiesse.

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Question:

I was told I could have a facelift while only under sedation and local anesthetic. I am 62 years old; would this sort of anesthetic be safe for me?

Answer:

The type of anesthesia that is used in facelift surgery varies depending upon several factors. One factor is the ability of the patient to tolerate procedures with mild sedation and local anesthesia. The second factor in facelift surgery is the type of facelift that is going to be performed. Finally, the surgeon’s comfort and the anesthesiologists experience in the use of deeper sedation along with local anesthesia will also determine which kind of anesthesia will be right for you during your facelift. I offer my patients mild IV sedation and local anesthesia when performing mini facelift procedures but, will generally choose to have my patients completely asleep for full facelift and necklift surgery. The safety of anesthesia during facelift surgery is of critical importance and although age 62 is not particularly old, but, preexisting medical conditions will also determine your suitability for any type of anesthesia given

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Question:

Will a chemical peel improve the appearance of large pores?

Answer:

Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths and formulations. In general terms, chemical peels can improve the appearance of large pores. The stronger the formulation of the chemical peel, the deeper the penetration of the chemical agent which results in increased and controlled skin damage.

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Question:

Is Botox effective in treating TMJ?

Answer:

Botox and Dysport can be used as an off label indication in the management of TMJ, temperal mandibular joint disorder. The use of Botox and Dysport is only partially effective when treating TMJ and the use of bite guards and NSAIDS are also effective.

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Question:

I know that I should divulge any and all medical issues that I may have to my physician before beginning treatment, but is there anything pertinent that my doctor must know before beginning Botox injections?

Answer:

It is always a good idea to let your physician know about any medications that you are taking or medical conditions that you have. In terms of Botox or Dysport, knowledge of pregnancy, any neurological conditions, and prior sensitivity to either products would be absolute contraindications to undergo Botox or Dysport injections. If you visit the web sites of either Botox or Dysport, there is a package insert that outlines all of the potential issues with each of these neuromodulators.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld

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