Functional and Reconstructive Surgery: This specialized area of ophthalmology manages the deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, the lacrimal (tear) system, the orbit (the bony cavity surrounding the eye), and the adjacent face. Indications for performing surgery include but are not limited to, blocked tear ducts in children and adults, droopy eyelids (ptosis), or tumors (benign or malignant) of the eyelids and orbit.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is a procedure in which excess skin of either the upper or lower eyelids is removed. At times the excess skin in the upper lids will obstruct vision and affect daily activities. In these situations, often surgical correction is covered by insurance. Lower lid blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. There are a variety of ways to remove excess skin and sometimes fatty tissue in the eyelids. At GTOC, Dr. Sneed typically uses the CO2 laser or the Ellman radiofrequency surgical unit to make incisions in the skin. These devices cut through tissue and coagulate blood vessels at the same time resulting in less bleeding.

Blepharoplasty is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure in patients over the age of 35. The number of patients undergoing this procedure has more than doubled since 1997. In 2002, more than 300,000 patients underwent blepharoplasty. It is a procedure which generally takes less than an hour to perform (longer if both upper and lower lids are done at the same time). Patients may resume most activities within a day or two. The eyelids are bruised and swollen for usually 10-14 days after the surgery with most of the swelling in the first 4-5 days. Makeup may be applied to cover bruising on skin away from the incisions 1-2 days after the surgery. Risks of the procedures include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, and inflammation. Severe bleeding may result in loss of vision, but this is very rare. At your office visit, Dr. Sneed will cover in detail the procedures, indications, risks, benefits and any questions you may have. His approach is to educate patients as to the options and let the patient make the decision as to what is best on an individual basis.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing: This is a procedure often done in conjunction with blepharoplasty. Lower lid blepharoplasty is often done with an incision on the inside surface of the eyelid so that no scar is visible on the external skin. Excess fatty tissue is removed and the excess skin is tightened by the CO2 laser. This instrument works by removing the outermost layer of skin (similar to a sunburn). The underlying skin cells grow in over 1-2 weeks and provide a smoother, softer, more elastic skin surface. As the skin ages, elasticity is lost and wrinkles develop. This laser helps reduce the wrinkles and improve the skin tone of the eyelids. Care must be taken as with any surgical procedure. Excess treatment may result in drooping of the lower lids or need for further corrective surgery. Skin type is very important as some patients may have a change in pigmentation after the laser treatment. Dr. Sneed will review the indications and possible problems which can be encountered with this procedure.

BOTOX®: BOTOX® is an injectable medication initially used in the treatment of benign essential blepharospasm (uncontrollable spasm of the eyelid muscles). It was found to reduce wrinkles in the skin where the medication was injected. The uses of this medication are expanding over the recent years and cosmetic BOTOX® injections are among the most widely done cosmetic procedures in the country. The injections take a few minutes to perform with lasting effects for 3-6 months or longer in patients. As with any procedure, the indications, risks, complications and benefits need to be discussed in detail between surgeon and patient. Dr. Sneed has years of experience using BOTOX®.