Blepharoplasty: Puffiness and bags around the upper and lower eyelids is a sign of aging that is common in both men and women. It may begin in the thirties. An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance and restore a youthful appearance. This may involve either the upper or lower lids or both. Fatty tissue around the eyelid area is normal. The fat serves as a "shock absorber" for the eyes. It lies in the area around the bony socket of the eye and eyeball. As the fat increases in size it may stretch the delicate tissue around the eye producing the "bagginess". Wrinkling and droopy skin can occur around the eye independent of excess fat. The wrinkling and bagginess produces a tired appearance. This can easily be corrected with a blepharoplasty. Insurance Requirements: If the extra-skin and bags of the upper eyelid interfere with your vision, then Medicare or you current insurance will cover the surgery. To measure your vision we will use a process called "visual field test". This test is repeated after taping the upper eyelids out of the way of your vision. Photos are taken of your eyelid and if you meet the necessary requirements, insurance will cover your surgery. Most people feel their vision is significantly improved. Where will I have the surgery? Surgery is performed in our surgery room. The surgery usually takes 20 or 30 minutes to complete. It is important to arrange for care after the surgery. Someone must drive you home and be available to care for you for the first 24 hours. What about anesthesia? Local anesthesia is given around the eyes. Anesthetic (numbing) eye drops are also placed in the eyes. During the procedure you will be awake but comfortable and relaxed. What is the recovery like? During the first 24-48 hours you will have substantial swelling and possibly blurry vision. Swelling begins to subside at about 36 hours. Stitches are removed after 1 week to 10 days. Makeup can be applied a day or two after stitches are removed. Swelling and bruising will persist for about 10 days. You may expect to resume normal activity within a few days. You can expect to look well by 10-14 days. It takes approximately 6 weeks to see the full effect of the surgery. What are the possible complications? Complications from this surgery are unlikely when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon. Bleeding and swelling, delayed wound healing, infection, drooping of upper or lower eyelid, asymmetry, double vision and dry eye syndrome are the possible complications.

BOTOX - Injections for Wrinkles Dr. Croley is pleased to announce another effective treatment for improving wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet), forehead and frown lines (glabella). Botox is injected into specific areas and creates temporary loss of muscle tone, resulting in a reduction of the lines of the upper face and forehead, and the deep furrows between the eyebrows to produce a pleasing effect. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected. Botox injections take about 10 minutes to perform and last an average of 3-4 months. After 3 or 4 injections, Botox has been noted to have a long-lasting effect in the elimination of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow's feet. Dr. Croley has patients that now only need Botox once or twice yearly as there appears to be a cumulative effect. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. The effect of Botox is seen within 2-5 days after the injections. Unlike collagen, there are no allergies associated with Botox and again, there may be long-lasting or permanent effect. The side effects, which most commonly involve bruising at the injection site, are minimal and temporary. Botox is an excellent treatment for forehead lines, Crow's feet and frown lines. If you are considering cosmetic eyelid or Botox surgery, please feel free to ask Dr. Croley to see if you are a candidate for these exciting new techniques.