Cosmetic Procedures FAQ

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Blepharoplasty and BOTOX®: Am I a good candidate for cosmetic procedures?

Your Professional Eye Associates' doctor can help you identify if you are a good plastic surgery candidate. Generally, you are a good candidate if you:

  • Currently have a good self-image
  • Have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can and cannot change in your life
  • Have a physical defect or cosmetic flaw that has dramatically affected your self-image, but are otherwise positive about yourself
  • Want to undergo plastic surgery for yourself, not to please anyone else
  • Understand that plastic surgery won't usually cause changes in anyone except yourself
  • Are in good general health

Who is not a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

Your Professional Eye Associates doctor can spot a troubled patient during consultation, and will perhaps suggest alternatives to plastic surgery, if you:

  • Are handling a crisis of divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.
  • Have unrealistic expectations about how plastic surgery will change your lifestyle
  • Exhibit obsession with a very minor defect, and believe that once that defect is fixed, life will be perfect
  • Have a mental illness and/or show delusional or paranoid behavior - although surgery may be appropriate if it is determined that your goals for surgery are not related to your mental illness
  • Have an autoimmune disease or any health condition that would inhibit proper healing afterwards

Are cosmetic procedures safe?

BOTOX® and blepharoplasty are both relatively low-risk procedures. Professional Eye Associates conforms to strict safety standards and uses highly trained doctors and skilled, licensed personnel. Please remember that in order to achieve the highest safety level, it is important to tell your doctor your full medical history and any drugs you are taking.

Please follow the link below to watch a testimonial video on blepharoplasty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gW-A4hXqGk

Do I need anesthesia for my procedure?

If you are undergoing BOTOX injections, anesthesia isn't required; your doctor may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream.

For blepharoplasty, you will receive a local anesthetic that will numb the eye area being operated on. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but no pain. You will also have the option of taking a mild sedative to help you remain relaxed throughout the procedure.

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How long of a recovery period can I expect?

BOTOX® requires no recovery time, so you can get on with your day. You may experience mild side effects including temporary eyelid droop, nausea, tenderness, swelling and redness of the injection site.

About two or three days after blepharoplasty, you should be able to read or watch television. You should probably be able to wear makeup and feel ready to return to work in 7 to 10 days. You may be sensitive to sunlight and wind for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids. Your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery.

What kind of help will I need during my recovery?

Since BOTOX® requires no recovery time; you will be able to drive immediately following the procedure and should not need any assistance to continue with your day. After blepharoplasty, you will need someone to drive you home, and may need help for a few days afterwards.

How long will my results last?

BOTOX® results can typically be seen within days and last up to 4 months. Blepharoplasty results last for years and for many people are permanent.

Where will my procedure take place?

Surgery takes place at the Professional Eye Associates outpatient office. There is no need to check in to a hospital.

Will my insurance pay for the procedure?

In most cases, your insurance will not pay for cosmetic procedures (procedures undergone to alter normal body shapes), but may cover reconstructive procedures (procedures that correct abnormal shapes, such as those resulting from a birth defect or accident).

Blepharoplasty may be covered if it is performed to:

  • Correct drooping upper eyelids that are obscuring vision
  • Correct out-turned or in-turned lower eyelids

Facial surgery may be covered if it is performed to:

  • Correct an asymmetrical appearance caused by facial paralysis
  • Treat conditions affecting the facial muscles, lips, and cheeks
  • Treat traumatic deformities

Please consult your individual insurance policy and benefits for specific coverage information.

Besides offering eyelid surgery and BOTOX® injections, our experienced eye doctors at Professional Eye Associates offer a wide range of vision correction procedures and treatments for eye diseases or damage. If you're in the Dalton, Calhoun, Ft. Oglethorpe, or Chatsworth areas, feel free to contact us to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to talking with you!