Achieving the Best Results
First, please let us say we are very sorry for the negative experience you have had. While cosmetic eyelid surgery is usually a very positive experience yielding great results and tremendous aesthetic improvement, as with any situation in medicine there is always some very small risk involved. Additionally, the choice in a specialized, extensively trained, and experienced oculoplastic surgeon can make all the difference. We are glad that you are are interested in taking steps to address your concern and learning as much as possible. Being proactive about your eyelid surgery, learning as much as possible, and choosing a skilled and specialized physician will make a big difference. The good news is, hope and help is available for your situation.
Restylane or Surgery?
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler that is particularly suited for use under the eye due to its consistency or “viscosity,” safety, effectiveness, and long-lasting results while still being adjustable and impermanent. You may have heard about Dr. Steinsapir’s Deepfill Restylane method developed to address under-eye hollows, and wonder if it might also address your concerns about a prior surgery.
While some individuals can be improved with Restylane, it is not a substitute for surgery if surgery is indicated. This can only be determined by a one-on-one consultation and physical exam with an experienced cosmetic eyelid surgeon who specializes in correcting eyelid surgery for natural results.
The best solution is often a carefully planned and meticulously delivered corrective surgery that addresses the original root of your concern and any potential problems that may have been introduced by your previous surgery. For some individuals, this may be optimized with accompanying Restylane treatment as well; but overall the best comprehensive treatment plan for you will depend entirely on your unique situation and goals, as well as the technical outcome of your last surgery.
It is understandable that you may be hesitant to undergo further surgery due to your former experience, and are thus hoping that facial filler or another nonsurgical treatment can resolve your issue. Although corrective surgery is not always indicated in every case, the key to achieving the look you originally set out for as well as addressing any new problems with your eyelid contour is in resolving the root cause of your problem. The anatomical presentation of your eyelid will help your doctor determine the best solution. If the cause is one that can only be addressed by surgery, then filler with Restylane–which generally acts as a replacement for deficiencies in tissue volume–will not be able to fully resolve the issue.
A Consultation with Open Communication Is the Next Step
We encourage you to contact your original surgeon to openly discuss your results, concerns, and goals moving forward. He or she should be eager to help you resolve any lingering issues. Eyelid surgery is a very specialized and complex process, so the experience and ability of your surgeon is key for accomplishing the desired outcome. In cases where the problem stem from having chosen a first doctor who was not a specialist or highly experienced in eyelid surgery, or if you have difficulty in communicating with or trusting your surgeon, it is perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion.
Dr. Steinsapir regularly provides consultations and, where indicated, he often serves to re-open communication lines with your first surgeon. In many cases, the first surgeon is not able to deliver the specialized care necessary to address the post surgical complication. Provided you are a candidate for reconstructive surgery, Dr. Steinsapir can provide corrective treatment and corrective eyelid surgery as indicated. To regain your confidence and correct prior concerns, please call us today to schedule a risk-free consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, a caring, board-certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who addresses corrective eyelid surgery as a major focus of his practice in Beverly Hills and at UCLA.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.