Answer:
There are two common situations in which eyelids block vision.  In the first case it is only the upper eyelid skin that is the problem.  In the second, the actual eyelid itself is too low blocking the pupil; a condition called ptosis.  In the first case a simple blepharoplasty will correct the obstruction.  In the second case a procedure to lift the eyelid is performed, referred to as ptosis surgery.  Read more eyelid surgery questions at http://www.buckinghamfacialplastics.com/faqs-blepharopalsty.html.

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Answer:
That term usually refers to utilizing a cutting CO2 laser to perform the incision and dissection instead of a knife or scissor.  In my opinion, the laser not only does not provide a benefit, but is actually detrimental to the procedure.  The laser burns the tissue edges as it cuts and so creates an area of non-viable cells at the wound edge.  I feel that this leads to slower healing.  Whether this translates into a difference in the final outcome is unknown, but it certainly does not produce an advantage. 

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Answer:
That is the preferred course of action. During your consult we will determine whether or not the brow needs to be elevated or if just performing an eyelid lift will be sufficient. If a browlift is indicated the procedures are performed at the same time. The brow is lifted first to then be able to determine what amount of eyelid tissue needs to be removed once the brow is elevated.

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Answer:
You absolutely can operate on one eye, especially if you have ptosis.  I do not perform ptosis surgery however as I feel that you need to do a procedure often to be good at it.  I refer those procedures to an oculoplastic surgeon.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham

Answer:
If your physician does a good job during the consultation and you have reviewed their website, shouldn’t have many questions left to ask.  The important questions to ask however are: 1) Are you board certified and by what board?  In my opinion, the appropriate board certification for blepharoplasty is the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, or the American Board of Ophthalmology. 2) How often to your perform blepharoplasty? How long have you been doing it? How many have you done? 3) What type of anesthesia? 4) What are the procedure details and why? 4) How long is the recovery? 5) What are the risks? 6) If something doesn’t go right how is that handled?  I am sure there are other questions, but if you answer the above you will be a long way towards a good decision.

Posted by Dr. Buckingham