Cosmetic Surgery Arizona.

Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Nirenberg of East Valley Ophthalmology combines the latest, most innovative techniques and technologies with years of experience and research to produce visually stunning results. He takes pride in fulfilling and surpassing his patient's expectations in achieving the well-rested, youthful appearance they desire. Dr. Nirenberg consistently strives for the highest quality, most natural-looking results in the profession.

We invite you to make an appointment and learn more: 480-981-6111.

Cosmetic Surgery Arizona - Some Background:

The roots of cosmetic surgery began around 3000 years ago with the ancient Egyptians. But modern blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, was described less than a century ago, and since then practiced with only minor refinements. Many cosmetic surgeons still employ "classic" upper and lower blepharoplasty based upon concepts from the First World War.

While such surgery may yield a noticeable difference, it often leaves the face and lids looking harsh, hollowed, or unnatural, and may lead to later undesirable signs and symptoms, even accelerating the very changes for which eyelid lift was first sought.

The day when cosmetic blepharoplasty entailed little more than removal of skin and fat is gone, as is the need to settle for its former lower standard of aesthetic excellence. In the artful hands of Dr. Nirenberg, drooping upper and puffy lower eyelids are contoured, augmented, reinforced, and resurfaced to achieve a vastly more natural, youthful, attractive, and safer long-term result.

Ideal Candidate for Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

A few medical conditions make blepharoplasty more risky. They include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also reason for caution.

Risks of Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery.

When eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Nirenberg's instructions both before and after surgery.

The minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out. Dr. Nirenberg would remove these easily with a very fine needle or they would most likely resolve on their own.

Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in very rare cases this condition may be permanent. Ectropion is a rare complication in which the lower lids pull downwards. In this case, further surgery may be required.

Planning Your Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery.

The initial consultation with Dr. Nirenberg is very important. He will need your complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and arrive prepared to provide this information. You may arrive prepared by downloading New Patient Forms to complete and bring with you or

FAX to our office at 480-985-2426.

Be sure to inform Dr. Nirenberg if you have any allergies; if you are taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.

In this consultation, your vision will be tested and an assessment made of your tear production. You should also provide any relevant information from any previous ophthalmologist or records of your most recent eye exam, if not already in our office. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them along.

You and Dr. Nirenberg will carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Dr. Nirenberg will explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. (Note: Most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery, unless drooping upper lids interfere with your vision. Check with your insurer.)

Be sure to ask Dr. Nirenberg any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Prepare for Your Eyelid Lift Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Nirenberg will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully follow these instructions.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You also may need some help at home for a few days.

Your eyelid surgery will be performed in an outpatient surgery center. It's usually done on an outpatient basis; rarely does it require an inpatient stay.

Anesthesia Used in Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery.

Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia - which numbs the area around your eyes - along with oral or intravenous sedatives. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.) Some situations call fro general anesthesia; in that case, you'll sleep through the operation.

Your Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery.

Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If you're having all four eyelids done, Dr. Nirenberg will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones.

In a typical procedure, Dr. Nirenberg makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, Dr. Nirenberg separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

After Your Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery.

After surgery, Dr. Nirenberg will lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can usually control any discomfort with Extra Strength Tylenol. If you feel any severe pain, call Dr. Nirenberg immediately.

Dr. Nirenberg will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies from person to person: it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month.) You'll be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. You may be prescribed eye drops, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Dr. Nirenberg will follow your progress very closely for the first week or two. The stitches will be removed five to ten days after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

Recovery from Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery.

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing and Dr. Nirenberg's instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids when you go out.

Dr. Nirenberg will instruct you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

After Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery.

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Most patients report that these fade rather quickly to a thin, nearly invisible line, easily mistaken for a natural eyelid crease. Your eyelid surgery will help you attain a more alert and youthful look that will last for years. For many people, these results are permanent.

At East Valley Ophthalmology, our mission is to balance modern, cutting-edge technology with the warmth and individual attention for which we have always been known. In regards to cosmetic eyelid surgery, our goal is to help and enhance the natural beauty of our patients, while always avoiding any result that might appear artificial. In the hands of Dr. Nirenberg, eyelid surgery is truly a marriage of classic art and modern science.

Cosmetic Surgery Arizona.

If you would like further information, please call our office at:

480-981-6111

East Valley Ophthalmology

Eye Doctors - Mesa, Arizona

The eye surgeons of East Valley Ophthalmology perform the full scope of advanced technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well as taking the time necessary to provide each patient with information needed to understand their condition and to achieve the best possible outcomes. Please take a moment to Request an Appointment.