How Is Eyelid Asymmetry Corrected?

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Dr. Mikel Lo

Asymmetrical eyelids, when one eyelid hangs lower than the other, can be corrected through specialized techniques in blepharoplasty surgery.

Known as eyelid ptosis, this condition can affect one eye and thereby create a noticeable facial asymmetry. While the problem may appear to be caused by loose skin, one eyelid may actually hang lower than the other. This is often a result of weakness in the muscle that elevates your eyelid.

Various diseases or congenital causes may be to blame for eyelid asymmetry, so a careful diagnosis is necessary to determine the right treatment.

Ptosis repair involves a few different surgical techniques, including:

  • Elevating, and then fixating, the eyelid muscle
  • Removal of muscle tissue behind the eyelid
  • Connecting forehead muscles to the eyelid muscles
  • Trimming away redundant upper eyelid skin

While many surgeons perform cosmetic eyelid surgery, these techniques are most often performed by oculoplastic surgeons who are trained in both facial cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology.

If you’re suffering from this condition, you’ll want to meet with an oculoplastic surgeon to learn more about treatment options. Contact our offices in Tucson to schedule a consultation if you would like to learn more about correction of eyelid asymmetry.

Photo by Otis Historical Archives

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Laser Hair Removal: Now Safe for All Skin Types

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Dr. Mikel Lo

We don’t think hair is un-sexy. But when it’s anywhere other than the top of your head, that’s another matter. These days, there are many options to remove unwanted body hair from your face, legs, back, bikini line, arms, and even underarms, including:

  • Shaving and plucking are always an option
  • Electronic tweezers, or radiofrequency tweezers
  • Waxing, creams, and electrolysis

For the most part, these are temporary solutions. The permanent method – the best method – is laser hair removal. Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin. The dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles absorbs the laser beam. Initial hair reduction is seen immediately after treatment. Permanent results require repeated treatments because of the hair growth cycles.

There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove unwanted hair. The first lasers approved for hair reduction by FDA were the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. But these could only be used on select individuals – not those with tans or ethnic skin.

The newest lasers – the YAG laser for example – have longer wavelengths and therefore, the ability to treat darker skin types, including African-American skin, Asian skin, and those with a tan. One of the biggest benefits is the convenience; immediately following your hair removal treatment you can return to work, school or any of your regular activities.  Contact our Tucson, Arizona office for more information.

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Is Juvederm a Good Option for Cheek Augmentation?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Dr. Mikel Lo

Dermal fillers like Juvederm have long been used by cosmetic surgeons to restore volume to sunken or hollow cheeks. Despite this, dermal fillers have yet to receive FDA-approval for cheek augmentation.

But this might soon change.

Earlier this month, the FDA’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that Juvederm is both a safe and effective treatment for volume deficient areas in the mid face.

Allergan’s (the maker of Juvederm) Executive VP of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Scott Whitcup, had this to say about the pending FDA-approval:

“Allergan is committed to working with the FDA as they continue their review of our PMA for Juvederm Voluma XC, with the goal of providing consumers with the first treatment option that has been specifically developed to help restore cheek volume that has been lost over time.”

Though the advisory’s recommendation isn’t binding, it will certainly hold weight when the FDA makes its final decision. If approved, Juvederm will be the first of its kind for cheek augmentation. Allergan hopes to launch Juvederm Voluma XC by the end of this year.

Other Uses for Juvederm

In addition to cheek augmentation, Juvederm is a versatile anti-aging treatment that can be used to:

  • Reduce lines and grooves between the eyes (also known as frown lines)
  • Soften marionette lines (wrinkles between the corners of the mouth and the sides of the chin)
  • Augment the lips or fill in deep vertical lip wrinkles
  • Add volume to the backs of aging hands to make veins less prominent

The results of Juvederm typically last between four and six months. Repeat treatments will be necessary to maintain results. If you’re considering Juvederm, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon.

Source: Allergan

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How Elevated Brows Elevate Happiness

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Dr. Mikel Lo

Study reports a high percentage of success and patient satisfaction with endoscopic brow lift

Here’s news that should raise some eyebrows: Most patients undergoing an endoscopic brow lift are pleased with the results and would recommend the procedure, according to a recently published study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

The telephone survey, which examined satisfaction, recovery and outcomes, involved 57 patients who had undergone either a brow lift alone or concurrently with a facelift.

Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift can provide a more alert and youthful appearance, improving frown lines and furrows. It can also help minimize creases across the forehead or high on the bridge of the nose as well as correcting low or sagging brows. In some cases, brow lifts have also reduced or even helped eliminate migraine headaches.

Researchers found that 93 percent of patients reported the procedure as successful and 96 percent would recommend it. Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed stated that they had been told looked younger and less tired and that the procedure helped bolster their self-confidence.

Along with a quick recovery of about a week– return to normal activities after more than two weeks was mostly reported by those who also underwent a facelift – scars and swelling were minimal, as were complications such as numbness. And 50 percent of the patients who reported headaches prior to surgery experienced a reduction in their frequency and intensity.

Such surveys not only enhance research but assist consumers in making informed decisions. Additionally “relying on patient-reported information helps us to better understand the surgical experience and to improve preoperative counseling,” the authors write.

Photo by Walt Stoneburner

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