Exceptional Oculoplastics at Westwood Ophthalmology
Oculoplastic or eye plastics surgeons deal with external surgeries of the eye and lids. The most common oculoplastic problems include abnormal lid lesions, persistent styes, tearing, droopy eyelids, inturned eye lashes, and cosmetic repair of the lid area.
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Westwood Ophthalmology provides oculoplastic treatments for the following conditions: |
Our ophthalmologists offer the following quality treatments for cosmetic enhancement: |
Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)
Droopy eyelids, or eyelid ptosis, can make a person appear drowsy. In severe cases, the drooping lids can obscure one's vision. Many patients with eyelid ptosis complain of brow ache, as they must continually raise their eyebrows in order to see. When eyelid ptosis results from aging, the loss of vision may be gradual. However, children with droopy eyelids may have an underdeveloped eyelid muscle. In other cases, trauma or nerve damage can cause one or both eyelids to droop.
Treatment for Eyelid Ptosis
When drooping eyelids compromise vision, surgery may be necessary. Performed on an outpatient basis, eyelid surgery involves little recovery time. An ophthalmologist at our practice in New Jersey can evaluate each patient and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If you are experiencing vision problems due to droopy eyelids, contact the eye care professionals at Westwood Ophthalmology today.
Ectropion
Most often associated with the aging process, ectropion occurs when the eyelid – typically the lower lid – turns outward. As the eyelid muscles and tendons age, they may weaken and begin to droop. The weakened muscles allow the lid and lashes to sag and turn, and the eye is left exposed. This increased exposure to the air may cause the eye to become dry.
Treatment for Ectropion
Lubricating eye drops can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye caused by mild ectropion. If ectropion is more severe, however, surgical treatment may be recommended. During an outpatient procedure, the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the eyelid muscles and tendons. He or she may use a skin graft for patients in which scarring is the cause of ectropion.
Entropion
Entropion occurs when the muscles and tendons of the eyelid weaken and allow the eyelid to turn inward. Most often, this weakening is a result of aging and primarily affects the lower eyelid. Because the lashes of the inwardly turned eyelid continually rub against the cornea, entropion can be very irritating.
Treatment for Entropion
If entropion does not resolve itself, surgery may be necessary to correct the condition and ease irritation. There are two surgical options for the treatment of entropion. A temporary solution may involve suturing the eyelid into its proper place. When a more permanent solution is necessary, the surgeon may surgically remove excess skin and tighten the eyelid muscles and tendons.
Tear Duct Obstructions
Occurring in adults as well as children, tear duct obstructions may develop for a number of reasons. Certain medications, inflammation, infection, polyps, and facial trauma can all cause a tear duct to become blocked. In some cases, a blocked tear duct can promote the accumulation of bacteria, which may lead to an infection. Tear duct obstructions in infants may occur if the child was born before his or her tear ducts were fully developed. Fortunately, infant tear duct obstruction tends to resolve itself by the time the child is one year old.
Treatment for Tear Duct Obstructions
Tear duct obstruction in adults may be treated by reconstructing the tear duct system. Also known as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), tear duct reconstruction involves the creation of a new passage between the nose and the lacrimal sac. A stent is usually placed in this new passageway to ensure that it remains open. Several months after surgery, the stent is removed during a routine check-up.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Originally approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial spasms and eye muscle disorders, BOTOX® injections are commonly administered to treat frown lines and wrinkles around the eyes. A form of botulinum toxin, BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles.
Although many people benefit from BOTOX® therapy, individuals who have eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelids), neuromuscular disorders, cervical dystonia, certain skin disorders (especially thick facial skin), and deep facial scars may not be suitable candidates. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing may be advised to postpone BOTOX® injections.
A board-certified ophthalmologist with advanced training in oculoplastic procedures and an acute knowledge of facial anatomy is often a good person to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic involves injecting a small amount of the product into specific muscles that cause lines and wrinkles to form. As the muscles relax, wrinkles and lines fade away. After treatment, it may take several days for the effect to become fully noticeable. Patients may desire to repeat the procedure after three to six months. Although uncommon, side effects may include nausea, headache, bruising, and redness. Rarer still are allergic reactions and facial pain. Because the effect of BOTOX® Cosmetic is not permanent, however, side effects typically disappear over time.
Restylane® Injections
When administered by a board-certified medical professional, Restylane® injections can rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance. Composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body, Restylane® is a safe and effective treatment for lines and wrinkles, including crow's feet and smile lines. Restylane® is also used to add volume to facial contours and to give the lips a fuller appearance. Because the hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is derived from a non-animal source, allergic reactions are rare.
Long-lasting results can be achieved with Restylane® injections since hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic ("water-loving") substance. This means that it attracts water to the skin, making the skin appear more plump and youthful. Even as they degrade, the molecules of hyaluronic acid continue to bind themselves to water molecules.
Contact Westwood Ophthalmology
To learn more about our procedures for droopy eyelids, ectropion, entropion, and tear duct obstructions, as well as our high quality cosmetic treatments, including Restylane® injections and BOTOX® Cosmetic, please contact the professionals at Westwood Ophthalmology today.
Westwood Ophthalmology Associates
300 Fairview Ave.
Westwood NJ 07675
(ph) 201-666-4014
(fx) 201-666-4754